How to Get a Driver's License or State ID Card

What you need to know before you go to the DMV

A driver's license or state ID card is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not by a federal agency. The process, documents required, and fees vary by state — there is no single national procedure. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents that prove your identity and residency, pass a written test (for a driver's license), and pay a fee. Most states now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal standards for air travel and federal building access, though a standard license still works for driving.

The entire process typically takes one to three hours at the DMV office, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Some states let you schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you are renewing rather than getting your first license, the process is usually faster and may be done by mail or online in some states.

Key Takeaways

You must visit your state's DMV office in person to get a driver's license or state ID card for the first time; mail and online renewal are available in some states but not for new issuance.
Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or tax ID.
A written test on traffic laws is required for a driver's license but not for a state ID card; a vision test is required for both.
Fees range from roughly $20 to $150 depending on your state and the type of ID, and most states charge extra for REAL ID-compliant cards.
Your state DMV website lists the exact documents your location accepts and whether appointments are available.

Documents you will need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The specific documents accepted vary. For identity, most states accept a U.S. passport, birth certificate, consulate-issued document, or previous driver's license. Some states also accept a school ID, military ID, or tribal ID. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport or consulate document plus proof of legal residency status.

For residency, states typically accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are usually not accepted. If you do not have a document in your current name (for example, after marriage or a legal name change), bring the document that shows your previous name plus a court order or marriage certificate proving the change.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some states ask for this on the process form; others ask verbally at the counter. Bring the card or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you have one, though most states will accept your number without physical proof.

The written test and vision screening

If you are getting a driver's license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass — the exact threshold varies by state. You can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available online on your state DMV website. Many states also offer practice tests online so you can see the format before you arrive.

You will also have a vision screening at the DMV, which checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. Some states allow you to retake the written test on the same day if you fail; others require you to wait and return another time.

A state ID card does not require a written test, only the vision screening. This makes it faster if you do not need to drive but want an official photo ID for travel, banking, or other purposes.

REAL ID versus a standard driver's license

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in 2025, you will need a REAL ID card or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard driver's license still works for driving, but not for these federal purposes. Most states now issue REAL ID cards by default, though you can usually request a standard license if you prefer.

Getting a REAL ID requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number or ITIN — usually a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. The fee is typically $10 to $25 more than a standard license. The card itself looks similar but usually has a star or other marking in the corner to show it is REAL ID-compliant. Processing time is the same as for a standard license.

Renewal by mail or online

If you already have a driver's license or state ID and it is not expired or close to expiration, many states let you renew by mail or online without visiting the DMV. The process varies: some states mail you a renewal form; others let you renew through their website. You typically pay the fee online or by check, and your new card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are renewing for the first time. In those cases, you must visit the DMV in person. Some states also require an in-person visit every few renewal cycles for a new photo.

Fees and how long it takes

Driver's license and state ID fees vary widely by state. A standard driver's license typically costs $20 to $80 for a four- to eight-year license. A state ID card usually costs $15 to $60. A REAL ID card costs an additional $10 to $25. Some states charge different fees for different age groups or for licenses that last different lengths of time. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee in your location.

Payment is usually cash, check, or debit card at the DMV office. Some states let you pay online if you renew by mail. If you are getting your first license, you will also pay for the written test, though this is usually included in the license fee.

Processing time at the DMV is typically one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have an appointment. Your new card is usually mailed to you within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the card sooner. A few states issue temporary paper licenses on the spot while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

What to do if you lose or damage your card

If your driver's license or state ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by visiting the DMV with proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new card. Some states let you report a lost or stolen license online first, which can speed up the replacement process. A replacement usually costs less than a new license — typically $10 to $30 — and arrives by mail in two to four weeks.

If your license is suspended or revoked (usually due to unpaid traffic tickets, DUI, or other violations), you cannot straightforward replace it. You must resolve the underlying issue first, which may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact your state DMV to find out what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. Some states also accept a passport or consulate document as proof of identity without requiring a Social Security number or ITIN.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Most states accept alternative identity documents such as a consulate-issued ID, a previous driver's license, a military ID, or a school ID. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a passport, a consulate document (such as a national ID card) usually works. Contact your state DMV to ask which documents they accept in your situation.

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

Many states now require or strongly recommend appointments to reduce wait times. Check your state DMV website to see if appointments are available in your area. If appointments are full, some DMVs hold walk-in hours on certain days or times. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

How long is a driver's license or state ID card good for?

This varies by state and age. Most states issue licenses that last four to eight years. Some states issue shorter licenses (two to four years) for younger drivers or longer licenses (up to 10 years) for older adults. Your state DMV website will show the expiration date on your card and when you need to renew.

Can I change my name on my driver's license without getting a new one?

No. If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must get a new license or state ID card. Bring your previous license plus a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. The fee for a name change is usually the same as for a replacement card.

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.