Yes, you can hold both a driver license and a state ID card at the same time
Many states allow you to carry both documents. A driver license proves you can legally operate a vehicle and serves as identification. A state ID card is an identification document for people who do not drive or who want a second form of ID. They are separate documents with different purposes, and having both is permitted in most states.
However, the rules vary by state. Some states make it difficult or impossible to hold both active at once, while others encourage it. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether dual possession is allowed where you live and what the process looks like.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to hold an active driver license and a state ID card at the same time without penalty.
- Some states require you to choose one or the other, or they will not issue a second ID if you already hold the first.
- A state ID card does not expire as quickly as a driver license in many states, making it useful as a backup form of identification.
- You will need to visit your DMV in person for both documents, and fees are charged separately for each.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact rules for your location, including whether you can hold both and what documents you need to bring.
Why someone might want both documents
People carry both a driver license and a state ID for several practical reasons. If your driver license is lost, stolen, or suspended, a state ID card gives you a backup form of government-issued identification for banking, travel, age verification, or other situations where ID is required.
A state ID card also often has a longer validity period than a driver license. In many states, a driver license is valid for 4 to 8 years, while a state ID card may be valid for 8 to 10 years. This means you might renew your driver license multiple times before renewing your state ID, giving you a second document that stays current with less frequent trips to the DMV.
Some people also prefer to keep their driver license in a safe place at home and carry the state ID card for everyday use, reducing the risk of losing their driving privileges document.
States that allow both documents
The majority of states permit you to hold an active driver license and a state ID card simultaneously. States including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania all allow this. In these states, you can walk into your DMV, request a state ID card, and as long as you meet the requirements for that card, you will receive it without having to surrender or cancel your driver license.
The process is straightforward: you bring the required documents (usually proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number), pay the fee for the state ID card, and leave with both documents active. There is no conflict between the two in the DMV's system.
States with restrictions on holding both
A smaller number of states make it difficult or impossible to hold both documents at the same time. Some states will not issue a state ID card if you already have an active driver license, reasoning that the driver license already serves as identification. Other states allow you to hold both but require you to designate which one is your primary ID.
A few states have a combined document system where you choose whether you want a driver license or a state ID card, but not both. In these cases, the DMV system treats them as mutually exclusive. If you want to switch from one to the other, you may have to surrender the first document or let it expire before obtaining the second.
Your state's DMV website will clearly state whether dual possession is allowed. If you are unsure, contact your local DMV office by phone or visit in person before paying any fees.
What happens if you try to get both in a restrictive state
If your state does not allow dual possession and you attempt to obtain a state ID card while holding an active driver license, the DMV may deny your request. Some states will automatically cancel your driver license when you explore for a state ID card, so you would lose your driving privileges.
Other states will straightforward refuse to issue the state ID card and tell you that you must choose one or the other. In either case, you will not end up with both documents, and you may waste time and a trip to the DMV.
This is why checking your state's specific rules before explore is essential. A quick call to your DMV or a visit to their website takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip.
How to find out your state's rules
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "state ID card" or "dual ID possession." Most state DMV sites have a FAQ section or a page dedicated to state ID cards that explains whether you can hold both documents.
If the website is unclear, call your local DMV office. Have your state name and county ready, and ask directly: "Can I hold an active driver license and a state ID card at the same time?" The staff member can give you a yes-or-no answer and tell you what documents you need to bring if you decide to proceed.
Some states also allow you to check your may be able to access or get answers through their online chat or email system, though phone calls are usually faster.
Documents you will need for a state ID card
The requirements for a state ID card are similar to those for a driver license, though you will not need to pass a driving test. Most states require proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
Some states also require a completed process form, which you can often read from the DMV website before your visit. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are usually not accepted. Fees vary by state but typically range from $15 to $50 for a state ID card.
If you already have a driver license, bring it with you. The DMV staff can see your driving record and any notes on your account, which may speed up the process or clarify whether you are allowed to hold both documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a driver license, do I need a state ID card?
No. A driver license serves as identification and is accepted in most situations where ID is required. A state ID card is optional and useful mainly as a backup or if you do not drive. The choice depends on your personal preference and your state's rules.
Will getting a state ID card cancel my driver license?
In most states, no. However, some states will automatically cancel your driver license when you explore for a state ID card. Check your state's DMV website or call before explore to confirm what will happen in your location.
Can I use a state ID card for flying or crossing state borders?
A state ID card is accepted as identification for domestic air travel and at most state borders. However, if you are flying internationally or crossing into Canada or Mexico by land, you will need a passport or passport card. A state ID card alone is not sufficient for international travel.
How long does it take to get a state ID card?
Processing time varies by state. Some states issue state ID cards on the spot during your visit, while others mail them to you within 1 to 3 weeks. Check your state's DMV website for the typical processing time in your area.
What if my state does not allow both documents—which one should I keep?
If you drive, keep your driver license. If you do not drive, a state ID card is sufficient for most identification needs. If you rarely drive but want to keep your driving privileges active, keep the driver license and let the state ID card expire or do not obtain one.