Where to get your ID card depends on your state and the type of ID you need

Most people get an ID card at their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Department of Public Safety. You can find your state's office by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] ID card" online—the official website will list all local branches and their hours. Some states also let you renew certain IDs by mail or online, which saves a trip.

If you need a federal ID for travel or federal buildings, you'll need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport card, which you also get through your state DMV or the U.S. State Department. The process is the same as a regular ID, but you'll bring extra documents to prove citizenship.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV office is the main place to get an ID card; search "[your state] DMV" to find the nearest location and hours.
  • Bring a birth certificate, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number or card to your appointment.
  • Many states let you check wait times online before you go, and some offer appointment scheduling to avoid long lines.
  • If you've lost your ID, bring a police report or affidavit of loss; most states charge a small replacement fee.
  • Some states allow mail-in or online renewal for people over a certain age or with a valid ID expiring soon.

How to find your nearest DMV office

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Type "[your state] DMV" into a search engine and look for the .gov domain—avoid third-party sites that charge fees to help you find information. The official site will have a location finder where you can enter your zip code and see all nearby offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

Call ahead before you go. Many DMV offices have long wait times, and some require appointments. Some states show estimated wait times on their website in real time. If your state offers online scheduling, book a time slot—this can cut your wait from hours to 15 minutes. If appointments are full, ask when new slots open or whether you can walk in during a specific window.

What documents to bring to your appointment

You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A birth certificate or passport works for identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address—it must be dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your number.

If you're getting a Real ID for federal travel, bring one extra document: a passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or state birth certificate. Some states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office; others require the original. Check your state's website for the exact list before you go—requirements vary.

Bring the fee. Standard ID cards cost between $15 and $50 depending on your state and how long the card is valid. Replacement cards for lost or stolen IDs usually cost the same. Most offices take cash and card, but call ahead to confirm.

Getting an ID if you don't have a birth certificate

You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Search "[your state] vital records" or "[your county] birth certificate" to find the right office. You can usually order online, by mail, or in person. It takes one to three weeks by mail and costs $10 to $30.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers instead of a birth certificate. If you don't have any of these documents, ask the DMV what alternatives they accept—some states allow an affidavit from a family member or a school record.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID card

Report the loss to your local police department and get a report number, or sign an affidavit of loss at the DMV itself. Bring the police report or be ready to sign the affidavit when you arrive. The process is the same as getting a new card—you'll need the same documents and pay the replacement fee.

If your card was stolen, also contact your bank and any other institutions that have your ID number on file. Some states flag stolen IDs in their system to prevent fraud.

Getting an ID without a fixed address

If you don't have a lease or utility bill, bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or trusted person stating your current address. Some states accept a statement from a homeless services provider. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what proof of residency they will accept in your situation—rules vary by state.

Some states also accept a P.O. box or the address of a social service agency where you receive mail. Ask the DMV directly what counts as proof of residency for someone without a permanent home.

Online and mail-in ID renewal options

Many states let you renew your ID by mail or online if your card is still valid and expiring soon. Check your state's DMV website for the renewal section. You'll usually need to be over a certain age (often 65 or older) or have a card that expires within a set window. The process is faster than going in person and costs the same.

Some states also offer online renewal for people with a valid ID who haven't changed their address or appearance. You'll upload a new photo and pay the fee online. The new card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Not all states offer this, so check your state's website first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID card without a Social Security number?

Most states require a Social Security number or card. If you don't have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore—it's free and takes about two weeks. Some states make exceptions for people with religious objections or recent immigrants; call your DMV to ask.

How long does it take to get an ID card?

You usually get a temporary paper ID at your appointment and the plastic card arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Some states offer same-day cards at certain locations for an extra fee. Ask when you call to schedule.

What if I don't have a current address?

Bring a letter from a shelter, social service provider, or trusted person confirming your address. Some states accept a P.O. box or the address of a place where you receive mail. Call your DMV to confirm what they accept before you go.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Many DMV offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. Check your state's website to see if appointments are required or recommended. If they're full, ask when new slots open or whether walk-ins are accepted during certain hours.

What's the difference between a regular ID and a Real ID?

A Real ID is compliant with federal standards and works for domestic air travel and federal buildings. A regular ID does not. Both are issued by your state DMV. Real ID requires one extra document proving citizenship, like a passport or birth certificate. You don't need a Real ID unless you fly domestically or enter federal buildings.