What a state will ask for when you request a driver license or identification card

When you request a driver license or ID card from your state's motor vehicle department, you will need to provide personal information that the state uses to verify your identity and issue the document. The exact information required varies by state, but most states ask for the same core set of documents and details. Understanding what you need before you walk in — or before you fill out an online form — saves time and prevents your request from being delayed or rejected.

States require this information because driver licenses and ID cards are legal documents that prove who you are. The state must confirm you are who you say you are, that you live where you claim to live, and that you have the right to hold the document. The information you provide becomes part of your state's motor vehicle database and may be shared with law enforcement, courts, and other government agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or tax ID number.
  • Most states also require proof that you have a legal right to be in the United States, which you can show with a passport, permanent resident card, or work visa.
  • The specific documents accepted vary by state — a document that works in one state may not work in another, so check your state's motor vehicle website before you gather your papers.
  • If you are renewing a license or ID card rather than getting one for the first time, you usually need fewer documents because the state already has your information on file.

Identity documents the state will ask you to show

To prove who you are, states accept documents that have your name, date of birth, and usually a photo. A U.S. passport is accepted in all states. A birth certificate (the long-form certified copy, not a photocopy) is accepted in all states. A permanent resident card (green card) works in all states. Some states also accept a tribal ID card, a military ID, a school ID with a photo, or a consular ID issued by a foreign government.

If you do not have any of these documents, some states will accept a combination of documents that together prove your identity — for example, a Social Security card plus a school transcript plus a medical record with your name and date of birth. The exact combinations vary by state. A few states allow you to bring a notarized affidavit from someone who knows you if you have no other documents, though this is rare and usually requires an in-person interview.

If your name has changed since the document was issued — because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you will need to bring proof of that change as well. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. Some states require the original document; others accept a certified copy.

Proof of residency documents

States require proof that you live in the state and at the address you list on your license or ID card. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is accepted in all states. A lease or rental agreement with your name and the address is accepted in all states. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works in all states. A bank or credit card statement with your name and address, dated within the last 60 days, is accepted in most states.

Some states also accept a government check (such as a tax refund or unemployment payment), a pay stub from your employer, a letter from your school or university, or a letter from a government agency. A few states accept a cell phone bill or insurance policy. The document must show your current address — an old address will not work, even if it is from an official source.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, some states will accept two documents together: one showing your old address and one showing your new address. For example, a utility bill from your old apartment plus a lease for your new apartment. Check your state's rules before you explore, because this varies.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

Most states now require proof that you have a legal right to live and work in the United States. A U.S. passport, a permanent resident card (green card), or a valid work visa all satisfy this requirement. If you are a citizen, your passport or birth certificate serves this purpose. If you are a permanent resident, your green card is the document you need.

If you have a work visa (such as an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa), you will need to bring the visa itself plus your I-94 arrival/departure record, which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Some states also accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is issued to people with pending asylum cases or certain visa categories. A few states accept a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document.

If you do not have any of these documents, you may still be able to get a driver license or ID card in some states, but the document will be marked as "limited term" or "not for federal purposes." This means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. The rules for non-citizens without work authorization vary significantly by state, so contact your state's motor vehicle department directly if this applies to you.

Your Social Security number and tax identification

States require your Social Security number (SSN) or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The state uses this number to check whether you already hold a license or ID card in another state and to verify your identity against federal databases. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, some states will issue a license or ID card without one, but you will need to sign a statement saying you do not have a number and explaining why.

You do not need to bring a Social Security card to the motor vehicle office — you can straightforward tell the clerk your number. However, if you do not know your number or you are not sure whether you have one, you can contact the Social Security Administration before you go. If you have an ITIN, bring the document that shows it, such as a tax return or an ITIN letter from the IRS.

Information about your vision and medical history

When you request a driver license (but not an ID card), the state will test your vision to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will take the test with them on. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license, though you may be issued a non-driver ID card instead.

Some states also ask whether you have certain medical conditions — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — that could affect your ability to drive safely. You answer these questions on the form. If you answer yes to any of them, the state may require a letter from your doctor saying you are safe to drive, or it may restrict your license (for example, requiring you to drive only during daylight hours). The specific conditions and requirements vary by state.

Information you provide about yourself

You will be asked to provide your full legal name, date of birth, sex or gender marker, height, eye color, and distinguishing marks (such as scars or tattoos). You will also be asked whether you want to register as an organ donor. Some states ask your race or ethnicity, though this is becoming less common. You will be asked whether you have any outstanding warrants or criminal convictions, and whether you have had your license suspended or revoked in any state.

You will also provide your phone number and email address so the state can contact you if there is a problem with your request. Some states ask your occupation, though this is optional. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status beyond what you show with your documents, and you do not have to answer questions about your religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

What happens after you submit your information

After you provide all the required information and documents, the state runs a background check and verifies your identity against federal databases. This usually takes a few minutes if you are in person at the motor vehicle office. If you submitted your request by mail or online, it typically takes one to three weeks. The state will contact you by phone, email, or mail if there is a problem or if it needs more information from you.

Once your request is approved, the state will issue your license or ID card. You will receive it by mail within one to two weeks, or you can pick it up in person at the motor vehicle office if your state offers that option. If your request is denied, the state will send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to appeal the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

Most states require you to bring the original documents so they can verify them in person. Photocopies are usually not accepted. If you are submitting documents by mail, check your state's rules — some states accept certified copies of birth certificates and other documents, while others require originals.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. If you were born outside the United States, you can request a certified copy from the government office in that country. In the meantime, a passport or permanent resident card can serve as proof of identity instead.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

In most states, you must appear in person at the motor vehicle office to get a driver license or ID card. A few states allow a parent or guardian to explore on behalf of a minor, but an adult must explore for themselves. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, some states offer mobile services or home visits — contact your state's motor vehicle department to ask.

What if my address is different on my documents?

If your identity document (like a birth certificate) shows a different address than your current residency proof, bring both documents and explain the change. The state will use your current address for your license or ID card. If you have recently moved, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.

Do I need to provide information in English?

Most states conduct the process process in English, but many offer interpreters or translated forms. Contact your state's motor vehicle department before you go to ask whether an interpreter is available in your language. You can also bring a trusted friend or family member to help translate, though the state may require you to sign a statement that the translation is accurate.