An under-21 driver's license is a standard license issued to drivers between 16 and 20 years old, marked to show the holder's age to law enforcement and businesses
Every state issues a different version of a regular driver's license to people under 21. The card itself looks similar to an adult license but includes a visible indicator — usually a different color, a specific design element, or text stating the holder is under 21. This marking serves one main purpose: to make it when ready clear to police officers and store clerks that the person is a minor, without requiring them to calculate a birth date.
The under-21 license is not a separate category with different driving rules. It is the standard license you receive when you pass your driving test before age 21. Once you turn 21, you can renew it as a regular adult license, or in some states the license automatically converts.
Key Takeaways
- An under-21 license is a regular driver's license with a visible age indicator, issued by your state's DMV when you pass your driving test before turning 21.
- The marking on the card — usually a different color, star, or text — lets police and retailers know your age without checking your birth date.
- Driving privileges are the same as an adult license; the marking exists only to identify your age to others.
- When you turn 21, you can renew the license as a standard adult license, or your state may automatically update it.
- Some states use a vertical card orientation for under-21 licenses and horizontal for adults, making the age category visible at a glance.
Why states mark licenses for drivers under 21
The marking serves retailers and law enforcement, not the driver. Liquor stores, gas stations, and bars need to know when ready whether someone is old enough to buy age-restricted products. A clerk can see the color or design of the card without asking for a birth date or doing math. Police can also spot a young driver more quickly during a traffic stop.
The federal government does not require this marking, but nearly every state has adopted it as a practical tool. A few states use different methods — some print the age directly on the card, others use a star or symbol in a specific location, and some change the card's color entirely. The method varies, but the goal is the same: when ready visual identification.
How the marking differs by state
There is no single national standard for how an under-21 license looks. Each state designs its own. Common approaches include a vertical card orientation (portrait) for drivers under 21 and a horizontal orientation (landscape) for adults. Other states use a red or gold star, a specific color background, or text that reads "Under 21" or "Not Valid for ID" in a prominent location.
If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new license that follows that state's marking system. Your old license remains valid for driving in other states, but retailers and police in your new state will be familiar with your new state's format, not your old one. Check your state's DMV website to see what marking your license will have.
What you can and cannot do with an under-21 license
An under-21 license gives you the same driving privileges as an adult license. You can drive alone, carry passengers, and operate a vehicle during any hours — the license itself does not restrict when or where you can drive. Those restrictions, if they exist, come from a learner's permit or provisional license, which are different documents issued before you get your full license.
The marking on your under-21 license does not change what you are legally allowed to do behind the wheel. It only tells others how old you are. You cannot use it to buy alcohol or tobacco, and some venues may not accept it as proof of age for entry, but those are restrictions on age-restricted activities, not on driving itself.
Renewing or replacing your under-21 license
When you turn 21, you can renew your license at your state's DMV. In most states, you will receive a standard adult license with no age marking. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail if your license is not expiring soon, while others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the specific process and any fees.
If your under-21 license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the DMV. You will typically need to show proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. The new card will still be marked as under-21 unless you have already turned 21, in which case you can request an adult license instead.
How to get an under-21 license in the first place
To get an under-21 license, you must pass your state's written driving test and road test at your local DMV. The process usually begins with a learner's permit, which you can obtain after passing the written test. You then practice driving with a licensed adult for a set period (usually several months) before taking the road test.
Once you pass the road test, you receive your under-21 license on the spot or by mail within a few weeks, depending on your state. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring your learner's permit as well. Fees vary by state but typically range from $20 to $50 for a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an under-21 license as a form of ID to buy things?
An under-21 license is a valid form of ID for most purposes — entering a bank, boarding a plane, or proving your identity to an employer. However, retailers will refuse to sell you age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco based on the marking. Some venues may also refuse to accept it as proof of age for entry, even if you are actually old enough.
What happens to my under-21 license when I turn 21?
Your license remains valid and does not automatically expire. You can continue using it until its normal expiration date. When you renew it, you will receive an adult license without the age marking. Some states allow you to renew early and request an adult license as soon as you turn 21, but this is optional.
Is an under-21 license valid for driving in other states?
Yes. Your under-21 license is valid for driving in any other state. However, other states' retailers and police will be familiar with their own state's marking system, not yours. If you are pulled over or asked to show ID, the officer will still recognize it as a valid license, even if the format is different from what they issue locally.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant under-21 license?
Yes. Most states issue Real ID-compliant under-21 licenses. The Real ID marking (usually a star) appears on the card along with the under-21 marking. You will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency, such as a birth certificate and utility bill. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of required documents.
What if my under-21 license is lost or stolen?
Report it to your state's DMV and request a replacement. You will need to show proof of identity and pay a replacement fee, usually $10 to $30. The replacement will be marked as under-21 unless you have turned 21 since the original was issued. Bring your Social Security number and proof of residency to speed up the process.