A driver's license is a government-issued ID card that proves you can legally drive a vehicle
A driver's license is an official document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) that shows you have passed a written test and a driving test, and that you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It includes your photograph, signature, date of birth, address, and a unique license number.
When you see "driver's license" listed as a requirement for a program, the program is usually asking for it as a form of identification — not because you need to be able to drive. The license serves as proof that you are who you say you are, that you live where you claim to live, and that your identity has been verified by a government agency.
Many information programs ask for a driver's license because it is one of the most common forms of government-issued photo ID in the United States. If you do not have a driver's license, you may be able to use other documents instead, depending on the program's rules.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license is a state-issued ID card that proves you passed a driving test and can legally drive; programs ask for it mainly as proof of identity, not because you need to drive.
- Your driver's license includes your photo, signature, date of birth, address, and license number, all of which help programs verify who you are.
- If you do not have a driver's license, most programs will accept other government-issued photo IDs such as a state ID card, passport, or tribal ID.
- A driver's license expires and must be renewed; an expired license may or may not be accepted depending on the program's rules.
- You can obtain a driver's license by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, passing a written test and a driving test, and paying a fee.
Why Programs Ask for a Driver's License
Programs ask for a driver's license because it is a reliable way to confirm your identity and your current address. The license has been issued by a government agency after you provided proof of citizenship or legal residency, so the program can trust that the information on it is real.
The program is not checking whether you can drive. It is checking that you are a real person, that you live where you say you live, and that you are the person filling out the form. A driver's license does all three of those things in one document.
What Information Is on a Driver's License
Your driver's license displays your full name, date of birth, current address, a photograph of your face, your signature, your license number (which is unique to you), your eye color, height, and the date the license expires. Some states also include your Social Security number on the back.
The license also shows what class of vehicle you are permitted to drive (for example, a regular car, a motorcycle, or a commercial truck). This information is not relevant to most information programs — they only care that the ID is valid and that the photo and name match you.
How to Get a Driver's License
To obtain a driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The exact documents required vary by state.
At the DMV, you will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you will take a practical driving test with an examiner. If you pass both tests, you pay a fee (which ranges by state, typically between $20 and $100 for a first license) and receive your license.
The entire process usually takes a few hours if you pass both tests on your first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the tests after a waiting period, which varies by state.
Other Forms of ID That Programs May Accept Instead
If you do not have a driver's license, most programs will accept other government-issued photo IDs. These include a state ID card (issued by the DMV for people who do not drive), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a permanent resident card (green card).
Some programs may also accept a non-driver state ID, which is similar to a driver's license but does not include driving privileges. You can obtain a non-driver state ID from your DMV using the same documents you would need for a driver's license, and it serves the same identification purpose.
Before you explore for a program, check the program's list of accepted documents. If you do not have a driver's license, call the program directly and ask which other forms of ID they will take. This can save you time and effort.
What to Do If Your Driver's License Is Expired
An expired driver's license may or may not be accepted by a program, depending on the program's rules. Some programs accept expired IDs as long as the photo and name are still recognizable and match your current information. Other programs require a valid, non-expired ID.
If your license is expired and you need it for a program, you can renew it at your DMV. Renewal is usually faster than obtaining a new license — you may be able to renew by mail or online in some states, or you can visit the DMV in person. The renewal fee is typically lower than the fee for a new license.
If you are unsure whether your expired license will be accepted, contact the program before you submit your documents. If it will not be accepted, you have time to renew your license before your important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a driver's license?
No. Programs require an official government-issued photo ID because it has been verified by a government agency. A photo on your phone has not been verified and does not prove your identity. You will need to provide an actual ID document.
What if I lost my driver's license?
You can obtain a replacement at your DMV. Bring proof of identity and proof of your address, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is usually lower than the fee for a new license, and you may be able to get a replacement the same day.
Do I need a driver's license if I do not drive?
You do not need a driver's license to live or work, but many programs ask for one as a form of ID. If you do not drive, you can obtain a state ID card from your DMV instead, which serves the same identification purpose and is accepted by most programs.
Can I use my passport instead of a driver's license?
Yes, in most cases. A U.S. passport is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted by most programs as proof of identity. Check the program's list of accepted documents to be sure, or call the program to ask.
How long does a driver's license last?
Driver's licenses typically expire every four to eight years, depending on your state and your age. You will receive a notice from your DMV before your license expires, telling you when and how to renew it. Renewal is usually simpler and faster than obtaining a new license.