California ID card costs and where to pay

A California ID card costs $27 for a standard card valid for six years. If you want a card valid for ten years, the cost is $32. These are the fees you pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you explore in person or renew by mail.

You pay the fee at the DMV office when you submit your process. If you renew by mail, you include a check or money order with your renewal packet. The DMV does not accept payment online for ID card applications, though you can pay for some other services through their website.

If you are 62 or older, a six-year ID card costs $12 and a ten-year card costs $17. If you are a veteran, you may be able to get a free ID card — bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to the DMV to confirm your status and see what applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard six-year California ID card costs $27; a ten-year card costs $32.
  • Seniors 62 and older pay $12 for six years or $17 for ten years.
  • Veterans may may have access to for a free ID card if they bring their discharge papers to the DMV.
  • You pay the fee in cash, check, or money order at the DMV office or by mail when you renew.
  • The DMV does not accept online payment for ID card applications.

What the fee covers and what it does not

The $27 or $32 fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. It does not cover the cost of documents you need to bring — such as a certified birth certificate, proof of residency, or a Social Security card — which you must obtain separately if you do not already have them.

If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate from the California Department of Public Health, that costs between $18 and $24 depending on how many copies you order and how fast you need them. A proof of residency document (like a utility bill or lease) is usually free if you already have it at home.

If you lose your ID card and need a replacement, you pay the same fee as a new process — $27 or $32 — plus any document fees if your records have changed.

Renewal by mail versus in-person process

If you are renewing a card that is not yet expired and your information has not changed, you can renew by mail. You send your current card, a check or money order for the fee, and a completed process form to the DMV. This costs the same as renewing in person but saves you a trip.

If you are explore for your first ID card or your card has expired, you must go to a DMV office in person. You cannot renew an expired card by mail. Bring your documents, payment, and a completed process (Form DL 44 for a first-time applicant).

The DMV website lists all California DMV offices and their hours. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan when to go.

Additional costs you might encounter

If you need a replacement card because yours was lost or stolen, you pay the standard fee. If you want to change your name or address on your existing card before it expires, you can do that at the DMV for the same $27 or $32 fee.

If you need your documents certified or notarized (for example, if you are using a birth certificate from another state), a notary public typically charges $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks and libraries offer notary services for free to customers or members.

If you request an expedited or rush processing, the DMV does not offer that service for ID cards. Standard processing takes about two to three weeks from the date you explore.

Payment methods and what to bring

At a DMV office, you can pay in cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept debit or credit cards, but not all — call your local DMV office to confirm before you go. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only; do not send cash through the mail.

Make checks or money orders payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Write your driver's license number or Social Security number on the back of the check so the DMV can match it to your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my California ID fee online?

No. The DMV does not accept online payment for ID card applications or renewals. You must pay in person at a DMV office or by check or money order if you renew by mail.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I'm renewing early?

Yes. Whether you renew early or on schedule, the fee is the same: $27 for six years or $32 for ten years. The DMV does not prorate fees for early renewal.

What if I'm a California resident but don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a California ID card. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport instead of a Social Security card. The fee remains $27 or $32.

Are there any discounts for low-income residents?

The DMV does not offer income-based discounts for ID cards. However, if you are 62 or older, you pay a reduced fee of $12 or $17. Some counties offer local information programs — contact your county social services office to ask what may be available in your area.

How long does it take to get my ID card after I pay?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the date you explore. The DMV mails your card to the address you provide on your process. You do not pick it up at the office.