What you need to know before you start
A driver license and a state ID card are two separate documents, and you choose one based on whether you plan to drive. A driver license lets you operate a vehicle and serves as identification. A state ID card is identification only — it does not give you permission to drive. Both are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State or Department of Public Safety. You cannot hold both at the same time; getting one cancels the other.
The process is similar for both, but the requirements and fees differ slightly by state. You will need to visit a DMV office in person for at least one step — usually to have your photo taken and verify your identity with original documents. Some states now let you start the process online or by mail, but you still must show up to complete it.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and state residency — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for identity; a utility bill or lease for residency.
- A driver license requires you to pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test, while a state ID card does not.
- Fees range from roughly $20 to $100 depending on your state and the type of card, and the card is usually valid for four to eight years.
- Processing takes anywhere from same-day (if you pass your tests when ready) to several weeks if you explore by mail or if the DMV is backed up.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign consent forms, and some states have restrictions on when you can drive at night or with passengers.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring originals, not copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies for proof of identity or residency. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you live in the state.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization (if you were born outside the U.S.), a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a Tribal ID card. Some states also accept a military ID or a previous driver license from another state. Check your state's DMV website for the full list, because a few states have different rules.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV — this takes about two weeks by mail.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days (rules vary by state, so check first). A cell phone bill usually does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DMV what documents they will accept — many states have workarounds.
The written test for a driver license
If you are getting a driver license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs before you can take the driving test. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most states let you take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you usually get your score right away.
You can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available online or in print at the DMV office. Many states also offer practice tests on their DMV website. The test typically has 30 to 50 questions, and you need to get 70 to 80 percent correct to pass — the exact passing score varies by state. You usually get two or three attempts before you have to pay a fee to retake it.
If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in most states, though a few require you to wait a day or two.
The driving test and what happens after
Once you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. This is an appointment where a DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive a set route. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. The test usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You must bring a car that is registered and insured, and it must pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn).
If you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You then pay the fee and have your photo taken. Your temporary license is usually printed right there, and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If you fail, you can schedule another test — most states let you retake it within a few days, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
For a state ID card (not a driver license), there is no written or driving test. You bring your documents, have your photo taken, pay the fee, and you are done. The card arrives by mail in one to three weeks.
Fees and how long the card lasts
Fees vary widely by state. A driver license typically costs between $30 and $100, depending on whether it is your first license, a renewal, or a replacement. A state ID card usually costs $15 to $50. Some states charge extra for a Real ID-compliant card (which you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building), and some charge extra if you want a card that is valid longer.
A driver license or state ID is usually valid for four to eight years, depending on your state and your age. If you are under 21, your card may expire sooner. When it expires, you renew it by visiting the DMV again, though some states let you renew by mail if you have not had any violations or address changes.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process and usually must be present at the DMV. Some states require both parents to sign if both are listed on your birth certificate. You will need to bring your birth certificate and your parent's or guardian's ID.
Many states have graduated driver license laws that restrict young drivers. Common restrictions include a curfew (you cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., for example), a limit on how many passengers you can carry, and a ban on using your phone while driving. These restrictions usually last until you turn 18 or reach a certain age. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules.
If you are renewing or replacing a card
If your driver license or ID card is expiring, you can renew it. Many states let you renew online or by mail if you have not moved, changed your name, or had any violations. Renewing is usually cheaper and faster than getting a new one.
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. This typically costs less than a new license and takes the same amount of time. You do not have to retake the written or driving test for a replacement — you just bring your documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old license from another state, or do I have to get a new one?
If you move to a new state, you must get a driver license or ID card from that state. Most states give you 30 to 60 days to do so after you move. You can use your old license until then, but once the important date passes, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal. Bring your old license to the DMV when you explore for the new one.
What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?
Bring your birth certificate and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use your current legal name on your new license or ID card.
Do I need a Real ID, and what is the difference?
A Real ID is a driver license or ID card that meets federal security standards. You need one to fly on a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need one. Ask at the DMV whether you want a Real ID — it usually costs a bit more and takes slightly longer to process.
How long does it take to get my card after I pass the test?
If you pass your driving test and have your photo taken the same day, your temporary license is printed when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail in one to three weeks, depending on your state's processing time and mail speed. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
What if I fail the driving test — how many times can I retake it?
Most states let you retake the driving test as many times as you need, though you usually have to pay the test fee each time. There is no limit on attempts in most states. Some states require you to wait a day or two between attempts, and a few require you to take a driver education course if you fail multiple times.