No, an identification card and a driver's license are not the same thing
An identification card and a driver's license are two separate documents issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A driver's license proves you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle and includes driving restrictions or endorsements specific to what you can drive. An identification card is a general-purpose ID that proves who you are — it has no driving privileges attached to it.
The confusion happens because both documents look similar, both come from the same agency, and both serve as valid government-issued ID for most everyday purposes. But they are different documents with different purposes, different costs, and different renewal schedules. Understanding which one you need depends on whether you drive and what you plan to use the ID for.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license authorizes you to drive and includes vehicle class restrictions; an ID card does not permit driving at all.
- Both documents are issued by your state's DMV and both work as government-issued identification for banks, airports, and age verification.
- An ID card costs less than a driver's license in most states and lasts longer before renewal is required.
- You cannot use an ID card to drive legally, even if you are licensed in another state — you must have a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle.
What a driver's license includes that an ID card does not
A driver's license contains your driving record information: the vehicle classes you are permitted to operate (standard passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks), any restrictions (corrective lenses required, no night driving), and endorsements (air brake certification, hazmat transport). This information is tied to your driving history and violations. An ID card contains none of this because it does not authorize driving.
When you renew a driver's license, the DMV reviews your driving record and may impose new restrictions or remove old ones. When you renew an ID card, the DMV straightforward verifies your identity and updates your photo. The two documents follow different renewal timelines — a driver's license typically renews every four to eight years depending on your state, while an ID card often lasts longer.
When an ID card works as identification and when it does not
Both documents work for most situations where you need to prove your identity: opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, entering a government building, or proving your age at a store. TSA accepts both at airport security. Banks accept both for account opening. Most employers accept both for I-9 verification.
An ID card does not work for driving. If you are pulled over while driving with only an ID card, you are operating a vehicle without a valid license, which is a traffic violation in every state. Some states also restrict ID cards for certain age-restricted purchases or venues — check your state's rules, as these vary. For most other identification purposes, the two documents are treated equally.
Cost and renewal differences between the two documents
An ID card costs less than a driver's license in most states. The exact price varies by state, but you can expect to pay roughly half the cost of a driver's license. For example, some states charge $15 to $25 for an ID card renewal versus $40 to $80 for a driver's license, though these amounts differ. Check your state DMV website for current fees.
ID cards also renew on a longer schedule in many states — often eight to ten years — while driver's licenses renew more frequently. This means fewer trips to the DMV over time if you hold an ID card. However, if you ever need to drive, you will have to obtain a driver's license anyway, so the savings are only meaningful if you do not drive.
How to get an ID card instead of a driver's license
Visit your state's DMV office or website and request a state ID card process (the form name varies by state — some call it a "non-driver ID" or "identification card"). You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or existing driver's license), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your original documents or certified copies.
Complete the process, pay the fee, and have your photo taken at the DMV. Processing times vary by state, but most ID cards are ready within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You will receive your card by mail or can pick it up at the DMV office, depending on your state's process.
Switching from an ID card to a driver's license
If you have an ID card and later decide you need to drive, you must obtain a driver's license. You cannot straightforward upgrade your ID card — you have to explore for a driver's license as a new document. Bring your ID card along with the other required documents (proof of residency, Social Security number) to the DMV.
You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test unless your state has reciprocity agreements with other states where you hold a valid license. The entire process typically takes several weeks from process to receiving your license. Some states allow you to keep your ID card active while you are in the process of obtaining a driver's license; others require you to surrender it.
Switching from a driver's license to an ID card
If you have a driver's license but no longer drive, you can request a state ID card instead. Visit your DMV and ask to convert your driver's license to an ID card. You will surrender your driver's license and receive an ID card in its place. The cost is usually lower than renewing a driver's license, and the new card will have a longer validity period.
This is useful if you have stopped driving permanently or temporarily and want to reduce your renewal costs. However, if you think you might drive again in the future, keep your driver's license active instead — converting back to a driver's license later requires passing the written and practical tests again in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ID card to rent a car?
No. Car rental companies require a valid driver's license because they need proof that you are legally permitted to operate a vehicle. An ID card will not work, even if it is current and government-issued.
Do I need both a driver's license and an ID card?
No. You need one or the other depending on whether you drive. If you have a driver's license, you do not need a separate ID card — your driver's license serves as your government-issued identification. If you do not drive, an ID card is sufficient for most identification purposes.
What happens if I let my driver's license expire and only have an ID card?
You cannot drive legally. Driving with an expired license or with only an ID card is a traffic violation. If you need to drive, you must renew your driver's license before operating a vehicle, even if your ID card is current.
Can I use someone else's ID card if I do not have one?
No. An ID card is a personal document issued to you alone. Using someone else's ID is identity fraud and is illegal. You must obtain your own ID card or driver's license from your state's DMV.
How long does it take to get an ID card?
Most states process ID cards within two to four weeks from the date you explore. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to one week or less. Check your state DMV website for current processing times.