What you need to bring and where to go

To get a driver license or identification card, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — or whatever your state calls it; some states use "Secretary of State" or "Registry of Motor Vehicles." You bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but a passport works for identity in every state, a recent utility bill or lease works for residency in most states, and your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof of your number.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV and answer questions about traffic laws. If you are getting a driver license rather than just an ID card, you will take a written test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The driving test means an examiner sits in the car while you drive a set route in your area.

The cost ranges from about $20 to $50 for an ID card and $30 to $70 for a driver license, depending on your state and how long the card is valid. Some states charge more if you need a Real ID-compliant card, which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a passport or birth certificate for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for where you live, and your Social Security card or number to your state's DMV.
  • You will take a vision test and a written test about traffic laws at the DMV; a driver license also requires a driving test with an examiner.
  • An ID card costs $20 to $50 and a driver license costs $30 to $70, depending on your state and card validity period.
  • Real ID cards cost more but are required to fly domestically or enter federal buildings; standard cards are not.
  • Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard card, but can be longer if you request expedited service or if the DMV is backlogged.

What documents count as proof of identity

Your state's DMV will accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate works in all states. Some states also accept a state ID from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular ID card from your country of origin.

A driver license from another state counts as identity proof if you are renewing or replacing a license you already had. If you are getting your first license or ID card, you need one of the documents listed above. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count as proof of identity for a first-time process, even if it has your photo.

What documents count as proof of residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works in most states. A lease or rental agreement with your name and address also works. Some states accept a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement instead.

A piece of mail from a government agency — like a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits letter — counts in many states. A few states accept a cell phone bill or insurance policy. The document does not have to be recent in every state, but most require it to be dated within the last two to three months. Call your DMV before you go to confirm which documents they accept, because the rules vary.

How to prove your Social Security number

The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefits statement from Social Security. Some DMVs will accept a letter from your employer showing your name and Social Security number.

If you do not have your Social Security number and cannot find any document that shows it, you can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card. That process takes about two weeks. Some states allow you to complete your DMV transaction without your card if you sign a statement under penalty of perjury that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but not all states do this.

The written test and vision test

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Your state's DMV publishes a study guide online, usually called the "Driver's Manual" or "Handbook," which contains all the material that will be on the test. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent depending on your state.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually about 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue you a driver license, but you may still get an ID card. You can retake the vision test after you see an eye doctor and get a corrective prescription if you need one.

The driving test and what examiners look for

The driving test is a real-world evaluation where a DMV examiner sits in your car and watches you drive a route in your area. The route usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The examiner is looking for whether you can control the car, follow traffic laws, use mirrors and signals, and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include rolling through a stop sign, failing to signal a turn, hitting a curb during parking, speeding, or not checking mirrors before changing lanes. You are allowed to make minor mistakes — the test is not pass-fail on a single error. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy your DMV is. Some states charge a retesting fee of $5 to $15.

Real ID versus standard ID: what is the difference

A Real ID is a driver license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A standard ID does not meet those standards. The difference matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building like a courthouse or Social Security office.

To get a Real ID, you bring the same documents as for a standard card, but you also bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your legal name change if applicable. The Real ID card looks similar to a standard card but has a gold or star symbol in the corner. It costs $10 to $25 more than a standard card. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard ID card is fine and costs less.

How long it takes and what to expect after you explore

After you pass your tests and pay the fee, the DMV gives you a temporary paper license or ID card that is valid for 30 to 60 days. Your permanent card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks in most states. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee, which can cut that time to three to five business days.

If your card does not arrive within the timeframe your state promised, contact your DMV to check the status. Bring your temporary card with you when you drive or need to show ID, because it is legally valid until your permanent card arrives. If you move before your card arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the card goes to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Rules vary by state. Some states issue a driver license to people without a Social Security number but require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Other states require a Social Security number. Contact your state's DMV to find out what your state allows.

What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. That process takes one to four weeks depending on the state. In the meantime, some DMVs will accept other identity documents like a military ID or consular ID. Call your DMV to ask what they can accept while you wait for your birth certificate.

Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you are moving to a new state and want to transfer your license, you usually just take the vision and written tests, not the driving test. Some states waive even the written test if your previous license is still valid. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific rules on transfers.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy your DMV is. There is usually no extra fee for retakes. Study the state's Driver's Manual before you go back, focusing on the areas where you struggled.

Can someone else pick up my ID card if I cannot go to the DMV?

Most states mail your card directly to your address, so you do not need to pick it up. If your state requires you to pick it up in person, ask your DMV whether someone can pick it up on your behalf and what documents they need to bring.