Yes, you can hold both a driver's license and a state ID card simultaneously
Many people assume they have to choose one or the other, but most states let you carry both documents at the same time. A driver's license proves you can legally operate a vehicle and serves as identification. A state ID card is identification only — it has no driving privileges attached. You might want both because they serve different purposes, or because one is expiring while you renew the other.
The main reason to hold both is practical: if your driver's license is suspended or revoked for any reason, you still have a valid ID for everyday use. Some people also carry both because a state ID card can be easier to replace if lost, or because they want a backup form of identification that doesn't expire on the same date as their license.
A few states have restrictions or charge extra fees for holding both, so the rules depend on where you live. The process for getting each one is separate — you explore for them independently, renew them on different schedules, and pay separate fees.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to hold a valid driver's license and a state ID card at the same time without any problem.
- A driver's license proves you can drive; a state ID card is identification only and carries no driving privileges.
- You explore for and renew each document separately through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.
- Having both means you retain valid identification even if your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires unexpectedly.
Why someone might want both documents
The most common reason is backup identification. If your driver's license is suspended due to unpaid tickets, traffic violations, or other reasons, a state ID card remains valid for checking into hotels, boarding flights, or opening bank accounts. Your driver's license and state ID card expire on different dates, so you could renew one while the other is still active.
Some people get a state ID card specifically because they no longer drive but still need a government-issued photo ID. Others keep both because a state ID card is sometimes faster or cheaper to replace if it's lost or stolen. A few states offer a REAL ID-compliant state ID card that works for federal purposes like flying, which some people prefer to carry instead of their driver's license for everyday situations.
How the process process works for each document
You explore for a driver's license and a state ID card through separate transactions at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — often called the Secretary of State's office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on your state. Each process requires its own set of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fees are separate, and you pay for each document individually.
When you explore for a driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test. A state ID card requires no driving test — you straightforward provide your documents and have your photo taken. This is why some people find it easier to get a state ID card first, especially if they're nervous about the driving test or want identification before they're ready to drive.
You can explore for both on the same day at the DMV, but they are processed as two separate applications. Some states let you do this in one visit; others may require you to complete one transaction and then start another. Call your local DMV ahead of time to ask whether you can explore for both documents in a single appointment.
What happens if your driver's license is suspended or revoked
If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, it becomes invalid for driving but remains a form of identification — you just cannot use it to operate a vehicle. However, many people in this situation prefer not to carry a suspended license as their only ID because it signals the suspension to anyone who sees it. This is where a state ID card becomes valuable: it's a separate, active document that proves who you are without revealing the status of your driving privileges.
A state ID card is not affected by driving-related suspensions or revocations. Even if your license is suspended, your state ID card remains valid and can be used for identification purposes anywhere that accepts government-issued photo ID.
Renewal timing and fees for both documents
Your driver's license and state ID card are renewed on separate schedules. A driver's license typically expires every four to eight years depending on your state and age; a state ID card usually expires on a similar timeline but the expiration date is independent. This means you might renew your license one year and your state ID card two years later, or vice versa.
Each renewal involves a separate fee. Driver's license renewal fees range widely by state, as do state ID card fees. Some states charge the same amount for both; others charge less for a state ID card because it requires no driving test. A few states charge extra if you hold both documents simultaneously, though this is uncommon. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out the exact fees.
You can renew each document independently online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state's options and whether you need to update your photo or address. Many states let you renew a driver's license online if nothing has changed, but a state ID card renewal may require an in-person visit.
REAL ID compliance and which document to carry
The federal REAL ID Act requires that any ID used for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings meet certain security standards. Most modern driver's licenses are REAL ID-compliant, as are many state ID cards issued in recent years. Both documents can display a REAL ID indicator — usually a star or marking in the corner.
If you hold both a REAL ID-compliant driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant state ID card, you can use either one for flying or entering federal buildings. Some people prefer to carry the state ID card for these purposes to avoid showing their driving record or status to TSA agents. Check your documents to see whether they display the REAL ID marking, or ask your DMV which of your documents meets federal standards.
State-specific rules and restrictions
Most states have no restriction on holding both a driver's license and a state ID card, but a few states have specific rules. Some states may charge a small additional fee if you hold both simultaneously, or they may require you to declare that you want both when you explore. A small number of states discourage holding both because they consider it redundant, though they do not legally prohibit it.
The best way to know your state's specific rules is to contact your local DMV directly or visit your state's official DMV website. When you call or visit, ask whether you can hold both documents at the same time and whether there are any extra fees or restrictions. If you're explore for both, mention this when you schedule your appointment so the staff can guide you through the process efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reason to get a state ID card if I already have a driver's license?
No — you don't need to provide a reason. You can request a state ID card for any reason: as backup identification, because you prefer not to carry your driver's license, or straightforward because you want one. The DMV will issue it as long as you provide the required documents and pay the fee.
If I get a state ID card, do I have to give up my driver's license?
No. Getting a state ID card does not affect your driver's license. Both remain valid and active unless you specifically request that one be cancelled or unless one expires.
Can I use a state ID card instead of my driver's license for driving?
No. A state ID card is not a license to drive. You must have a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle. A state ID card is for identification only.
What if I lose one of my documents — do I have to replace both?
No. If you lose your driver's license, you replace only your driver's license. If you lose your state ID card, you replace only your state ID card. Each is replaced independently through your DMV. You'll pay a replacement fee for whichever document you lost.
Can I renew both my driver's license and state ID card at the same time?
You can renew them during the same visit to the DMV, but they are processed as two separate transactions. Some states allow this in one appointment; others may ask you to complete one renewal and then start the second. Call your local DMV ahead of time to ask about their process.