What You Need Before You Start
A permit, driver license, or non-driver ID card each require different documents, and you cannot use one process form for all three. The state motor vehicle department (called the DMV in most states, but the Secretary of State's office or Department of Transportation in others) handles all three, but the documents you bring and the tests you take are different for each one.
Before you go to the office or start an online request, gather your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. These three categories are what every state requires, though the specific documents accepted vary. A driver license or permit also requires a medical form if you are over a certain age in some states, and a non-driver ID never does.
Check your state's motor vehicle website first — most now let you see exactly which documents they accept and whether you can start the process online. Some states let you submit documents by mail or upload them; others require you to appear in person. Knowing this before you arrive saves a trip back.
Key Takeaways
- A permit lets you drive with a licensed adult; a driver license lets you drive alone; a non-driver ID is for identification only and does not let you drive.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of where you live, and proof of your Social Security number — the exact documents accepted depend on your state.
- Most states require you to pass a written test for a permit or driver license, and a road test for a driver license, but not for a non-driver ID.
- Some states let you start the process online or by mail, but most require at least one in-person visit to provide fingerprints or a photo.
- Fees range widely by state and by document type, and some states charge extra if you need a replacement or if you are under 18.
Getting a Learner's Permit
A learner's permit (also called a learner's license or instruction permit) lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You do not need a permit to get a driver license — some states skip the permit step — but most require it, and it is the safer way to start if you are a new driver.
To get a permit, bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your state's motor vehicle office. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs; the test is usually multiple choice and you can study the manual online or pick one up at the office. Most states let you take the test on a computer at the office itself, and you get your result the same day.
If you pass, you pay the permit fee (usually $20 to $50, but varies by state) and receive a temporary permit on paper or a card. Some states mail the official permit; others give it to you on the spot. A permit is usually good for one to three years, depending on your state and your age.
Getting a Driver License
A driver license lets you drive alone. To get one, you usually start with a permit (though some states let you skip this step if you are over 18), hold it for a set time, then pass a road test. The road test is the step most people worry about — you drive an examiner's car or your own car on public roads for 10 to 30 minutes while an examiner watches and scores you.
Before you schedule the road test, check whether your state requires a medical form. Some states require one if you are over 65 or if you have certain medical conditions; others do not require one at all. If your state does, your doctor fills it out and you bring it with you. The form is usually free or low-cost from your doctor.
When you pass the road test, you pay the driver license fee (usually $30 to $100) and receive a temporary license on paper. The official card arrives by mail within two to four weeks. A driver license is usually good for four to eight years, depending on your state and age.
Getting a Non-Driver ID Card
A non-driver ID card is for identification only — it does not let you drive. It looks like a driver license and is accepted at banks, airports, and other places that ask for ID. You do not take any test to get one, and you do not need a permit first.
Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your state's motor vehicle office. You will have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded (in most states). You pay the ID card fee (usually $15 to $40) and receive a temporary card on the spot or by mail. The official card arrives within two to four weeks.
A non-driver ID is useful if you do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID, or if you want a backup ID in case your driver license is lost or suspended. Some states let you renew a non-driver ID by mail or online; others require you to appear in person.
What Documents to Bring
Every state requires three types of proof: identity, residency, and Social Security number. The documents that count for each category vary, so check your state's website before you go.
Proof of identity usually means a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID. Some states accept a school ID or employee ID if it has your photo and date of birth. A Social Security card by itself does not count as proof of identity in most states.
Proof of residency usually means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Some states accept a piece of mail from a government agency. A bill must usually be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. A PO box does not count as a residence address in most states.
Proof of Social Security number usually means your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, some states let you use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
If you are under 18, some states require a parent or guardian to sign the process or appear with you in person. Check your state's rules for minors before you go.
How to Submit Your process
Most states now let you start the process online or by mail, but the final step almost always requires you to appear in person at a motor vehicle office. You cannot get a photo taken or fingerprints recorded remotely.
If your state offers an online start, you usually create an account, fill out the form, upload photos of your documents, and pay the fee by credit card. The system tells you whether your documents are acceptable before you submit. You then receive an appointment time to visit the office in person, or you are told to come in during walk-in hours.
If you prefer to start by mail, read the process form from your state's website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the fee. Some states process mail applications and mail you a temporary document; others ask you to come in person after they receive your process.
Walk-in visits are usually possible but may have a long wait, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Many states now let you book an appointment online, which cuts the wait to 15 to 30 minutes. If your state offers appointments, book one.
Fees and How Long It Takes
Fees vary widely by state and by document type. A learner's permit usually costs $20 to $50. A driver license usually costs $30 to $100. A non-driver ID usually costs $15 to $40. Some states charge extra if you are under 18, if you need a replacement, or if you want a Real ID-compliant card (which is required for federal buildings and flights).
Processing time also varies. If you pass your test at the office, you usually get a temporary document the same day and the official card by mail within two to four weeks. If you explore by mail, add one to two weeks for the state to receive and process your process before you come in for your photo and test.
A road test for a driver license can take weeks to schedule in busy areas, so do not wait until the last minute if you need a license by a certain date. Some states let you book a road test appointment online; others use a phone line or require you to book in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license without a permit first?
It depends on your state and your age. Most states require a permit first if you are under 18, but let you skip it if you are 18 or older. A few states require a permit for everyone. Check your state's rules on its motor vehicle website.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some states let you use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for a number. Call your state's motor vehicle office to ask what documents they accept in your situation.
Do I need a medical form to get a driver license?
Most states do not require one, but some require one if you are over 65 or if you have certain medical conditions like epilepsy or vision problems. Check your state's website or call the office to find out whether you need one.
What happens if I fail the written test or road test?
You can usually take the test again after a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state. You may have to pay the test fee again. Some states let you retake the test the same day; others require you to wait and book a new appointment.
Can I renew my permit, driver license, or ID card by mail or online?
Many states let you renew by mail or online if your document is not expired and you have not had a major change (like a new address or medical condition). Some states require you to appear in person every other renewal. Check your state's website when your document is about to expire.