Where to go and what you need before you start
Getting a new ID depends on which document you need. A state driver's license or ID card comes from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency—called the Secretary of State in some states. A passport comes from the U.S. State Department. A Real ID-compliant card requires an extra step at the DMV. Each has different document requirements, fees, and processing times, so knowing which one you need first saves a trip.
The fastest path is to gather your documents before you go. You will need proof of identity (like a birth certificate or existing ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. Some states accept digital copies; others require originals. Call your local DMV or check their website before you leave home—hours and requirements vary by location, and some offices require appointments.
Key Takeaways
- State ID cards and driver's licenses come from your DMV or Secretary of State office, not a federal agency, and processing takes one to four weeks depending on your state.
- You will need an original or certified birth certificate, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you visit.
- Real ID-compliant cards require the same documents as a regular ID but take longer and cost more, and are required for domestic air travel starting in 2025.
- Passports are issued by the State Department and require a separate process, a passport photo, and a completed form—they take four to six weeks for routine service.
- If you have lost your ID, you can often request a replacement by mail or online in some states, which is faster than explore for a new one in person.
Getting a state ID card or driver's license at the DMV
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "new ID" or "first-time ID." Most states let you check office hours, make an appointment, and sometimes even start the process online. Bring your original birth certificate (or certified copy), a photo ID if you have one, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Some states accept digital photos of these documents; others require originals.
At the DMV, you will fill out an process form (often available online beforehand), have your photo taken, and pay a fee. State fees range from about $20 to $60 for a standard ID card, depending on where you live. Processing time is usually one to four weeks. You can often check the status of your process online using a confirmation number the DMV gives you when you leave. If you need the ID faster, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee, but this is not available everywhere.
If you already have an ID but it is expired, lost, or damaged, you may be able to request a replacement by mail or through your state's online portal instead of visiting in person. Check your state DMV's website for the "replacement ID" or "duplicate ID" option—this is usually faster than a new process.
Real ID-compliant cards: what is different and why it matters
A Real ID is a state ID or driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID, a passport, or a passport card to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. The documents you bring are the same as for a regular ID, but the DMV will verify them more thoroughly, and the card itself has a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner.
The process is identical to getting a regular ID—you visit the DMV with the same documents and fill out the same form—but processing takes longer, usually four to six weeks instead of one to four. The fee is also higher, typically $30 to $80 depending on your state. If you already have a standard state ID and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting the DMV and paying the upgrade fee. You do not have to wait for your card to expire.
Getting a U.S. passport or passport card
A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state. You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility—usually a post office, library, or courthouse—or at a passport agency office if you need it urgently. Start by downloading and completing Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (for a renewal) from the State Department website. You will also need a passport photo (2x2 inches, taken within the last six months), your birth certificate, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship.
Routine passport service takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60. If you need a passport within two weeks, you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not a post office. Passport fees are $130 for an adult passport book and $35 for a passport card (which is smaller and valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean). A passport is valid for 10 years; a passport card is valid for 5 years.
If you already have a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can renew it by mail using Form DS-82, which is faster and cheaper than explore in person. Check the State Department website to see if you are may be able to access for mail renewal.
Documents you will need: the complete list
| Document Type | Proof of Identity | Proof of Residency | Proof of Social Security | Photo Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State ID or Driver's License | Birth certificate or existing ID | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 60 days) | Social Security card or tax return | Taken at DMV |
| Real ID-compliant Card | Birth certificate or existing ID | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 60 days) | Social Security card or tax return | Taken at DMV |
| U.S. Passport | Birth certificate and photo ID | Not required | Not required | 2x2 inches, brought by you |
| Passport Card | Birth certificate and photo ID | Not required | Not required | 2x2 inches, brought by you |
What to do if you do not have a birth certificate
If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Search online for "[your state] vital records" or "[your county] birth certificate" to find the office. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names. Processing takes one to four weeks, and fees range from $10 to $30. Some states let you order online; others require a form by mail.
While you wait for your birth certificate, you cannot get a state ID or passport. However, some states accept other documents as proof of identity in the meantime—such as a school record, baptism certificate, or hospital record. Call your DMV or the passport acceptance facility to ask what alternatives they accept. If you are in a time-sensitive situation, explain that to the staff; some offices have expedited processes for people without birth certificates.
Processing times and tracking your process
State ID and driver's license processing takes one to four weeks on average, but this varies widely. Some states process in five business days; others take up to six weeks. Check your state DMV website for the current average—many post this information publicly. When you receive your confirmation number at the DMV, save it. You can use it to check the status of your process online, usually within a few days of explore.
Passport processing takes four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service. You can track your passport process online using the confirmation number and receipt number from your process. The State Department website has a passport status tracker where you enter these numbers and see where your process is in the queue.
If your process is taking longer than the stated timeframe, contact the issuing agency directly. For state IDs, call your DMV. For passports, call the State Department's passport information line at 1-877-487-2778. Have your confirmation number ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ID if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most states require proof of a Social Security number to issue a state ID or driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration. Some states make exceptions for people with religious objections or certain visa statuses. Call your DMV to ask whether an exception applies to you.
What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?
Bring your birth certificate and a document showing your name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will verify the change and issue your ID under your current legal name. If you do not have the original document, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office that issued it.
Do I need an appointment at the DMV, or can I just walk in?
This varies by state and by office. Many DMVs now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. Check your state DMV website to see the policy for your location. If appointments are required and none are available, ask about walk-in hours or whether you can explore online instead. Some states let you complete part of the process at home and finish it in person.
How much does a new ID cost?
State ID cards and driver's licenses cost $20 to $60, depending on your state. Real ID-compliant cards cost $30 to $80. Passports cost $130 for a book and $35 for a card. Expedited passport service costs an extra $60. Fees do not include the cost of ordering a birth certificate if you need one, which ranges from $10 to $30.
What if I lost my ID and need a replacement quickly?
If your ID is lost or stolen, you can often request a replacement by mail or online in most states, which is faster than explore for a new ID in person. Search your state DMV website for "replacement ID" or "duplicate ID." If you need it within a few days, call your DMV to ask about expedited replacement options or whether you can pick up a temporary ID in person while you wait for the permanent one.