You go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, usually called the DMV, though some states use different names
The Department of Motor Vehicles is the state agency that issues driver's licenses. In most states it is called the DMV. Some states call it the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island), the DOT (Department of Transportation, in some southern states), or the Secretary of State's office. Regardless of the name, it is a state agency, not a federal one, so the office you visit depends on where you live.
You cannot get a driver's license from a federal office, a bank, a post office, or an online service that issues it to you directly. You must visit a physical location run by your state's motor vehicle agency. Some states now let you complete part of the process online or by mail, but you will still need to go in person at least once to provide your signature, take a photo, and pass the written and driving tests.
The specific location you visit is usually a local branch office in your city or county. Most states have dozens of these branches spread across the state so you do not have to drive hours to reach one. You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on your state's DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or its equivalent) is the only place that issues driver's licenses, and you must visit in person at least once.
- Find your nearest DMV branch office on your state's official website, which lists addresses, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
- Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security number, and any other documents your state requires before you go.
- You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at the DMV, though some states let you take the written test online first.
- Processing times vary by state and location, but most people complete the process in one to three visits over several weeks.
How to find your state's DMV office
Start by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] driver's license" in any search engine. The official state website will appear at the top. Click on it and look for a link that says "Find a location," "Office locator," or "Nearest office." You will enter your city or zip code and see a list of nearby branches with their addresses and hours.
Many states now require you to make an appointment before you visit. The same website will show you available appointment times. If your state does not require appointments, you can usually just walk in during business hours, though wait times can be long. Check the website to see whether your state uses appointments and whether you need to book one before you go.
If you cannot find the information online or have questions about what documents to bring, you can call the DMV office directly. The phone number is usually on the website. Some states also have a general customer service line you can call to ask questions before you visit.
What documents you need to bring
Every state requires proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of where you live. The exact documents vary by state, but common ones include your birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, a recent utility bill, a lease, or a bank statement. Your state's DMV website will have a complete list of what counts as proof for each category.
Bring the original documents, not copies, unless the website says otherwise. Bring more than one form of proof if you have it — if one document is rejected for any reason, you will have a backup and will not have to leave and come back. If you are changing your name, you will also need a court order or marriage certificate showing the change.
If you are under 18, you may need to bring a parent or guardian with you, and they may need to sign forms. Check your state's website to see whether this applies to you.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
At the DMV, you will take three separate tests. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You study a handbook provided by your state (usually available free online or at the DMV office) and answer 20 to 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state. You need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent, depending on the state. Some states let you take this test online before you visit the office, which can save time.
The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. An employee at the DMV will use a machine to test your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be told you need glasses or that you cannot drive until you see an eye doctor.
The driving test is a short test where you drive a car with a DMV examiner in the passenger seat. They watch you start the car, drive on local streets, park, and handle basic traffic situations. You need to show that you can control the car safely and follow traffic laws. This test usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You can use your own car, a family member's car, or sometimes a car provided by the DMV, depending on your state.
How long the process takes
The time from your first visit to receiving your license varies widely by state and by how busy your local DMV office is. In some states, you can complete everything in one visit if you pass all three tests on the first try. In others, you may need two or three visits spread over several weeks.
After you pass all three tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper, usually the same day. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within one to four weeks. During this time, the paper license is valid for driving.
Wait times at the DMV can be long, especially at busy locations and times of day. Booking an appointment (if your state offers them) usually means a shorter wait than walking in without one. Going early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend can also reduce your wait time.
What to do if you fail a test
If you fail the written test, you can usually take it again the same day or schedule another appointment to retake it. There is usually a fee each time you take the test. Most states let you retake the written test as many times as you need.
If you fail the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment to try again. You cannot take the driving test again on the same day in most states. You will have to wait at least a few days or a week before you can book your next attempt. You can take the driving test as many times as you need, though each attempt costs money.
If you fail the vision test, you will be told to see an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from the doctor saying you can drive safely. Once you have that letter, you can return to the DMV and proceed with the other tests.
Renewing or replacing a license you already have
If you already have a driver's license and need to renew it, the process is simpler. You do not need to retake the tests. You can renew by mail or online in many states, though some states require you to visit the office in person every few years. Check your state's website to see what your state requires and when your license expires.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DMV. You will need to show your identity and proof of residency, but you will not need to retake the tests. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, as some states require it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online before I go to the DMV?
Some states let you take the written test online or at home before your in-person appointment, which can save time at the office. Others require you to take it at the DMV location. Check your state's website to see whether online testing is available where you live.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use other documents to prove your identity, such as a passport, a state ID card, or a consular report of birth. Your state's DMV website lists all acceptable documents. If you do not have any of them, you can order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office, though this takes time and costs money.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license from another state?
Most states waive the driving test if you transfer a license from another state, but you will still need to pass the written test and vision test. Some states also waive the written test if your previous license is current. Check your state's rules for license transfers on the DMV website.
How much does a driver's license cost?
The fee varies by state, ranging from about $20 to $100 for a new license. Your state's DMV website will show the exact fee. Some states charge extra for a Real ID-compliant license, which you need for federal purposes like flying on an airplane.
What if I am too nervous to pass the driving test?
It is normal to be nervous. You can take practice driving lessons with a professional instructor before your test, which many people find helpful. You can also take the driving test as many times as you need, so one failed attempt does not mean you cannot get a license.