You don't need both unless your state requires it or your situation calls for it
A driver's license and an ID card serve different purposes, and most people need only one. A driver's license proves you can legally operate a vehicle and includes driving restrictions or endorsements. A state ID card proves your identity and age but does not authorize you to drive. You would need both only if your state's rules require it, or if you want to drive but also need a separate ID card for a specific reason — like traveling by air after a certain date, or meeting a workplace requirement.
The short answer: if you drive, your driver's license covers identity verification for most situations. If you don't drive, a state ID card does the same job. You are not required to carry both.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license proves your identity and your right to drive; a state ID card proves your identity only.
- Most states do not require you to hold both — you choose one based on whether you drive.
- Some situations may make you want both: if you plan to fly domestically after May 2025, or if your employer requires a non-driver ID alongside your license.
- The cost and renewal timeline differ between the two, so holding both means managing two separate documents.
- If you lose your driving privileges but still need ID, you can surrender your license and get a state ID card instead.
When a driver's license is enough
If you drive, your driver's license serves as your primary form of identification in nearly all situations. Banks, employers, airports, and government offices accept it as proof of identity and age. You do not need a separate state ID card unless a specific organization or law requires it.
Your driver's license includes your photograph, date of birth, address, and signature — the same information a state ID card contains. It also shows your driving status: whether you can drive, any restrictions (like corrective lenses required), and endorsements (like the ability to drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle).
When a state ID card is enough
If you do not drive, a state ID card is your standard form of identification. It works for the same purposes as a driver's license: proving your identity at banks, stores, government offices, and most other places. The card looks similar to a driver's license but has no driving-related information.
Some people choose a state ID card even if they can drive — for example, if they no longer want to maintain a driver's license or if they have lost their driving privileges. Once you surrender your driver's license, you can get a state ID card to keep your identity document current.
Situations where you might want both
A few circumstances may make holding both documents useful. If you travel by air within the United States, the federal REAL ID Act requires that your ID meet certain security standards. Most driver's licenses now comply, but some older state ID cards do not. If your state ID card is not REAL ID compliant and you plan to fly domestically, you would need a compliant driver's license as well — or you could get a passport card instead.
Some employers require employees to hold a state ID card in addition to a driver's license for workplace security or background-check purposes. This is rare but does happen in certain industries. If your employer makes this request, they will tell you directly.
Another scenario: if you drive but want a backup form of ID that does not reveal your driving status or address, you might get a state ID card. This is uncommon and usually unnecessary.
The cost and renewal burden of holding both
Each document has its own renewal fee and renewal schedule. A driver's license typically costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state and how long the license is valid. A state ID card usually costs $10 to $50. If you hold both, you are paying two fees and tracking two renewal dates.
Most states renew driver's licenses every four to eight years and state ID cards on a similar schedule, but the dates may not align. Holding both means more trips to the DMV or more online renewals to manage. Unless you have a specific reason to hold both, the extra cost and administrative work usually is not worth it.
How to switch from a driver's license to a state ID card
If you no longer drive and want to simplify, you can surrender your driver's license and get a state ID card instead. Visit your state's DMV office or website and request a state ID card process. You will need to bring the same documents you used to get your license: proof of identity (like a birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
When you explore, tell the DMV that you are surrendering your driver's license. They will take it and issue you a state ID card. The process usually takes a few minutes if you explore in person, or several weeks if you explore by mail. Check your state's DMV website for the exact steps and required documents, as these vary by state.
How to get a driver's license if you only have a state ID card
If you currently have a state ID card and want to start driving, you will need to get a driver's license. You cannot straightforward upgrade your state ID card — you must explore for a new driver's license. The process process includes a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test (unless your state waives the driving test for certain applicants).
Bring your state ID card, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the DMV. You will pay the driver's license fee and complete the testing. Once you pass, you receive your driver's license. At that point, you can keep your state ID card or surrender it — most people keep only the driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a state ID card to drive?
No. A state ID card does not authorize you to drive. Only a driver's license permits you to operate a vehicle. If you drive with only a state ID card, you can be cited for driving without a license.
Will my old driver's license work for flying after May 2025?
It depends on whether your license is REAL ID compliant. Most driver's licenses issued in the past several years are compliant. Check your license for a star or marking in the upper right corner, or contact your state's DMV. If your license is not compliant, you will need a passport, passport card, or REAL ID-compliant ID to fly domestically.
What happens if I let my driver's license expire but keep driving?
Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you no longer plan to drive, surrender your license and get a state ID card. If you do plan to drive again, renew your license before it expires.
Can I have a driver's license and state ID card at the same time?
Yes, most states allow it, but there is no practical reason to unless your employer or a specific organization requires it. You would pay two fees and manage two renewal dates for documents that serve the same identity-verification purpose.
Do I need a state ID card if I have a passport?
No. A passport serves as a federal form of identification and works in most situations where an ID card would. However, a passport is more expensive and takes longer to get. If you do not travel internationally, a driver's license or state ID card is simpler and cheaper.