How to Get a Driver License or ID Card

What you need to know before you go to the DMV

A driver license and a state ID card are two separate documents, and you can only get one or the other — not both at the same time. A driver license lets you drive a vehicle legally and serves as identification. A state ID card is for identification only; it does not give you permission to drive. You need one or the other to prove who you are for things like opening a bank account, boarding a plane, or entering a federal building.

The process starts at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it by a different name — the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts, the Secretary of State in Michigan, or the Department of Public Safety in some others. You cannot complete this by mail or online in most states; you have to go in person to a DMV office. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have all your documents ready.

The cost varies by state. A driver license typically costs between $20 and $60, and a state ID card usually costs $10 to $40. Some states charge more if you want a Real ID-compliant card, which is required for domestic air travel as of May 2025. Real ID cards cost a few dollars more but are worth getting if you fly.

Key Takeaways

You must go to a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
A driver license requires you to pass a written test and a driving test; a state ID card does not.
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard card, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.
Real ID-compliant cards cost more but are required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in May 2025.

Documents you need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies for these documents. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency; you can request one from the agency that issued the original.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a military ID. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card may work in some states. Call your DMV office before you go to confirm what they accept in your state.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord with your name and address will usually work.

Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a tax return showing your ITIN.

Getting a driver license: the written test and driving test

If you want a driver license, you will take two tests at the DMV: a written test about traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test where you drive with an examiner in the car. You cannot skip either one.

The written test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in an emergency. Most states let you study a handbook online or pick one up at the DMV office before your appointment. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent depending on your state. You can retake it the same day if you fail, though some states charge a small fee for each retake.

The driving test happens after you pass the written test. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive for 10 to 20 minutes. They check whether you can start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. You have to bring a car that is registered, insured, and in working condition. If you fail, you can usually retake it within a few days, though you may have to pay a fee.

If you are under 18, your state may require you to hold a learner's permit for a set amount of time before you can take the driving test. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test, and then you wait the required time before scheduling your driving test.

Getting a state ID card: no tests required

A state ID card requires no written test or driving test. You bring your documents, answer a few questions about your address and background, have your photo taken, and you are done. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV office.

You might choose a state ID card instead of a driver license if you do not drive, if you have failed the driving test multiple times, or if you want a second form of ID. A state ID card works for air travel, entering federal buildings, and proving your identity to banks and employers. It does not let you drive.

What happens after you pass

After you pass both tests (or just answer the questions for a state ID card), the DMV will take your photo and print your card. In most states, your card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. Some states offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If you want your card faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25. Expedited cards may arrive in three to five business days instead of one to two weeks. Ask the DMV office whether this option is available in your state.

Your driver license or state ID card is valid for a set number of years — usually four to eight years depending on your state and your age. When it expires, you renew it by going back to the DMV, though some states now let you renew by mail or online if you are renewing for the first time and have not changed your address.

Real ID compliance and what it means

A Real ID-compliant card meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID card to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building like a courthouse or military base. A regular driver license or state ID card will not work for these purposes after that date.

Getting a Real ID card costs a few dollars more than a regular card — usually $5 to $15 extra — but the process is the same. You bring the same documents and take the same tests. The only difference is that the DMV will verify your documents more carefully and your card will have a gold or silver star in the corner to show it is Real ID-compliant.

If you already have a driver license or state ID card and want to upgrade it to Real ID-compliant, you can go back to the DMV and pay the upgrade fee. You do not have to take the tests again.

If you have lost or damaged your card

If your driver license or state ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the DMV and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new card. The replacement usually costs less than a new card — often $5 to $15 — and arrives in one to two weeks.

If your card is damaged but still readable, some states let you mail it in for a replacement instead of going to the DMV office. Call your DMV to ask whether this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both a driver license and a state ID card at the same time?

No. You can hold only one at a time. If you already have a driver license and want a state ID card instead, you have to surrender your driver license first. You can switch back to a driver license later by going to the DMV again.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a tax return showing your ITIN. Some states also accept a letter from the IRS confirming your ITIN. Call your DMV office before you go to confirm what they accept.

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most DMV offices now require appointments, which you can book online on your state's DMV website. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are usually much longer. Check your state's DMV website to see what your local office requires.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, usually within a few days. Some states charge a small fee for each retake. You do not have to take the written test again — only the driving test. Ask the DMV office how soon you can schedule your next attempt.

Can I renew my driver license or state ID card online?

Some states allow online renewal if you are renewing an existing card and have not changed your address. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available for you. If you need to change your address or are getting your first card, you have to go to the DMV office in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.