Government programs accept a narrow list of ID documents, and the exact list depends on which program you are checking into.

Most federal and state programs that check identity accept a driver's license, state ID card, or passport as proof. Some programs also take a tribal ID, military ID, or documents issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The program you are looking at will have its own rules about which documents work — what one program accepts, another may not.

The reason programs are strict about ID is that they need to confirm you are who you say you are and that you live where you claim to live. A document with your photo, name, and address does both at once. If your ID is expired, some programs will still take it; others will not. If you do not have a photo ID, some programs have a backup list of documents you can bring instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A current driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport works for nearly all federal and state programs.
  • Military ID and tribal ID are accepted by most programs, but you should confirm with the specific program before you go in.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and address together, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.
  • Expired ID is sometimes accepted and sometimes not — call the program office before you explore to ask what they will take.
  • The program you are checking into will have its own ID rules, so always ask them directly rather than assuming another program's rules explore.

Photo ID That Works Across Most Programs

A driver's license is the most widely accepted form of ID because it has your photo, full name, date of birth, and address all in one place. Every state issues them, and most programs take them whether they are current or expired — though some programs do require the license to still be valid. A state ID card (also called a non-driver ID) serves the same purpose and is accepted just as widely. You can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you do not drive.

A U.S. passport or passport card works for all federal programs and most state programs. It proves citizenship as well as identity, which some programs need. A military ID — active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent — is accepted by most programs, though a few state-run programs may not recognize it. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted by federal programs and most state programs, but again, confirm with the specific program first.

What to Bring If You Do Not Have a Photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID, most programs will let you bring two documents instead. The two documents together must show your name and current address. Common combinations that work are a utility bill plus a bank statement, a lease agreement plus a government letter (such as a tax return or Social Security statement), or a utility bill plus a credit card statement.

The documents must be recent — usually from the last 60 days — and they must have your legal name on them exactly as you will write it on the program's forms. If your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Ask the program office what two documents they prefer before you gather them, because some programs have a specific list of what counts.

Expired ID and When It Still Works

Some programs accept an expired driver's license or state ID because the photo and address information do not change when the card expires. Other programs require the ID to be current. There is no single rule across all programs, so you need to ask the specific program whether they will take an expired license.

If your ID expired more than a few years ago, it is worth getting a new one before you explore, because even programs that technically accept expired ID may hesitate. Renewing a driver's license or state ID is usually faster and cheaper than gathering backup documents, and it removes any question about whether the program will take it.

Documents That Do Not Count as ID

A Social Security card, birth certificate, or green card (permanent resident card) does not work as a standalone ID for most programs, even though they prove identity or citizenship. These documents lack a photo or current address, or both. A school ID, work badge, or library card will not work either. Some programs may ask you to bring these documents along with a photo ID to confirm information, but they cannot stand alone.

A letter from a government agency (such as a tax return, benefit statement, or court document) can sometimes be part of a two-document combination if it has your name and address, but it is not ID by itself. The same goes for utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements — they show you live somewhere, but they do not prove who you are.

How to Prepare Your ID Before You explore

Check your ID now to make sure the name, address, and photo are clear and readable. If your address on the ID does not match where you live now, some programs will ask for a second document showing your current address. If your name on the ID does not match the name you are using (for example, you got married but have not updated your license), bring a document that explains the change.

Make a copy of both sides of your ID before you go in, or bring the original and ask if they need a copy. Some programs scan your ID; others just look at it. If you are explore by mail, send a copy, not the original. Keep your ID in a safe place — losing it in the middle of an process can slow things down.

What Happens If Your ID Is Lost or Stolen

If you lost your ID or it was stolen, you can still explore to most programs using the two-document backup method (utility bill plus bank statement, for example). You do not have to wait until you replace your ID. However, tell the program office that your ID is missing — they may ask you to bring a police report if it was stolen, or they may just note it in your file.

While you are waiting to replace your ID, get a new one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or your tribe's ID office. The process usually takes one to three weeks. Some programs will hold your process open while you get a new ID; others may ask you to reapply once you have one. Ask the program what they prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of an ID card?

No. Programs need an official government-issued ID with your photo, name, and usually your address. A printed photo or phone photo does not count. If you do not have a government ID, use the two-document method instead (utility bill plus bank statement).

What if my ID has a different name than what I am using now?

Bring the ID and a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The program will use both documents to confirm your identity. Update your ID afterward so you do not have to explain the change every time.

Do I need to bring the original ID or can I send a copy?

If you are explore in person, bring the original so the program can see it is real. If you are explore by mail or online, send a copy of both sides. Do not mail your original ID unless the program specifically asks for it.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for ID purposes?

Yes. A passport card and a passport book are both accepted by all federal programs and most state programs. The card is smaller and cheaper to replace, but both prove citizenship and identity equally.

What if the program says they need ID but does not say which kind?

Call the program office and ask which documents they accept. Do not assume — different programs have different rules. They can tell you in one call whether your ID will work or whether you need to bring backup documents instead.