What counts as government identification and where to get it
Government identification is a document issued by a federal, state, or local agency that proves who you are. The most common types are a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or tribal ID. Each one comes from a different place and requires different documents to obtain.
A driver's license comes from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — called the Secretary of State in some states. A state ID card, which does not let you drive, also comes from the DMV and is often faster and cheaper to get. A passport comes from the U.S. State Department. A tribal ID comes from your tribe's government office if you are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
Which one you need depends on what you are using it for. A driver's license works for most purposes — voting, banking, air travel, age verification. A state ID card works for voting, banking, and age verification but not driving. A passport works for international travel and as ID in the United States. A tribal ID works for tribal services and, in some states, for voting and banking.
Key Takeaways
- A state ID card from your DMV is usually the fastest and cheapest form of government ID if you do not need to drive.
- You will need proof of identity (like a birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill), and a Social Security number or ITIN to get a state ID or driver's license.
- A passport requires a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a completed process form, and takes longer to process than a state ID.
- If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
- Some states offer free or reduced-cost ID cards for people over 60 or with low income; check your state DMV website for current rules.
Getting a state ID card from your DMV
A state ID card is the fastest route to government ID in most states. It costs between $10 and $30, takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, and requires fewer documents than a driver's license. You do not need to pass a driving test or eye exam.
To get one, you will need to bring three things to your local DMV office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Proof of identity means a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Proof of your Social Security number means your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form.
Go to your state's DMV website and search for "state ID" or "ID card" to find the exact list of documents your state accepts — it varies. Most states let you explore in person at any DMV office without an appointment, though some now require you to book a time slot online first. Bring the originals of your documents, not copies.
Getting a driver's license
A driver's license requires the same documents as a state ID card, plus a passing score on a written driving test and an eye exam. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs. The eye exam checks that you can see well enough to drive safely.
You will also need to prove you own or have permission to use a vehicle. This usually means bringing the vehicle's registration or a notarized letter from the owner saying you can use it. Some states let you skip this step if you are renewing a license you already have.
The process takes longer than a state ID because you have to schedule a test appointment, pass the written exam, and pass the eye exam on the same day or in separate visits depending on your state. After you pass, your license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. The cost ranges from $20 to $60 depending on the state and how long the license is valid.
Getting a U.S. passport
A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and works as ID anywhere in the world. It costs $130 for an adult passport book and takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail, or one to two weeks if you pay extra for expedited processing.
You will need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship (usually the birth certificate itself), a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your full face against a white background. You can get one taken at most pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios for $10 to $20.
You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your citizenship and identity. If you are renewing a passport you already have and it is not damaged, you can mail in your process instead, which takes longer but costs less.
If you do not have a birth certificate
A birth certificate is the document most government agencies ask for first. If you do not have one, you can order it from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state's office has a different name — it might be called the Department of Health, Vital Statistics, or Vital Records.
Go to the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website and search for your state to find the correct office and mailing address. You will need to fill out a form, pay a fee (usually $10 to $30), and provide proof of your identity and relationship to the person on the certificate. Processing takes one to four weeks by mail.
If you were born outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office in the country where you were born. If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, contact that territory's vital records office.
Getting a tribal ID
If you are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, you can get a tribal ID from your tribe's government office. A tribal ID proves your membership and works as government ID in many states for voting, banking, and other purposes.
Contact your tribe's enrollment office or government office to find out what documents you need. Most tribes require proof of descent from a tribal member, a birth certificate, and a photo ID. Some tribes charge a small fee; others do not. Processing time varies by tribe but usually takes two to four weeks.
You can find your tribe's contact information through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) website or by searching "[your tribe name] enrollment office." If you are not sure which tribe you belong to, the BIA can help you find that information.
What to do if you cannot afford the fee
Many states offer free or reduced-cost ID cards for people over 60 or with income below a certain level. Some states waive the fee for people experiencing homelessness. Check your state's DMV website for current rules — search for "free ID" or "reduced-cost ID" along with your state name.
If your state does not have a free ID program, some nonprofits and legal aid organizations help people get ID at no cost. Search "[your city or county name] free ID help" or contact your local legal aid office to find out what is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a government ID?
A state ID card takes one to two weeks by mail after you explore in person. A driver's license takes one to three weeks after you pass the tests. A passport takes four to six weeks by mail, or one to two weeks with expedited processing. A tribal ID usually takes two to four weeks.
Can I use a state ID card instead of a driver's license?
Yes, for most purposes. You can use a state ID card to vote, open a bank account, board a domestic flight, and prove your age. You cannot use it to drive a car. If you do not drive, a state ID card is usually the faster and cheaper option.
What if I lost my ID or it was stolen?
Go to your DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new ID. The replacement usually costs less than a new ID and arrives in one to two weeks. If your ID was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit for fraud.
Do I need a Social Security number to get an ID?
Most states require a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have either, contact your state's DMV office to ask what alternatives they accept. Some states may let you use other documents instead.
Can I get a passport if I was not born in the United States?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen. You will need to prove your citizenship with a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent, you may be a citizen at birth — contact the State Department to confirm before you explore.