DD stands for "Designated Driver" and marks you as someone who has agreed not to drink alcohol
DD on your driver's license is a voluntary notation that identifies you as a designated driver. When you request it, you are telling the state that you have committed to remaining sober when driving. The marking appears on your license itself — usually as a code or endorsement depending on your state — so that bartenders, servers, and others can see at a glance that you are the one in your group who will not be drinking.
The program exists in most U.S. states, though the exact name and how it appears on your license varies. Some states call it "DD," others use "Designated Driver," and a few use different codes entirely. The core idea is the same: you volunteer for the role, your license shows it, and you get certain perks — usually free or discounted non-alcoholic drinks at participating bars and restaurants.
This is not a legal requirement. You do not need DD on your license to be a designated driver. It is purely optional, and many people drive sober without ever requesting the notation. The main benefit is that it makes your commitment visible and often comes with real discounts at establishments that participate in the program.
Key Takeaways
- DD is a voluntary marking on your driver's license that shows you have agreed to be a designated driver and not drink alcohol.
- The marking is recognized by bars and restaurants, which often offer free or discounted non-alcoholic beverages to people with DD on their license.
- Each state runs its own DD program with different rules, so what qualifies you in one state may differ from another.
- You can request DD when you renew your license or explore for a new one at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
How DD appears on your license and what it looks like
The physical appearance of DD on your license depends on your state. In some states, it is printed as a straightforward two-letter code in a designated field on the front or back of the card. In others, it may appear as a full endorsement or restriction line that reads "Designated Driver" or similar language. A few states use a special symbol or color-coded marking instead of text.
The placement also varies. Some states put it near the top of the license, others near the bottom, and some include it in the restrictions or endorsements section alongside things like corrective lenses or motorcycle limitations. When you receive your license with DD on it, you should be able to see it clearly without having to look for it — it is meant to be visible to anyone checking your ID.
If you are unsure whether your state uses DD or what it looks like, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will show sample licenses or describe where the marking appears. You can also ask when you visit in person or call their customer service line.
How to request DD on your driver's license
The process for requesting DD is straightforward and happens at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. In most states, you can request it when you renew your license, explore for a new one, or sometimes through a separate request form. Some states allow you to add it without renewing — you may be able to request a replacement license with DD added for a small fee or no fee at all.
When you go to the DMV, tell the staff member that you want DD added to your license. You will likely need to sign a form or statement confirming that you understand what DD means and that you are committing to not drinking alcohol when you drive. Some states require you to be a certain age — usually 18 or 21 — though most allow anyone with a valid license to request it.
Bring your current license, proof of identity, and any other documents your state requires for a license renewal or replacement. Processing times vary by state, but you should receive your new license with DD on it within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner.
Which states offer DD and what the programs include
DD programs exist in most states, but not all. States that offer it include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. However, this list changes, and some states may have discontinued their programs or added new ones, so check your state's DMV website to confirm.
The perks tied to DD vary widely. Many participating bars and restaurants offer free non-alcoholic drinks — water, soda, coffee, juice, or mocktails — to anyone showing a DD license. Some establishments offer discounts on food or other items as well. The specific offers depend on which businesses in your area have signed up for the program, so the benefits you receive will differ based on where you live and which establishments participate.
Some states also partner with insurance companies or other organizations to offer additional perks, such as discounts on car insurance or entry fees to events. Check your state's DMV website or the official DD program page to see what is available in your area and which businesses participate.
The commitment behind DD and what it means legally
When you request DD on your license, you are making a public commitment to not drink alcohol when you drive. This is a voluntary pledge, not a legal contract, but it carries real meaning. If you are stopped by law enforcement and found to be driving under the influence, having DD on your license could be viewed negatively — it shows you made a commitment and broke it. This could influence how an officer or prosecutor views your case, though it does not change the legal charges or penalties you would face.
DD does not give you any legal protection or immunity. If you drive impaired, you can still be arrested, charged, and convicted of driving under the influence just like anyone else. The marking is purely informational and motivational — it is meant to reinforce your own commitment and make it visible to others.
Some people use DD as a way to hold themselves accountable. By having it on their license, they feel more committed to staying sober when driving. Others use it straightforward to get the free drinks at bars. Either way, the legal and safety implications are the same: DD is a statement of intent, not a legal status.
Removing DD from your license if you change your mind
If you no longer want DD on your license, you can request to have it removed. The process is similar to adding it: visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and ask to remove the DD notation. You may need to fill out a form or straightforward tell the staff member that you want it taken off. In most states, this can be done at the same time as a license renewal or replacement, or sometimes as a separate request.
Some states charge a small fee to remove DD, while others do it for free. Processing times are typically the same as for adding it — two to four weeks for a new license. If you want to remove it without waiting for a renewal, you can usually request a replacement license with the DD notation removed for a fee.
There is no penalty for removing DD, and you do not need to provide a reason. It is entirely your choice whether to keep it or take it off.
DD versus other license markings and endorsements
DD is different from other markings on your license, such as restrictions or endorsements. A restriction — like "corrective lenses required" — is something you must follow by law. An endorsement — like "motorcycle" — means you have passed an additional test and are allowed to operate that vehicle type. DD is neither. It is a voluntary notation that has no legal force and does not restrict or expand what you are allowed to do.
Other voluntary markings exist on some licenses, such as organ donor status or veteran status. Like DD, these are optional and do not change your legal rights or responsibilities. They are straightforward information that appears on your license for identification or recognition purposes.
If you are confused about what any marking on your license means, your state's DMV website will explain each one. You can also call the DMV directly or visit in person to ask about specific codes or notations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having DD on my license mean I cannot drink at all?
DD means you commit to not drinking when you are driving. You can drink at other times — the marking only applies to when you are behind the wheel. The point is to identify you as the sober driver in your group when you go out.
Can I get DD if I have a DUI or other driving offense on my record?
Most states do not prohibit people with DUI convictions from requesting DD, but policies vary. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether your specific situation disqualifies you. Some states may require a waiting period after a conviction before you can request it.
What happens if I am caught driving impaired with DD on my license?
Having DD on your license does not change the legal penalties for driving under the influence. You would face the same charges and consequences as anyone else. However, the fact that you made a public commitment to sobriety could be noted in your case and may influence how prosecutors or judges view your actions.
Do I have to use DD if I request it?
No. DD is entirely voluntary. You can request it and then choose whether or not to use it when you go out. You can also remove it at any time without penalty or explanation.
How long does DD stay on my license?
DD remains on your license until you request to have it removed or until your license expires and you renew it without requesting DD again. There is no time limit — it stays as long as you want it to.