An interim driver's license is a temporary document you receive while your permanent license is being processed
An interim driver's license is a paper or temporary card issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent plastic license to arrive in the mail. It has the same driving privileges as your permanent license — you can drive a standard passenger vehicle, and any restrictions (like corrective lenses or manual transmission only) appear on it just as they would on the permanent card.
You typically receive an interim license on the spot when you pass your road test or complete an in-person license renewal at the DMV. The permanent license arrives separately by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. Until it arrives, the interim document is your legal proof of licensure and is valid for driving, employment verification, and most other purposes that require a license.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is issued when ready at the DMV counter after you pass your road test or complete a license renewal, and it is valid for driving right away.
- Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail separately, usually within one to three weeks, and the interim document remains valid until it does.
- An interim license has the same driving privileges and restrictions as your permanent license, including any endorsements or limitations.
- You should carry your interim license with you when driving, as it is your legal proof of licensure until the permanent card arrives.
- If your permanent license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your state DMV to request a replacement or check the status.
When you receive an interim license
You receive an interim license at the moment you complete the transaction that triggers a new permanent license. This happens when you pass your road test for a new license, renew an expiring license in person at a DMV office, upgrade your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement), or correct information on your existing license. The DMV employee prints or writes it on the spot and hands it to you before you leave the counter.
If you renew your license by mail or online, you typically do not receive an interim license — your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. However, if your state requires an in-person visit for renewal (which varies by state and by how long it has been since your last renewal), you will receive an interim document at that visit.
What an interim license looks like and what it contains
An interim license is usually a printed paper document, though some states issue a temporary plastic card. It contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, address, photograph (if you provided one at your visit), and any restrictions or endorsements that explore to you. The format and layout vary by state — some are small cards, others are full-page printouts — but all are marked clearly as temporary or interim.
The document will show an expiration date, which is typically the date your permanent license is expected to arrive. Some states print "valid until [permanent license arrives]" rather than a specific date. The interim license is not laminated and may be printed on regular paper, so it can wear or tear more easily than a permanent license. You should handle it carefully and keep it in your wallet or purse just as you would a permanent license.
How long an interim license is valid
An interim license is valid from the moment you receive it until your permanent license arrives in the mail. In most states, this period is one to three weeks. Some states are faster — a few process and mail permanent licenses within five to seven business days — while others may take up to four weeks during high-volume periods or if there are delays in the mail system.
Your interim license does not expire on a fixed date; it becomes invalid once you receive your permanent license. If your permanent license arrives and you have not yet received it, your interim license remains valid and you can continue to drive with it. If you lose your interim license before the permanent one arrives, contact your state DMV when ready to request a replacement.
Using your interim license for identification and employment
An interim license is a valid form of government-issued photo identification and can be used for most purposes that require a driver's license. You can use it to verify your identity when opening a bank account, explore for a job, or boarding a domestic flight. However, some employers or institutions may be unfamiliar with interim licenses and may ask you to provide additional identification or wait for your permanent license to arrive.
If you are starting a new job and need a driver's license for employment verification, inform your employer that you have an interim license and explain that your permanent license is on the way. Most employers will accept this, but it is worth confirming in advance. If your employer requires a permanent license specifically, you may need to provide a copy of your DMV receipt or a letter from the DMV confirming that your license is in process.
What to do if your permanent license does not arrive
If your permanent license does not arrive within the timeframe your state provided (usually three to four weeks), contact your state DMV by phone or through their online portal. Have your interim license number and date of birth ready. The DMV can check the status of your permanent license and tell you whether it is still in production, has been mailed, or has been lost in transit.
If the license was lost in the mail, the DMV will issue a replacement at no charge in most states. If there was a delay in production, they may expedite the new license or issue you an extended interim license valid for an additional period. Some states allow you to request expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the permanent license urgently.
Driving with an interim license across state lines
An interim license issued by your state is valid for driving in other states, just as a permanent license is. You do not need any additional documentation. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement in another state, the officer may be unfamiliar with your state's interim license format and may ask questions about it. Having your interim license clearly visible and being prepared to explain that it is a temporary document issued by your state DMV will resolve any confusion quickly.
If you are moving to another state before your permanent license arrives, you should contact your current state's DMV to confirm whether your interim license will remain valid during your move. Some states allow you to transfer your license to a new state while it is still in interim form, while others require you to wait for the permanent license to arrive first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my interim license to rent a car?
Most car rental companies will accept an interim license as long as it is a valid government-issued photo ID and shows your driver's license number. Call the rental company in advance to confirm their policy, as some may require a permanent license or may charge an additional fee for interim licenses. Bring your interim license and a credit card in your name.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving with an interim license?
An interim license is a valid legal document, and law enforcement will recognize it as proof of licensure. Present it along with your vehicle registration and insurance card, just as you would with a permanent license. The officer may ask questions about it if they are unfamiliar with your state's format, but there is no penalty for driving with an interim license.
Can I renew my license again if my permanent license has not arrived yet?
No. Once you have completed a license transaction and received an interim license, you cannot renew or update your license again until your permanent license arrives. If you need to make changes (such as correcting your address), you will have to wait for the permanent license and then explore for an update.
Is an interim license the same as a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit is issued to someone learning to drive and comes with restrictions, such as requiring a licensed adult in the vehicle. An interim license has the same full driving privileges as a permanent license and is issued after you have passed your road test or renewed an existing license.
What should I do with my interim license once my permanent license arrives?
Once your permanent license arrives, you can discard your interim license or keep it for your records. There is no need to return it to the DMV. Start carrying your permanent license instead, as it is the official document. If you want to keep the interim license as a backup, store it safely at home.