Who Can Get a Driver's License

A driver's license is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency), and the basic requirements are the same across all states: you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and residency. Some states allow 15-year-olds to get a learner's permit first, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car before taking the full test.

The specific documents you need and the exact age thresholds vary by state. For example, some states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set number of months or hours before you can test for a full license, while others do not. A few states have different rules for people under 18, such as restrictions on night driving or the number of passengers you can carry.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a driver's license in most states. You will need to provide proof of legal presence — this might be a passport, visa, work authorization document, or state ID — rather than a Social Security number. A handful of states have different rules, so check your state's DMV website for what documents they accept.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires you to be at least 16 years old, pass a written test and a driving test, and show proof of identity and where you live.
  • The documents you need to bring and the rules for learner's permits differ by state, so check your state DMV's website before you go.
  • Non-citizens can get a driver's license in most states by showing proof of legal presence instead of a Social Security number.
  • If you have a suspended or revoked license, you will need to resolve the reason for the suspension before you can renew or get a new one.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or proof of legal presence if you are not a citizen). Proof of identity usually means a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it — it typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.

If you are renewing a license, you may only need your current license and proof of residency. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, bring the full set of documents listed above. Some states also require a medical form if you are over a certain age (often 70 or 75) or if you have certain medical conditions that affect driving.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. Many DMV offices will not accept documents that are expired, so check the dates before you go.

The Written Test and Driving Test

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states let you take it on a computer at the DMV office, and you usually get your results the same day. The number of questions and the passing score vary by state — most require you to answer 70 to 80 percent of questions correctly. You can usually take the test in multiple languages.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who sits in the car with you. You will drive on local roads for 10 to 30 minutes, and the examiner will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own car or a rental, and it must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you start. If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

Age-Specific Rules and Restrictions

If you are under 18, your state may have graduated licensing laws that restrict your driving for the first year or two. These rules typically limit the hours you can drive (often no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.), the number of passengers you can carry, and whether you can use a cell phone while driving. Some states require you to display a special license plate or sticker so police can identify new drivers.

These restrictions are designed to reduce accidents among teenage drivers. They usually stay in place until you turn 18 or reach a certain age, at which point they are lifted automatically. You do not need to do anything — your license will straightforward change when you reach that age.

If you are over 70, some states require you to renew your license more often (every 2 to 4 years instead of 5 to 8) or to pass a vision test or medical exam. A few states require an in-person renewal rather than allowing you to renew by mail or online. Check your state's rules when your renewal notice arrives.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, usually 3 to 12 months, and you can get it back once the suspension ends. A revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a license after a waiting period, which can be several years. Both happen for reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, driving under the influence, racking up too many points for traffic violations, or not paying child support.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime and can result in fines, jail time, or both. To learn about your license is suspended, check your state DMV's website — most let you look up your status online for free.

To get your license back after a suspension, you usually need to pay any fines or fees, resolve the underlying reason (such as paying a ticket or completing a defensive driving course), and sometimes pass a new written or driving test. The DMV will tell you what you need to do when you contact them.

Renewing Your License

Most states let you renew your license by mail or online if you have not had any suspensions or major changes to your information. The renewal process is simpler than getting your first license — you typically just need to pay the fee and provide proof of residency. Renewal notices are usually mailed to you 60 to 90 days before your license expires.

If you need to renew in person, you will go to the DMV, show your current license and proof of residency, and pay the fee. You will not need to retake the written or driving test unless your state requires it (some do for drivers over a certain age). The new license is usually issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period — often one to five years depending on your state — you may need to retake the written test or both tests. Check your state's rules before you go to the DMV.

Special Situations: Changing Your Name or Address

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to update your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency. Most states let you do this by mail or in person, and the fee is usually lower than a full renewal.

If you move to a new state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You can usually transfer your current license by going to the new state's DMV with your old license, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of identity. Some states let you keep your old license for a grace period (often 30 to 60 days) while you get the new one.

If you lose your license or it is stolen, report it to your state DMV right away. You can usually get a replacement by going to the DMV in person with proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. Some states let you order a replacement online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I have never had one before and I am over 18?

Yes. You will need to pass the written test and the driving test just like anyone else, and bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number. Some states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can test for a full license, even if you are an adult. Check your state's rules first.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a few weeks. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Before you retake it, consider taking a few more driving lessons to practice the skills the examiner said you needed to work on.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?

Most states require a Social Security number, but if you do not have one, you can show proof of legal presence instead — such as a passport, visa, or work authorization document. A few states have different rules, so contact your state DMV to ask what documents they will accept.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Most states let you renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended and your information has not changed. Check your state DMV's website to see if you are may be able to access. If you need to change your name or address, or if your license has been expired for a long time, you may need to go in person.

What should I do if I think my license was suspended by mistake?

Check your state DMV's website to confirm the suspension and find out why it happened. If you believe it was an error, contact the DMV directly — you can usually call or visit in person. Bring any documents that support your case, such as proof that you paid a ticket or completed a required course.