What an Interim Driver License Is and How It Works

An interim driver license is a temporary document issued by your state's motor vehicle department while your permanent license is being made

When you pass your driving test or renew your license, most states do not hand you the plastic card on the spot. Instead, they issue an interim license — a paper or temporary card that proves you are legally allowed to drive while the state prints and mails your permanent license. The interim document has the same legal weight as the permanent one; police will accept it as valid identification, and you can use it to rent a car or board a plane if it includes a Real ID marker.

The interim license typically arrives within days of your test or renewal appointment. Your permanent license follows by mail, usually within two to four weeks, though timing varies by state and by how busy the motor vehicle office is. You stop using the interim once the permanent arrives — you do not need to return it, and most people throw it away.

Key Takeaways

An interim license is a temporary document issued when ready after you pass a driving test or renew your license, valid for driving until your permanent card arrives by mail.
The interim has the same legal standing as a permanent license and can be used for identification, car rental, and air travel if it displays a Real ID symbol.
Interim licenses are paper or thin plastic cards that last only a few weeks — your permanent license replaces it once it arrives in the mail.
If you lose your interim license before the permanent arrives, contact your motor vehicle department to request a replacement or to confirm your driving status.

When you receive an interim license

You receive an interim license at the moment you complete your transaction at the motor vehicle office. If you passed a road test, the examiner or clerk hands it to you before you leave. If you renewed by mail or online, the interim arrives in the same envelope as your renewal confirmation, or the state mails it separately within a few business days.

The interim is not optional — it is what the state issues while your permanent license is being manufactured and shipped. Some states print the interim in-house; others use a third-party vendor. The delay between interim and permanent exists because permanent licenses include security features, holograms, and encoded data that take time to produce at scale.

What an interim license looks like and what it shows

An interim license is usually a single sheet of paper or a thin cardstock card, much smaller and less durable than a permanent license. It displays your name, date of birth, license number, address, and expiration date. Most include a photo, though some older interim formats do not. The document will state "Interim" or "Temporary" somewhere on the face.

If your state issues Real ID-compliant licenses, the interim will show whether it meets Real ID standards — usually with a star or other marker in the corner. This matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building; a Real ID interim works the same as a Real ID permanent license for those purposes.

How long an interim license is valid

An interim license is valid for as long as it takes your permanent license to arrive, typically two to four weeks. The expiration date printed on the interim is usually the same as your permanent license's expiration date — often four or eight years out, depending on your age and your state's renewal cycle. The interim does not expire sooner just because it is temporary.

If your permanent license arrives before the interim's printed expiration date, the permanent becomes your valid license and the interim becomes a piece of paper. If the permanent is delayed and the interim's expiration date passes, you should contact your motor vehicle department to confirm whether you can still drive legally or whether you need a replacement interim.

Using an interim license for identification and travel

An interim license works as a valid form of identification for most purposes. Police will accept it during a traffic stop. Banks and retailers will accept it for age verification. Car rental companies will accept it, though some may ask to see it alongside another form of ID. Airlines will accept it for domestic flights if it shows a Real ID marker; without Real ID, you may need a passport or other federal ID.

The key limitation is durability — an interim is flimsy and straightforward to damage. If you plan to use it for travel or to carry it in your wallet, protect it in a plastic sleeve or card holder. A torn or illegible interim may not be accepted, and replacing it requires another trip to the motor vehicle office.

What to do if your interim license is lost or damaged

If you lose your interim license before your permanent arrives, contact your state's motor vehicle department. Most will issue a replacement interim at no charge, though you may need to visit an office in person or request it by phone or online. Some states can email or print a replacement on the spot; others mail it.

If your interim is damaged but still readable, you can usually continue using it. If it is illegible or torn in a way that obscures your information, request a replacement. Keep in mind that if you are close to the date your permanent license should arrive, the motor vehicle office may straightforward confirm your driving status by phone rather than issuing another interim.

Interim licenses and license suspensions or holds

An interim license is only valid if your driving record is clear at the time it is issued. If you have an outstanding ticket, unpaid fine, or child support hold, the motor vehicle office may refuse to issue an interim or may issue one that is when ready suspended. You will be told at the time of your transaction if this applies to you.

If your interim is suspended after it is issued — for example, because a court entered a suspension order — the suspension applies to both the interim and the permanent license. You cannot drive on either document until the suspension is lifted. Contact the motor vehicle department or the court that issued the suspension to learn how to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on an interim license right away?

Yes. An interim license is valid for driving the moment you receive it. You do not need to wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you passed a road test, you can drive home from the motor vehicle office on the interim.

What if my permanent license never arrives?

Contact your motor vehicle department and report it as lost or undelivered. They can reissue the permanent license or issue a new interim while they investigate. Delivery delays of more than six weeks are uncommon but do happen, especially during high-volume periods or mail disruptions.

Do I need to carry both the interim and permanent license once the permanent arrives?

No. Once your permanent license arrives, use that and discard the interim. You only need one valid license on you at a time. Carrying both is unnecessary and may confuse police during a traffic stop.

Is an interim license valid for flying?

Only if it displays a Real ID marker (usually a star). If your interim shows Real ID compliance, you can use it for domestic flights. If it does not, you will need a passport, military ID, or other federal ID to board a plane.

Can I renew my license while I still have an interim?

No. You must wait until your permanent license arrives before you can renew. Attempting to renew early will be rejected by the motor vehicle system.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.