Yes, you can hold both a state ID and a driver's license simultaneously, but most people don't need to

A state ID and a driver's license are two separate documents issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency). You are legally permitted to hold both at the same time. However, the practical reason to do so is narrow: you need a state ID only if you want a non-driving form of government-issued photo identification. If your driver's license already serves that purpose, obtaining a state ID is redundant.

The key difference is what each document authorizes. A driver's license proves you are permitted to operate a motor vehicle and includes driving privileges. A state ID proves your identity and age but carries no driving authority. Both are accepted for age verification, boarding flights, entering federal buildings, and opening bank accounts. If you already have a valid driver's license, you have all the identification authority a state ID would provide.

The main scenario where people hold both is temporary: they may have applied for a state ID before deciding to get a driver's license, or they obtained a state ID years ago and later added driving privileges. In those cases, both documents remain valid until one expires and is not renewed.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license and a state ID are separate documents, and you can legally hold both at the same time.
  • A driver's license includes all the identification functions of a state ID, so you do not need both unless you have a specific reason to keep an older state ID.
  • If you lose your driver's license, you can use an active state ID as a backup form of government photo identification.
  • Renewing one document does not automatically renew the other; each has its own expiration date and renewal process.

When you might actually need both documents

The most common scenario is a gap in coverage. If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired and you still need a form of government photo ID for non-driving purposes—such as boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or proving your age—a valid state ID fills that gap. You can use the state ID for identification while your driving privileges are unavailable or being restored.

Another situation is if you are in the process of upgrading from a state ID to a driver's license. During the weeks or months between explore for a license and receiving it, your state ID remains valid. Once your driver's license arrives, you can choose to keep the state ID as a backup or let it expire without renewing it.

Some people also keep an older state ID if they have moved to a new state but still hold an ID from their previous state. Both documents can coexist, though you would typically use the ID from your current state of residence for most purposes.

How your state's DMV handles holding both

Most state DMVs do not prevent you from holding both documents. When you explore for a driver's license, the DMV does not require you to surrender an existing state ID. The two records exist separately in the system, and both remain valid until their individual expiration dates.

However, some states have begun consolidating their ID systems. A few states now issue a combined document—a state ID that also includes driving privileges, or a driver's license that can be used as a state ID without additional paperwork. In those cases, you would not need separate documents because one serves both purposes.

If you hold both documents and want to know your state's specific rules, contact your local DMV office or check your state's DMV website. The process for holding both is straightforward, but the details about renewal, replacement, and which document takes precedence in certain situations can vary by state.

What happens if you renew one but not the other

Each document has its own expiration date and renewal cycle. Renewing your driver's license does not automatically renew your state ID, and vice versa. If you hold both and only renew one, the other will eventually expire and become invalid for identification purposes.

If your state ID expires but your driver's license is current, you can continue using the driver's license for all identification needs. If your driver's license expires but your state ID is current, you can use the state ID for non-driving identification, but you cannot legally drive until you renew the license.

Some people intentionally let one document expire if they no longer need it. For example, if you have a valid driver's license and no longer need a separate state ID, you can straightforward not renew the state ID when it expires. There is no penalty for allowing an ID you do not use to lapse.

The cost and time involved in holding both

Obtaining a state ID and a driver's license involves separate fees and separate process processes. The cost of a state ID varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30. A driver's license usually costs between $20 and $50, depending on the state and the length of validity. If you hold both, you are paying for two separate documents.

The time required to obtain each document also varies. A state ID can often be issued on the same day you explore, or within a few weeks. A driver's license typically requires passing a written test and a driving test, which can take several weeks or months depending on how quickly you schedule the tests and pass them.

If you are deciding whether to obtain both, consider whether you actually need the state ID. If you already have a driver's license, the state ID provides no additional identification authority and represents an unnecessary expense and administrative burden.

Using a state ID if your driver's license is suspended or revoked

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to traffic violations, unpaid fines, or other reasons, you cannot legally drive. However, a valid state ID remains usable for identification purposes. You can use it to board flights, enter federal buildings, open bank accounts, and prove your age—all the non-driving uses of a government photo ID.

This is one of the few practical reasons to maintain a state ID alongside a driver's license. If you know your driving privileges may be at risk, or if you have had a license suspended in the past, keeping a state ID current provides a backup form of identification that is not affected by driving-related penalties.

Once your driver's license is reinstated, you can continue holding both documents, or you can allow the state ID to expire at its next renewal date if you no longer need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to surrender my state ID when I get a driver's license?

No. Most states do not require you to surrender a state ID when you obtain a driver's license. Both documents can coexist, and you can hold both simultaneously. Check with your state's DMV if you want to confirm the specific rule in your state.

Can I use a state ID to drive if my driver's license is expired?

No. A state ID is not a driving document and does not authorize you to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. If your driver's license is expired, you must renew it before driving legally. A state ID can only be used for identification and age verification.

What if I move to a new state—do I need to get a new ID?

Most states expect you to obtain a new driver's license or state ID within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. You can hold an out-of-state ID temporarily, but for legal purposes and to avoid penalties, you should get a new ID from your current state of residence.

If I have both documents, which one should I carry?

Carry whichever is current and serves your when ready purpose. If you are driving, your driver's license is required. If you are not driving but need identification, either document works. Many people carry only the driver's license since it covers both driving and identification needs.

Can I have a state ID from two different states at the same time?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Most states expect you to surrender or not renew an out-of-state ID once you establish residency in a new state. Holding IDs from multiple states can create confusion with law enforcement and may violate your new state's residency requirements.