Most states have moved away from black and white licenses, but a few still issue them

No U.S. state currently issues a standard black and white driver's license as its primary form of identification. All 50 states and U.S. territories now use color in their standard driver's licenses, though the specific colors and designs vary widely by state.

The shift to color licenses happened gradually over several decades. States began transitioning in the 1980s and 1990s as color printing technology became affordable and as federal security standards pushed for more distinctive, harder-to-counterfeit designs. By the early 2000s, black and white licenses had largely disappeared from regular issuance.

If you have encountered what appears to be a black and white license, it was likely issued many years ago and is now expired or close to expiration. Some older licenses may still be in circulation if their holders have not yet renewed, but these are no longer valid for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • All 50 states now issue color driver's licenses; no state issues black and white as standard.
  • The transition to color licenses occurred between the 1980s and early 2000s for security and identification purposes.
  • Any black and white license still in use is expired or very old and will not meet federal Real ID requirements.
  • If you hold an old black and white license, you will need to renew it to get a current color license that meets federal standards.

Why states switched to color licenses

Color printing made licenses harder to forge. Black and white licenses could be reproduced relatively easily with standard photocopiers and printers, especially before modern security features became standard. Adding color, along with holograms, watermarks, and microprinting, raised the cost and complexity of counterfeiting.

Federal regulations also pushed the change. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, set minimum security standards that all state licenses had to meet to be accepted for federal purposes. These standards included color printing, machine-readable zones, and specific security features. States that did not comply by the important date could not issue licenses that would be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities.

Color also made licenses more visually distinctive. A person reviewing a license can now quickly spot whether it is from their state or another state based on the color scheme and design. This helps law enforcement and businesses verify that a license is legitimate.

What happened to old black and white licenses

Licenses issued decades ago are no longer valid for most purposes. State motor vehicle departments stopped issuing black and white licenses in the 1990s and early 2000s, depending on the state. If you still have one, it has almost certainly expired.

Even if an old black and white license has not technically expired according to its printed date, it will not be accepted for federal purposes. Banks, airlines, and federal buildings will reject it because it does not meet REAL ID standards. Some private businesses may also refuse to accept it as proof of identity.

If you need to use your license for any official purpose, you will need to renew it through your state's motor vehicle department. The renewal process varies by state but typically involves visiting a local office, providing proof of identity and residency, and paying a renewal fee. Your new license will be in color and will meet current federal standards.

How to renew an expired or old license

Contact your state's motor vehicle department or equivalent agency. Most states now allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person. The specific process depends on your state and how long it has been since your license expired.

You will typically need to provide proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Some states also require a new photo. Fees vary by state but usually range from $20 to $100 for a standard renewal.

If your license has been expired for a very long time, your state may require you to take a written test or vision test again, or both. Check your state's specific requirements before you go in, as they vary significantly.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for your license

The REAL ID Act requires that any driver's license or identification card used for federal purposes meet specific security and design standards. These include color printing, a machine-readable zone on the back, a security hologram, and other anti-counterfeiting features.

As of May 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A black and white license from decades ago will not meet this requirement, even if it were somehow still valid.

When you renew your license, ask your state's motor vehicle department whether the new license will be REAL ID-compliant. In most states, standard driver's licenses are now REAL ID-compliant by default. Some states issue a separate "REAL ID" designation on the license itself, while others do not mark it but still comply with the standards.

State-by-state license colors and designs

Every state uses a different color scheme and design for its driver's license. Some common colors include blue (used by many states), green, gold, and red. The specific colors and designs change periodically as states update their licenses for security reasons or to refresh their appearance.

If you are trying to verify whether a license is from a particular state, the color and design are usually the first clues. However, color alone is not enough to verify authenticity, since counterfeits can also use color. Look for security features like holograms, watermarks, and the state seal.

Your state's motor vehicle department website will show you what the current standard license looks like for your state. If you are unsure whether your license meets current standards, you can compare it to the image on your state's website or ask at a local motor vehicle office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a black and white driver's license for anything?

A black and white license that is expired cannot be used for any official purpose. Even if it were not expired, it would not meet federal standards and would be rejected for air travel, federal building entry, or bank transactions. You will need to renew it to get a current color license.

Do any territories or special jurisdictions still issue black and white licenses?

No. All U.S. states and territories, including U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico, now issue color licenses. The federal REAL ID standards explore to all of them.

What if I lost my old black and white license and need a replacement?

Contact your state's motor vehicle department to request a replacement or renewal. Since the license is old, you will receive a new color license that meets current standards. You will need to provide proof of identity and residency, and you may need to pay a replacement fee.

Are black and white licenses worth anything to collectors?

Some people collect old licenses as historical items, but they have no legal value and cannot be used for identification. If you have an old license you want to keep for sentimental reasons, you can do so, but you will still need a current license for any official use.