Yes, you can have both a driver's license and a state ID issued by the same state

Most states allow you to hold a valid driver's license and a state ID card at the same time. There is no law preventing you from carrying both documents. However, the practical reason to do so is limited — they serve overlapping purposes, and most people need only one.

A driver's license proves your identity and your legal right to operate a motor vehicle. A state ID card proves your identity but carries no driving privileges. If you have a valid driver's license, you already have a government-issued photo ID that works for nearly every situation where a state ID would work: boarding a plane, entering a federal building, opening a bank account, or proving your age.

The main scenarios where someone holds both are: you have a driver's license but want a separate ID card to carry instead of your license for non-driving purposes, or you have surrendered your driving privileges but still need a photo ID. Some people also keep an expired license as a backup while their new one is in the mail, though this is not necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • You can legally hold both a driver's license and a state ID card from the same state at the same time without violating any rule.
  • A driver's license already serves as a valid photo ID for most purposes where you would use a state ID card.
  • The main reason to hold both is if you have surrendered your driving privileges but still need a government photo ID.
  • If you want to carry a state ID instead of your license for daily use, you can obtain one without canceling your driver's license.

When you might want both documents

The most common reason to hold both is that you no longer drive but still need a photo ID. If you have had your driver's license suspended, revoked, or straightforward let it expire because you do not drive, you can obtain a state ID card without any conflict. The state ID serves the same identity-verification purpose as a license but without the driving authority.

Another scenario is personal preference about which document you carry daily. Some people prefer to carry a state ID card instead of a driver's license because the card is smaller, cheaper to replace if lost, or because they do not want to carry their driving privileges with them everywhere. You can hold both and straightforward choose which one to carry on any given day.

A third situation is transition between licenses. If your driver's license is expiring or you are renewing it, you might obtain a state ID card while waiting for your new license to arrive. This is not required — your old license remains valid until the expiration date — but some people do it for convenience.

How holding both affects your records

When you hold both a driver's license and a state ID from the same state, both documents are registered to you in the state's motor vehicle or ID database. The state knows you hold both. This does not create any legal problem or conflict.

However, you should be aware that if you renew one document, you may need to decide whether to renew the other. If you renew your driver's license, your old state ID card remains valid until its own expiration date unless you choose to cancel it. The two documents operate on separate renewal schedules and separate fees.

If you lose one document, you can report it lost and obtain a replacement without affecting the other. For example, if you lose your state ID card, you can request a replacement without touching your driver's license. The documents are tracked separately in the state system.

Cost and processing time for holding both

Obtaining a state ID card costs money — the fee varies by state, typically between $15 and $50 for a standard card. You will pay this fee in addition to any driver's license fees. If you already have a valid driver's license, the state ID is an extra expense with limited practical benefit for most people.

Processing time for a state ID card also varies by state. Some states issue them on the spot at the DMV office; others mail them within one to two weeks. If you are obtaining a state ID while your driver's license is still valid, you will have both documents during this processing period with no issue.

If you are replacing a suspended or expired driver's license with a state ID, check your state's rules about whether you must pay reinstatement fees or complete other requirements before the state will issue you any ID. Some states require you to resolve outstanding violations or fines before issuing a new ID of any kind.

What to do if you want to carry only a state ID

If you have a driver's license but prefer to carry a state ID card instead, you do not have to cancel your license to obtain the card. You can hold both and straightforward leave your license at home. However, if you want to formally surrender your driving privileges, you can request that the state cancel your driver's license and issue you a state ID in its place.

To formally surrender your license, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. You will typically need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The state will cancel the license and may issue you a state ID card on the same visit, or you can obtain one separately.

Surrendering your license is permanent unless you later reapply for a new one. If you think you might drive again in the future, keeping your license active (even if you do not carry it) is simpler than reapplying later. There is no penalty for holding a valid license you do not use.

State-by-state differences in ID rules

Most states follow the same basic rule: you can hold both a driver's license and a state ID at the same time. However, some states have specific rules about what happens if you hold both, particularly around renewal or replacement.

A few states require you to choose one form of ID or the other if you are renewing. For example, some states will not issue a state ID card to someone who holds a valid driver's license unless you formally surrender the license first. Check your specific state's DMV website or call the agency directly to learn whether your state has this restriction.

The cost, appearance, and features of state ID cards also vary widely. Some states issue Real ID-compliant cards that work for federal purposes like air travel; others issue standard cards that work for state purposes only. If you are considering obtaining a state ID, verify whether it meets the Real ID standard if you plan to use it for air travel or federal building access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a state ID card affect my driver's license?

No. Obtaining a state ID card does not change, suspend, or cancel your driver's license. The two documents are separate and independent. You can hold both without one affecting the other.

Can I use a state ID card instead of a driver's license to drive?

No. A state ID card is not a license to drive. It is only a photo ID. If you want to drive legally, you must have a valid driver's license. A state ID card alone does not give you the right to operate a vehicle.

What happens if I let my driver's license expire but keep my state ID?

Your state ID remains valid as a photo ID for non-driving purposes. Your expired driver's license is no longer valid for any purpose. If you want to drive again, you will need to renew your license separately. The state ID does not restore driving privileges.

Do I need to report both documents if I move to a new state?

You will need to obtain a new driver's license and a new state ID card from your new state if you want to keep both. Each state issues its own documents. Your old state's ID cards are not valid in your new state for official purposes, though they may work as a backup photo ID in some situations.

Can I use both documents as backup ID?

Yes. Carrying both a driver's license and a state ID means you have a backup photo ID if one is lost or damaged. However, most people find this unnecessary since a driver's license alone serves as a valid photo ID for virtually all purposes.