A photo ID is a document with your picture, name, and usually your date of birth printed on it

A photo ID is any official document issued by a government agency that includes your photograph, your full name, and typically your date of birth. The government uses it to confirm you are who you say you are. Common examples are a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. When a program asks for photo ID, they are checking that the person explore is the actual person named on the process.

Photo IDs serve as proof of identity in many situations beyond government programs — banks, airports, and employers all ask for them. For program purposes, the ID needs to be current (not expired) and issued by a government body, not a private company. A school ID or work badge does not count, even if it has your photo on it.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work as photo ID for most programs.
  • The ID must be current and issued by a government agency — expired IDs are usually not accepted.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV for a small fee.
  • A passport takes longer to obtain but works everywhere and is valid for ten years.
  • If you have lost your ID, contact the agency that issued it to request a replacement.

Types of photo ID that programs accept

Most programs accept any of these forms of photo ID: a state driver's license, a state ID card (also called a non-driver ID), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. Some programs also accept a permanent resident card (green card) or a state-issued ID for people with disabilities. The specific list depends on the program, so check what they say they need before you gather documents.

A driver's license is the most common form of photo ID in the United States. If you do not drive or do not have a license, a state ID card serves the same purpose and is issued by the same agency. Both are valid for the same programs. A passport or passport card is issued by the federal government and works everywhere, but takes longer to get. A military ID is issued to active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents and is accepted by most programs that ask for photo ID.

How to get a state ID card if you don't have a driver's license

If you do not have a driver's license and need a photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process is similar to getting a driver's license but does not include a driving test. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring proof of your identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Some states allow you to start the process online, but you will still need to go to an office to have your photo taken.

The cost varies by state, usually between $15 and $50 for a state ID card. Processing time is typically one to two weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. You will receive your card by mail. If you are unsure what documents your state requires, visit your state's DMV website or call the local office — staff can tell you exactly what to bring so you do not make a wasted trip.

Getting a passport or passport card

A U.S. passport is issued by the State Department and is valid for ten years (or five years if you are under 16). A passport card is a smaller version that works for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air. Both count as photo ID for most programs. You can explore for either at a passport acceptance facility, which includes many post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices.

To explore, you will need a completed process form, a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, a photo ID (if you already have one), and a passport photo. The cost is $130 for a passport book and $35 for a passport card. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited service (two to three weeks) costs extra. If you need a passport quickly, some agencies offer rush service, but it costs significantly more. Check the State Department website to find an acceptance facility near you and confirm current fees and processing times.

What to do if your photo ID is expired

Most programs do not accept expired photo IDs, even if the ID is only a few months past its expiration date. If your ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can use it for a program. Renewal is usually faster and cheaper than getting a new ID for the first time. For a driver's license or state ID card, you can often renew by mail or online, though some states require you to visit an office in person every few years.

Contact the agency that issued your ID to find out how to renew. For a driver's license or state ID, that is your state's DMV. For a passport, go to the State Department website. Bring your expired ID with you or include it with your process — it proves you held a valid ID before. Renewal usually takes one to three weeks, so plan ahead if you know your ID is about to expire.

If you have lost your photo ID

If your photo ID is lost or stolen, contact the agency that issued it right away to report it and request a replacement. For a driver's license or state ID card, go to your state's DMV office or their website. For a passport, contact the State Department. For a military ID, contact your military branch's ID office. Reporting it promptly protects you in case someone tries to use your ID fraudulently.

Getting a replacement is usually faster than getting an ID for the first time because the agency already has your information on file. You will still need to visit an office in person for a new photo (unless your state allows online renewal). Bring proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate, and proof of your address. The cost is typically the same as renewal. Processing time is usually one to two weeks.

Photo ID requirements that vary by program

While most programs accept the standard photo IDs listed above, some have specific rules. A few programs require that your ID be issued within a certain number of years — for example, within the last five years — even if it has not expired. Others may accept a photo ID that expired within the last year. Some programs accept a consular ID issued by a foreign government to its citizens living in the United States. A small number of programs have additional requirements, such as needing your ID to match your current address.

Before you gather your documents, ask the program directly what photo ID they accept. Their website or process form usually lists the types of ID they take. If you are unsure whether your specific ID will work, call or email them with a description of your ID. It is faster to ask than to show up with the wrong document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired photo ID?

No, most programs require your photo ID to be current. If your ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can use it. Contact the agency that issued it to find out how to renew quickly.

What if I don't have a birth certificate to get a state ID?

You can request a copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Your state's DMV website will tell you which office to contact and what you need to provide.

Is a school ID or work badge considered photo ID?

No, programs only accept photo ID issued by a government agency. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not count, even if it has your photo and name on it.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Standard processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need one faster, some agencies offer rush service for a higher fee. Check the State Department website for current timelines.

Can I use a photo ID from another country?

Most U.S. programs require a U.S.-issued photo ID. Some programs accept a consular ID issued by a foreign government to its citizens in the United States, but this varies. Ask the program whether they accept foreign-issued ID before you explore.