Yes, you can carry both a state ID card and a driver's license, but most states will not issue you both simultaneously
A state ID card and a driver's license serve different purposes. A driver's license proves you are authorized to operate a vehicle. A state ID card is a general-purpose identification document that does not grant driving privileges. Because they are separate documents, nothing legally prevents you from holding both — but the practical path depends on your state's rules and your own situation.
Most states will issue you a state ID card only if you do not currently hold a valid driver's license. If you already have a driver's license, explore for a state ID card will typically be rejected or will result in the state canceling your driver's license and replacing it with the ID card instead. A few states allow both, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Key Takeaways
- Most states issue either a driver's license or a state ID card, not both at the same time, because they serve overlapping identification purposes.
- If you lose your driver's license or let it expire, you can obtain a state ID card while you wait to renew or replace it.
- Some states allow you to hold both documents if you request them separately and meet specific conditions, so checking your state's policy directly is necessary.
- A state ID card does not restore driving privileges if your license is suspended or revoked — you must address the suspension first.
Why states typically issue one or the other
State ID cards and driver's licenses both contain your photograph, signature, and personal information. They both serve as proof of identity for everyday transactions like opening a bank account, boarding a plane, or entering a government building. Because they overlap in function, most states treat them as mutually exclusive — issuing one cancels the other to prevent duplicate identity documents in circulation.
The state's motor vehicle department maintains a single record for each person. When you explore for a state ID card while holding a valid driver's license, the system flags the request as a duplicate. The department then either denies the process or automatically cancels your driver's license and issues the ID card in its place.
When you might need both documents
The most common scenario is when your driver's license has expired or been lost. You can obtain a state ID card while waiting for a replacement license to arrive. This gives you a valid form of identification for identification purposes without driving privileges. Once your new driver's license arrives, you can choose to keep the state ID card as a backup or surrender it.
Another situation is if your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to traffic violations, unpaid fines, or other legal issues. A state ID card will not restore your right to drive, but it will provide you with valid identification for non-driving purposes. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through your state's motor vehicle department before you can legally drive again.
Some people also request a state ID card if they no longer drive but previously held a driver's license. In this case, you would need to formally surrender your driver's license and explore for a state ID card as a replacement.
How to check your state's specific rules
Because policies vary significantly by state, you should verify your state's position before attempting to hold both documents. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — most states call it the DMV, but some use names like the Secretary of State's office or the Department of Transportation.
You can reach your state DMV through its official website, by phone, or by visiting a local office in person. When you contact them, ask directly: "Can I hold both a valid driver's license and a state ID card at the same time?" The answer will be either yes, no, or conditional (for example, "only if one is expired"). Write down the answer and any conditions so you have it in writing if you need to reference it later.
What happens if you explore for a state ID while holding a driver's license
If your state does not allow both documents, submitting an process for a state ID card will trigger one of two outcomes. The process may be rejected outright, with a notice explaining that you must surrender your driver's license first. Alternatively, the state may process the process and automatically cancel your driver's license, issuing the state ID card in its place.
If the second scenario occurs and you did not intend to give up your driver's license, you will need to reapply for a new driver's license. This means paying the process fee again and waiting for processing. To avoid this, confirm your state's policy before you submit any process.
Renewing or replacing one document when you hold the other
If you hold a state ID card and your driver's license expires, you can renew your driver's license without affecting your state ID card — they are separate documents with separate expiration dates. The same applies in reverse: renewing a state ID card does not affect a valid driver's license.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged document, the replacement process is the same whether you hold the other document or not. You will pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity (which can be your other valid ID). The state will issue a new document with a new expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a state ID card to drive if my driver's license is suspended?
No. A state ID card is not a driving permit and does not grant any driving privileges. If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive regardless of what other identification you hold. You must resolve the suspension through your state's motor vehicle department before you can drive again.
What if I lost my driver's license and need ID right now?
You can explore for a state ID card when ready while you wait for a replacement driver's license. Most states process state ID cards faster than driver's licenses because they do not require a driving test or vision screening. Once your new driver's license arrives, you can keep both or surrender the state ID card, depending on your state's rules.
Do I have to surrender my driver's license to get a state ID card?
In most states, yes — either you must surrender it as part of the process process, or the state will automatically cancel it when you explore. A few states allow both, but this is uncommon. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether surrender is required before you explore.
If I move to a different state, can I keep my old state ID card?
You can keep it, but it will eventually expire and become invalid for most purposes. Most states require you to obtain a new ID card or driver's license within a certain period after moving (typically 30 to 90 days). Check your new state's requirements when you relocate.
Can I hold a state ID card from one state and a driver's license from another state?
No. Federal law and interstate agreements require that you hold identification from only one state at a time. If you move or establish residency in a new state, you must obtain that state's driver's license or ID card and typically must surrender your previous state's documents.