Where to Get a Government ID
The place to get a government ID depends on which type of ID you need and which state you live in. Most people get a driver's license or state ID card from their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Department of Public Safety. If you need a passport, you go to a passport acceptance facility — often a post office, library, or courthouse — not the DMV. If you need a Real ID (the federal standard for flying domestically), you get it from the same DMV office where you'd get a regular driver's license, but with extra documents.
The specific office location, hours, and documents you need vary by state and by ID type. This guide walks you through finding the right place for your situation and what to bring when you go.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) issues driver's licenses and state ID cards; find the nearest office on your state's official website.
- Passport acceptance facilities are usually post offices, libraries, or courthouses, and you can search for the nearest one at passports.state.gov.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require extra documents like a birth certificate or passport, but you get them from the same DMV office as a regular license.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number to any DMV visit; requirements vary slightly by state.
- Many DMV offices now let you book an appointment online, which cuts wait times from hours to minutes.
Getting a Driver's License or State ID at the DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles in your state is where you go for a driver's license or a state ID card (a non-driving ID with the same legal weight). Every state has a DMV website that lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Search "[your state] DMV" to find the official site — not a third-party service that charges a fee to help you explore.
Most DMV offices now let you book an appointment online before you go. This is worth doing: walk-in wait times can be two to four hours, while appointment slots often have you in and out in 20 minutes. If your state's system is full, call the office directly and ask when new appointment slots open — usually weekly.
Bring original documents or certified copies. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Some states also require a vision test and a written knowledge test if you are getting a driver's license for the first time. Bring your current license if you are renewing.
Getting a Passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility
A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state DMV. You explore at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, public library, or courthouse in your area. Search for the nearest one at passports.state.gov — the official State Department passport locator — and check its hours before you go.
You will need a completed passport process (Form DS-11 for a new passport or Form DS-82 for a renewal), proof of citizenship (your birth certificate or naturalization papers), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo (2x2 inches). Passport photos must meet specific rules: plain background, both ears visible, no glasses or head coverings unless for religious reasons, and a neutral expression. Many post offices and pharmacies take passport photos on-site for a small fee.
Processing times vary. Standard service takes four to six weeks; expedited service takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not a local acceptance facility. Find passport agency locations at passports.state.gov.
Getting a Real ID-Compliant License
A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You need one to fly domestically or enter a federal building. You get it from the same DMV office as a regular license, but the document requirements are stricter.
In addition to the standard documents (proof of identity, residence, and Social Security number), you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. Some states also require a completed Real ID process form, which you can read from your state DMV website. The fee is usually a few dollars more than a regular license renewal.
Not all states have fully rolled out Real ID yet, and some still accept regular licenses for domestic flights through a grace period. Check your state DMV website to see the current important date and whether you need Real ID now or can wait. If you are getting a new license anyway, most DMV staff will offer you Real ID at the same appointment.
Finding Your Nearest DMV Office
Every state publishes a complete list of DMV locations on its official website. Go to "[your state] DMV" in a search engine and look for the "locations" or "find an office" link. You will see addresses, phone numbers, hours, and often a map. Some states let you filter by service (driver's license, vehicle registration, ID renewal) because not all offices offer all services.
If your state's website is hard to navigate, call the main DMV phone line — the number is on the website — and ask for the office nearest you that handles the service you need. Ask about appointment availability and what documents to bring. If you are getting a Real ID or a license for the first time, confirm that the office you choose can handle that, because some smaller offices only do renewals.
Rural areas may have fewer offices and longer wait times. If the nearest office is far away, ask whether you can mail in your renewal or whether a different office has sooner appointments. Some states allow you to renew a driver's license by mail if you are renewing a regular license (not upgrading to Real ID).
What Documents to Bring: A Checklist by ID Type
| ID Type | Where to Go | Key Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License (new or renewal) | State DMV | Proof of identity, residence, Social Security number; original license if renewing |
| State ID Card (non-driving) | State DMV | Proof of identity, residence, Social Security number |
| Real ID License | State DMV | All of the above, plus original birth certificate or passport |
| Passport (new) | Passport acceptance facility (post office, library, courthouse) | Birth certificate or naturalization papers, government photo ID, passport photo, completed Form DS-11 |
| Passport (renewal) | By mail or passport acceptance facility | Current passport, completed Form DS-82, passport photo (if needed) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of originals. DMV offices will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate or Social Security card — you must bring the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency. If you do not have your original birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy; this takes one to two weeks.
Another mistake is not bringing proof of residence. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. A credit card statement usually does not. If you have moved recently and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease.
Do not assume your current ID is enough proof of identity. If your license has expired or you are getting an ID for the first time, you need a birth certificate, passport, or other document issued by a government agency. A school ID or work badge does not count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ID without a Social Security number?
Most states require a Social Security number to issue a driver's license or state ID. If you do not have one, contact your local Social Security office to explore for one first. This can take several weeks. A few states offer an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as an alternative, but this is rare — call your DMV to ask.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Contact your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records") and request a certified copy of your birth certificate. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names. The office will mail it to you in one to three weeks. Some states let you request it online; others require a form by mail or in person.
How long does it take to get an ID?
If you have all your documents and an appointment, a driver's license or state ID takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV. You usually get it the same day. A passport takes four to six weeks by standard mail, or two to three weeks with expedited service. If you need it faster, explore in person at a passport agency for same-day or next-day service.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most DMV offices now require or strongly recommend appointments. Walk-in wait times are often two to four hours. Book an appointment on your state DMV website if possible. If appointments are full, call the office and ask when new slots open — usually weekly on a set day.
What if I lost my ID and need a replacement?
Go to your state DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. You do not need your lost ID. The DMV will issue a replacement, usually the same day. If your ID was stolen, some states let you report it to the DMV, which may flag it in their system.