What a temporary license is and when you need one
A temporary license is a short-term driving permit issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. It lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail, or while you complete the steps to get a full license. The document is usually printed on paper or cardstock and is valid for a set number of days — often 30 to 90 days, depending on your state.
You receive a temporary license in two main situations. First, when you pass your written test and road test at the DMV and are approved for a license, but the physical card hasn't been printed and mailed yet. Second, when you renew an expiring license and the DMV issues you a temporary one while your new card is being produced. Some states also issue temporary licenses to people who have lost or damaged their permanent license and need to drive while waiting for a replacement.
The temporary license serves as proof that you are legally permitted to drive. Police will recognize it as valid identification if you are stopped. However, it is not a substitute for having your permanent license — you must carry it with you every time you drive, just as you would a regular license.
Key Takeaways
- A temporary license is issued on paper or cardstock and is valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.
- You receive a temporary license after passing your driving test, renewing your license, or replacing a lost or damaged one.
- The temporary license is legally valid for driving and must be carried with you at all times, just like a permanent license.
- Your state's DMV will tell you the exact expiration date when you receive your temporary license.
- Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid and should be discarded.
Getting a temporary license after passing your driving test
When you pass both the written knowledge test and the road test at your DMV, you do not leave with a permanent license card that day. Instead, the examiner or clerk will issue you a temporary license on the spot. This document has your name, photo (if one was taken), license number, and an expiration date printed on it.
The temporary license is valid when ready. You can drive home from the DMV, to work, or anywhere else you need to go while you wait for your permanent card. Your state will mail the permanent card to the address you provided during your test — this usually takes one to three weeks, though timing varies by state and by how busy the DMV is.
Keep your temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the DMV and request a replacement. Some states charge a small fee for a replacement temporary license; others do not.
Getting a temporary license when you renew
When your current license is about to expire and you renew it at the DMV — either in person or online, depending on your state — you may receive a temporary license if you renew in person. The DMV will print it for you before you leave. If you renew online or by mail, your state may mail a temporary license along with your process confirmation, or it may skip the temporary step and mail only your permanent card.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether temporary licenses are issued during renewal in your state. Some states stopped printing them because permanent cards now arrive faster than they used to. If your state does not issue a temporary license during renewal, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving without interruption.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your permanent license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at your DMV. Some states will issue you a temporary license on the spot so you can drive while the replacement card is being made. Other states will not — they may tell you that you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives, or they may issue a paper document that serves as a temporary permit.
The rules and fees for replacement vary significantly by state. Contact your state's DMV directly or check their website to find out what to expect. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) when you go in person. If your license was stolen, you may also need to file a police report, depending on your state's rules.
How long a temporary license lasts
The expiration date of your temporary license is printed on the document itself. Most temporary licenses are valid for 30, 60, or 90 days from the date of issue — the exact length depends on your state and the reason you received it. Your state's DMV will tell you the specific date when you receive the temporary license.
Do not assume your permanent card will arrive before the temporary license expires. If your permanent card has not arrived by the expiration date, contact your state's DMV when ready. They can issue you another temporary license, or they can investigate whether your permanent card was lost in the mail. In rare cases, you may need to return to the DMV in person to resolve the delay.
What you can and cannot do with a temporary license
A temporary license allows you to drive anywhere within your state and, in most cases, across state lines. It is valid for all types of driving — commuting to work, running errands, driving for rideshare or delivery services (if you meet the other requirements), and so on. Police will recognize it as a valid license if you are stopped.
However, a temporary license cannot be used to rent a car from most rental agencies. Many car rental companies require a permanent, plastic license card. Some rental companies have exceptions for temporary licenses, but you should call ahead to ask. A temporary license also cannot be used to board a domestic flight — the TSA requires a Real ID-compliant permanent license or another approved form of identification.
If you are asked to show your license and you have only a temporary one, explain that your permanent card is on the way. In most everyday situations — driving, shopping, banking — a temporary license is accepted without question.
What happens when your permanent license arrives
When your permanent license card arrives in the mail, your temporary license is no longer valid. You should destroy the temporary license or discard it safely. Some people keep it as a record, but it has no legal value once the permanent card is in your possession.
Your permanent license will have the same license number, name, and address as your temporary license (unless you requested a change of address). The permanent card is valid for the length of time set by your state — typically four to eight years for a standard driver's license, depending on your age and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with a temporary license?
Yes, in most cases. A temporary license is recognized as a valid driver's license across state lines. However, if you are pulled over, the officer may ask questions about why you have a temporary license rather than a permanent one. Carry it with you at all times when driving, just as you would a permanent license.
What do I do if my temporary license expires before my permanent card arrives?
Contact your state's DMV right away. They can issue you another temporary license to cover the gap, or they can investigate whether your permanent card was lost in the mail. Do not drive without a valid license. Call the DMV phone number on your temporary license or visit their website to find out how to reach them.
Can I use a temporary license to fly on an airplane?
No. The TSA does not accept temporary licenses for domestic flights. You will need a Real ID-compliant permanent driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another approved form of identification. Check the TSA website for the full list of acceptable documents.
Do I have to carry my temporary license with me while driving?
Yes. A temporary license is your proof of legal driving permission, just like a permanent license. You must carry it with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce it, you may be cited for driving without a license, even though you are legally licensed.
What if I lose my temporary license before my permanent one arrives?
Return to your DMV and request a replacement. Some states charge a small fee; others do not. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity. The DMV will issue you another temporary license on the spot. Do not drive without one — you need proof of your license at all times.