Documents and identification you'll bring to the DMV

To get a driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs accept a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — something with your name and current address on it.

Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof of your number, though some states also accept a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. Bring the originals, not copies, unless the DMV website says otherwise. Many states now let you check their document list online before you go, which saves a trip back home.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel documents along with your birth certificate. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security card or equivalent document.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts, and checking before you go prevents a wasted trip.
  • If your name differs on any of your documents, bring proof of the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, plus a vision test and a driving test with an examiner.
  • Fees range from about $20 to $50 depending on your state and how long the license is valid.

The written test and what it covers

The written test asks about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to your state. Most states let you study a free handbook on their DMV website — read it and read through it before your appointment. The test usually has 30 to 50 questions, and you need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent depending on the state.

Questions cover things like speed limits in school zones, what a yellow light means, how to handle a four-way stop, and what to do if a police officer pulls you over. Some states offer the test in multiple languages. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

Vision and driving tests

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the DMV. The examiner checks whether you can read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If your vision does not meet the standard, you will not pass that part, and you cannot move forward until it does.

The driving test comes last. An examiner sits in the car with you while you drive a set route, usually around 10 to 15 minutes. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure. Most states let you retake the driving test within a few days if you do not pass the first time.

Age requirements and restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old in most states to get a driver's license, though some states allow a learner's permit at 14 or 15. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, usually a parent or guardian. You hold the permit for a set period — often 6 months to a year — before you can take the driving test for a full license.

Some states have graduated licensing laws that restrict new drivers under 18. These might limit the number of passengers you can carry, ban driving between certain hours at night, or require a supervising adult in the car. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rules where you live.

Fees and how long a license lasts

Driver's license fees vary widely by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a standard license. Some states charge more if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A few states charge extra for a license that is valid for longer — typically 4, 6, or 8 years depending on the state.

When you renew your license after it expires, you usually do not have to retake the tests unless your state requires it for drivers over a certain age. Renewal fees are often lower than the original license fee. Many states now let you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired yet.

What to do if you have a criminal record or suspended license

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver's license. Most states do not run a criminal background check as part of the license process. However, if your license was suspended or revoked — usually for unpaid traffic tickets, driving under the influence, or reckless driving — you cannot get a new one until the suspension period ends and you have met any other requirements, such as paying fines or completing a safety course.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call your state's DMV or check their website. Some states have an online tool where you can look up your driving record. If there is a suspension, ask the DMV what steps you need to take to clear it before you explore for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

It depends on your state. Some states require a Social Security number, while others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or will issue a license without one. Contact your state's DMV to find out what documents you can use instead.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The process takes one to four weeks depending on the state. In the meantime, some DMVs accept a passport or passport card as proof of identity instead.

Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

Most states waive the driving test if you transfer a license from another state, but you still have to pass the written test on that state's traffic laws. A few states waive both tests if your out-of-state license is current and you have held it for a certain amount of time — usually at least one year.

How many times can I retake the driving test?

Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though some limit you to three or four attempts before you have to wait a set period — usually 30 days — before trying again. Check your state's DMV rules for the specific limit.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get a license until your vision meets the standard. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you wear them during the test. If your vision still does not pass, you may need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription before you try again.