An interim driver license is a temporary document you receive while your permanent license is being made
An interim driver license is a temporary paper or plastic card that your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues on the spot when you pass your driving test or renew your license. It is valid when ready and lets you drive legally while the state prints and mails your permanent license, which usually takes one to three weeks. You do not need to do anything special to receive one — the DMV gives it to you automatically at the end of your transaction.
The interim license has the same legal weight as your permanent license. Police will accept it as proof you are licensed to drive. You can use it to rent a car, prove your identity, or show proof of insurance. The only difference is that it is temporary — once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the interim one expires and you should stop carrying it.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is issued when ready after you pass your driving test or complete a license renewal at the DMV, and it is valid right away.
- You can drive legally with an interim license while waiting for your permanent license to arrive by mail, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state.
- An interim license is a valid form of identification and proof of insurance, and police will accept it as proof of your driving privilege.
- Once your permanent license arrives, the interim license automatically expires and should no longer be used.
When you receive an interim license
You receive an interim license at the moment you complete your DMV transaction. If you are taking your driving test for the first time, you get one when ready after passing the test. If you are renewing an expired or expiring license, the DMV hands it to you before you leave the office. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you receive an interim one the same day.
Some states issue interim licenses in different formats. Most states print yours on the spot as a temporary plastic card that looks similar to your permanent license. A few states issue a paper receipt or certificate instead. Either way, it is valid for driving and identification purposes from the moment you receive it.
How long an interim license lasts
An interim license is valid only until your permanent license arrives. The timeframe varies by state. Most states mail permanent licenses within one to three weeks of your DMV visit. Some states take longer during busy periods or if there are delays in the printing process. A few states have faster turnaround and mail licenses within five to ten business days.
Your interim license will have an expiration date printed on it. That date is when the interim license stops being valid. You should not drive with it after that date, even if your permanent license has not arrived yet. If your permanent license does not arrive by the expiration date, contact your state's DMV to find out where it is.
What to do if your permanent license does not arrive
If your permanent license does not arrive by the expiration date on your interim license, contact your state's DMV when ready. You can usually call, visit in person, or check your account online. The DMV can tell you whether the license is still in production, lost in the mail, or held up for another reason.
If the license is lost or delayed, the DMV can issue you a replacement interim license or, in some cases, a second temporary license to extend your driving privilege while they investigate. Do not drive without a valid license. If your interim license has expired and you have not received your permanent one, you are driving without a valid license and can be cited.
Interim licenses and real ID compliance
If you are getting a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), your interim license may or may not be Real ID-compliant depending on your state. Some states issue interim Real ID licenses automatically. Others issue a standard interim license and send you a Real ID permanent license later.
Check the interim license you receive to see if it says "Real ID" or has a gold star in the corner. If it does not, your permanent license will likely be Real ID-compliant when it arrives. If you need a Real ID-compliant license right away for travel or federal building access, ask the DMV whether you can get one issued when ready instead of waiting for the mail.
Using your interim license for identification
Your interim license counts as a valid form of government-issued photo identification. You can use it to open a bank account, board a domestic flight, rent a car, or prove your age. It has your photo, signature, and license number, just like a permanent license.
Some businesses or government offices may be unfamiliar with interim licenses and ask for a permanent one instead. If this happens, explain that it is a temporary document issued by the DMV and is valid until the date printed on it. You can also offer to show the receipt or confirmation from your DMV visit. If a business refuses to accept it, you can ask to speak to a manager or contact the DMV for guidance on your rights.
Keeping your interim license safe
Treat your interim license the same way you would treat a permanent license. Keep it in your wallet, do not bend or damage it, and do not leave it in a hot car where the plastic might warp. If you lose it before your permanent license arrives, contact the DMV right away. You may need to pay a fee for a replacement interim license, depending on your state.
Do not throw away your interim license once your permanent license arrives. Some people keep it as a backup or for their records. Others shred it or recycle it. There is no legal requirement to return it to the DMV, but destroying it is a good idea to prevent identity theft or misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with an interim license?
Yes. An interim license is valid in all states. It is a legal driving document issued by your state's DMV, and other states recognize it the same way they recognize a permanent license. You do not need to do anything special to drive across state lines.
What if I get pulled over while using an interim license?
Show the officer your interim license along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration. It is a valid license, so you will not be cited for driving without a license. The officer may ask why you have a temporary license instead of a permanent one — straightforward explain that you recently passed your test or renewed your license and are waiting for the permanent one to arrive.
Do I need to carry anything else with my interim license?
You should carry your interim license and proof of insurance, just as you would with a permanent license. Some states require you to carry your vehicle registration as well. Check your state's DMV website for the specific documents required in your state.
Can I use an interim license to fly on an airplane?
Yes, you can use an interim license for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts interim licenses as valid identification. However, if your interim license is not Real ID-compliant and you are flying after the federal Real ID important date in your state, you may need additional identification. Check the TSA website or call ahead to confirm what your airport requires.
What happens if my interim license expires before my permanent one arrives?
Contact your state's DMV when ready. Do not drive without a valid license. The DMV can issue you another interim license or investigate where your permanent license is. If there has been a delay in the mail, they can reissue your permanent license or provide you with an extension.