What an interim state-issued driver license is and when you need one
An interim state-issued driver license is a temporary document your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues while your permanent license is being processed. It serves as proof that you are legally permitted to drive during the waiting period — usually between two and six weeks, depending on your state and the type of license you requested.
You receive an interim license in one of two situations: when you first obtain a driver license and the permanent card is still being printed and mailed, or when you renew an existing license and request a replacement before your current one expires. Some states issue the interim as a paper document you keep in your wallet; others print it directly on your process receipt.
The interim license has the same legal weight as a permanent one for driving purposes. Police will recognize it as valid identification, and you can use it to rent a vehicle or prove your driving status to an employer. However, it is not accepted for air travel, purchasing alcohol, or other transactions that require a state ID card — those require the permanent plastic license.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is a temporary document issued when ready at the DMV while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.
- The interim is valid for driving and as proof of your license status, but not for air travel or age-restricted purchases.
- You receive the interim document at the time of your transaction — either as a paper printout or on your receipt — with no separate request needed.
- The interim remains valid until your permanent license arrives in the mail, which typically takes two to six weeks depending on your state.
- If your permanent license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your DMV to request a replacement or check the status of your order.
How you receive an interim license at the DMV
When you complete a driver license transaction at your DMV office — whether obtaining a new license, renewing, or replacing a damaged one — the staff member will issue your interim document before you leave the counter. You do not need to request it separately or fill out additional paperwork.
The format varies by state. Some DMVs print the interim on a separate sheet of paper that includes your photo, name, license number, and expiration date. Others print it directly onto your process receipt or a temporary card stock. A few states have moved to digital-only systems where you can read a temporary license image to your phone through the DMV's mobile app, though this is not yet standard nationwide.
The staff member will explain how long your interim is valid and when to expect your permanent license in the mail. Keep the interim document in your wallet or phone alongside your other identification. If it is a paper document, treat it carefully — creases and water damage can make it harder for police to read, though it remains valid.
What to do if your permanent license does not arrive on time
Most permanent licenses arrive within the timeframe your DMV quoted — typically two to four weeks for standard processing, longer if you requested expedited mail. If more than a week past the expected arrival date has passed and you have not received it, contact your DMV directly rather than waiting.
Call the DMV's customer service line or visit their website to check the status of your order. You will need your license number or process reference number, which appears on your interim document. The DMV can tell you whether the license is still in production, has been mailed, or encountered a problem.
If the license was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement at no additional cost. If production was delayed, they may be able to expedite the reprint. In the meantime, your interim license remains valid for driving, so you can continue operating a vehicle legally while the permanent one is being replaced.
Using your interim license for driving and identification
Your interim license is a legal driving document. Police recognize it as proof of a valid license, and you can drive any vehicle class that your permanent license permits. You can also use it to prove your driving status to an employer, insurance company, or rental car agency.
However, interim licenses are not accepted for purposes that require a state-issued photo ID card. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, purchase alcohol or tobacco, enter a casino, or open a bank account. These transactions require your permanent plastic license card. If you need to do any of these things before your permanent license arrives, you will need a separate state ID card or passport.
If you are stopped by police while driving on an interim license, have it ready along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The interim is as valid as any other license for this purpose. If an officer questions whether it is legitimate, they can verify it through the DMV's system using your name and license number.
State differences in interim license format and validity
The way states handle interim licenses varies significantly. Some states issue a printed paper interim that looks like a miniature version of the permanent license. Others print it on cardstock that is slightly smaller than a standard credit card. A growing number of states allow you to display a digital version on your phone through their DMV app, which you can show to police or other officials.
The validity period also differs. Most states make the interim valid for 30 to 60 days, which covers the time needed for mail delivery and printing. A few states extend it to 90 days if you request expedited processing. Check your interim document or your DMV's website to confirm the exact expiration date for your state.
Some states allow you to renew your license online or by mail, in which case you may not receive an interim document at all — your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you are unsure whether your state issues interim licenses or what format yours will be, contact your DMV before your appointment.
What happens when your permanent license arrives
When your permanent license arrives in the mail, your interim document automatically becomes invalid. You do not need to return the interim or notify the DMV — straightforward start using your permanent license and discard the interim. If the interim was printed on paper, you can shred it or throw it away. If it was on cardstock, you may want to keep it for a few weeks in case there is a question about the transition, then discard it.
Your permanent license will have the same license number, address, and restrictions as your interim. The only difference is that the permanent is the official card you will carry for the next four to eight years (depending on your state's renewal cycle). If you notice any errors on the permanent license — wrong address, wrong restrictions, misspelled name — contact your DMV when ready to request a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an interim license to fly on an airplane?
No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept interim licenses for airport security screening. You will need a valid passport, a state ID card, or a REAL ID-compliant permanent driver license. If your permanent license has not arrived and you need to fly, obtain a passport or state ID card before your trip.
What if I lose my interim license before the permanent one arrives?
Contact your DMV and report the loss. They can issue a replacement interim at little or no cost, or in some cases they can expedite your permanent license to arrive sooner. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of identity to the DMV office. You can continue driving legally once you have the replacement interim in hand.
Is an interim license valid in other states?
Yes. Your interim license is recognized as a valid driving document in all 50 states, just as your permanent license would be. However, it is still not accepted for age-restricted purchases or air travel in other states — those restrictions explore nationwide.
Do I have to pay extra for an interim license?
No. The interim license is included in the fee you pay for your driver license transaction at the DMV. There is no separate charge for receiving it.
What if my interim license is damaged or unreadable?
If your interim is torn, water-damaged, or faded to the point that your information is hard to read, contact your DMV for a replacement. Bring what remains of the damaged interim and your vehicle registration. The DMV can print a new interim at no cost while you wait, or you can wait for your permanent license if it is arriving very soon.