Government-Issued Photo ID: The Documents That Work

A government-issued photo ID is any document created by a federal, state, or local government agency that includes your photograph and is used to verify who you are. The most common examples are a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. These documents are accepted almost everywhere because they come from an official source and are harder to forge than other forms of identification.

When a program or agency asks for government-issued photo ID, they want proof that you are the person you claim to be. The ID must show your face clearly, your name, and usually an expiration date. Some programs will accept expired IDs if they are only a few years past the expiration date, though this varies by program.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the most widely accepted form of government photo ID.
  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe all count as government-issued photo ID.
  • Military ID cards, including dependent ID cards, are accepted by most programs as government-issued photo ID.
  • Some programs accept expired IDs if they expired within the last few years, but you should always bring a current ID if you have one.

Driver's License and State ID Cards

A driver's license issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the most common form of government photo ID. It shows your photograph, full name, date of birth, address, and an expiration date. Every state issues driver's licenses, and they are accepted by virtually all programs that request government photo ID.

If you do not drive or do not have a driver's license, your state also issues a state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID). This card has the same information as a driver's license but does not grant driving privileges. You can obtain one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. The process and cost vary by state, but most state ID cards cost between $10 and $30 and take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Passports and Passport Cards

A U.S. passport is a booklet issued by the U.S. Department of State that contains your photograph, name, date of birth, and passport number. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. A passport is accepted as government photo ID everywhere in the United States and is especially useful if you do not have a driver's license or state ID.

The U.S. Department of State also issues passport cards, which are credit-card-sized versions of a passport. They contain the same identifying information as a full passport but are smaller and easier to carry. A passport card costs less than a full passport and takes about the same time to receive. Both the passport and passport card are issued only by the federal government, making them highly trusted forms of identification.

Military and Tribal IDs

A military ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense counts as government photo ID. This includes active-duty military ID, reserve and National Guard ID, retired military ID, and dependent ID cards for family members of military personnel. Military IDs show a photograph, name, date of birth, and military affiliation.

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is also accepted as government photo ID by most programs. The tribe must be recognized by the U.S. federal government for the ID to be valid. If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you can contact your tribe's enrollment office to learn how to obtain a tribal ID.

Other Government-Issued Photo IDs

Several other documents count as government photo ID in specific situations. A permanent resident card (also called a green card), issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, shows your photograph and is accepted as government photo ID. A U.S. visa in your passport also serves as government photo ID when paired with your passport.

Some programs also accept government employee ID cards issued by federal, state, or local agencies, though these are less common. A school ID issued by a public school or state university may be accepted by some programs, but it is not always considered government-issued photo ID because schools are not always government agencies. Always check with the specific program about which IDs they accept.

What Happens If Your ID Is Expired

Most programs prefer current, unexpired IDs, but many will accept an ID that expired within the last one to three years. The rules vary widely depending on the program and the agency running it. If your ID is more than a few years expired, you should obtain a new one before submitting it.

If you are waiting for a new ID to arrive and need to submit documents soon, contact the program directly and ask whether they will accept your expired ID temporarily. Some programs will, especially if you can show proof that you have applied for a replacement. Getting a new driver's license or state ID usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to Obtain Government Photo ID

To get a driver's license or state ID card, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The cost ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state, and you will receive your ID by mail within one to three weeks.

To get a passport, visit a passport acceptance facility, which is often located at your local post office, library, or courthouse. Bring your birth certificate, a government photo ID (such as a driver's license), and proof of your current address. A passport costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks by mail, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID if it is only a few months past the expiration date?

Many programs will accept an ID that expired within the last one to three years, but the rules depend on the specific program. Contact the program before you submit your documents to ask whether your expired ID will be accepted. If it will not be, you can get a replacement driver's license or state ID in one to two weeks.

Is a school ID or work ID considered government-issued photo ID?

A school ID from a public school or state university may be accepted by some programs, but it is not always considered government-issued photo ID. A work ID is rarely accepted unless it is issued by a government agency. Always check with the program about which IDs they accept before you submit your documents.

What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?

You can obtain a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles without having a driver's license. A state ID card costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive. If you need ID faster, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Can I use a photo ID from another country?

A photo ID from another country is not considered government-issued U.S. photo ID. However, a U.S. visa in your passport counts as government photo ID. If you have a green card or permanent resident card, that is accepted as government photo ID.

What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you will need to update your ID. Bring your current ID, a birth certificate or court order showing the name change, and proof of your current address to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The replacement usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks.