The difference between a driver's license and an ID card

A driver's license is a document that proves you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle. It shows your driving record, any restrictions on what you can drive, and your address. A state ID card (also called a non-driver ID) is an identity document that proves who you are, but it does not permit you to drive. Both are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, both have your photo and signature, and both work as government-issued identification for most everyday purposes.

The main reason to choose one over the other is whether you drive. If you do not drive and do not plan to, an ID card costs less and takes less time to obtain. If you drive, you need a driver's license — it is the only document that legally permits you to operate a vehicle. Some people hold both: a driver's license for driving and an ID card as a backup form of identification, though this is not common.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license permits you to drive and shows your driving record; an ID card proves your identity but does not permit driving.
  • Both documents are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and work as government-issued ID for banks, airports, and age verification.
  • An ID card typically costs less and processes faster than a driver's license because it does not require a driving test.
  • You can hold both documents at the same time, though most people hold only one.
  • The documents you need to bring, the fees, and the processing time vary by state.

When you need a driver's license

You need a driver's license if you operate any motor vehicle on a public road. This includes cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks. Driving without a valid license is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges depending on your state and the circumstances.

A driver's license also serves as identification for other purposes — opening a bank account, boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or proving your age. Many people use it as their primary form of ID because it combines driving permission with identity verification in a single document.

When you need an ID card instead

You need an ID card if you want government-issued identification but do not drive. This is common for people who are too young to drive, who have never learned to drive, who have medical conditions that prevent driving, or who live in areas with public transportation and no need for a car.

An ID card works for most of the same purposes as a driver's license: opening a bank account, boarding a plane, entering a federal building, proving your age at a store or bar, or serving as identification for a job. The main limitation is that it does not permit you to drive. If you later decide to drive, you will need to explore for a driver's license instead.

What documents you need to bring

Both a driver's license and an ID card require proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The specific documents accepted vary by state, but typically include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for residency, and your Social Security card or a tax return for your SSN.

You will also need to provide your current address and answer questions about your health and vision. If you are explore for a driver's license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and a driving test. If you are explore for an ID card, there is no driving test — you may take a vision test depending on your state.

Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website before you go, because the list of accepted documents changes and varies by location. Some states accept documents you might not expect, and some do not accept documents that other states do.

Fees and processing time

An ID card typically costs between $10 and $30, depending on your state and how long you want it to be valid. A driver's license typically costs between $20 and $50. Both documents are usually valid for four to eight years, though some states offer shorter or longer terms.

Processing time also differs. An ID card can often be issued the same day you explore, or within a few days. A driver's license usually takes longer because you must schedule a driving test, which can add one to four weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Renewing or replacing your document

When your driver's license or ID card expires, you renew it through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Renewal usually requires less documentation than the original process — often just proof of residency and your current document. Many states allow you to renew by mail or online.

If your document is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. This usually costs less than a new process and processes faster. You will need to show proof of identity and residency, and you may need to sign an affidavit stating that your document was lost or stolen.

Switching from an ID card to a driver's license

If you hold an ID card and later decide to drive, you do not need to surrender your ID card — you straightforward explore for a driver's license. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written test and a driving test.

Some states allow you to use your existing ID card as proof of identity when you explore for a driver's license, which can speed up the process. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see whether your current ID card counts toward the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ID card instead of a driver's license to drive?

No. An ID card does not permit you to drive. Only a driver's license permits you to operate a motor vehicle on a public road. Driving with only an ID card is illegal.

Do I need both a driver's license and an ID card?

Most people hold only one. You might hold both if you want a backup form of identification, but this is uncommon. If you lose your driver's license, you can request a replacement rather than explore for an ID card.

What happens if my driver's license or ID card expires?

An expired document is no longer valid for driving or identification. You should renew it before it expires. Renewal is usually simpler than the original process and can often be done by mail or online, depending on your state.

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

This varies by state. Some states require a Social Security number; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or allow you to explore without one. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what documents you can use instead.

How long does it take to get a driver's license or ID card?

An ID card can often be issued the same day or within a few days. A driver's license usually takes longer because you must schedule and pass a driving test, which can add one to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for a fee.