What You Need to Bring to the DMV
To get a state ID card or driver's license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs accept the same core set of papers.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. If you don't have any of those, some states accept a consular ID card or a tribal ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.
If you're renewing an ID and your current one is still valid, you may need fewer documents. Check your state's DMV website before you go—the list is specific to your state and changes occasionally.
Key Takeaways
- You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number.
- Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person, though some allow you to renew by mail if your ID is still valid.
- The cost ranges from about $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you want a standard or REAL ID card.
- Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard ID, though expedited options exist in some states for an extra fee.
- If you cannot find your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.
Standard ID Versus REAL ID
A standard state ID card works for everyday identification—buying alcohol, opening a bank account, or proving your age. A REAL ID card meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Both are issued by your state's DMV.
The difference is in the documents you bring and the cost. A REAL ID requires the same identity and residency documents as a standard ID, but you must also bring proof that your name has not changed since birth (or documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate). REAL ID cards cost a few dollars more than standard cards—usually $5 to $15 extra—and take the same amount of time to process.
If you already have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID card for domestic flights, because a passport meets the same federal standard. If you do not have a passport and plan to fly domestically, a REAL ID card is simpler and cheaper than getting one.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged ID
If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your local DMV office with proof of identity and residency. You do not need your Social Security card again if you already have an ID on file. Most states charge a replacement fee of $10 to $25.
Some states allow you to report a lost or stolen ID online before you visit the DMV, which can speed up the process. If your ID was stolen, reporting it online creates a record that may help if someone tries to use it fraudulently. Bring that report confirmation with you when you go in person.
A replacement ID usually arrives in one to two weeks. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing—some states offer it for an extra $10 to $20 and can have your card ready in three to five business days.
Getting an ID Without a Birth Certificate
If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV. The vital records office is usually part of your state health department. You can order by mail, phone, or online, depending on your state.
The cost is typically $10 to $30 per copy, and processing takes one to three weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names. If you were born outside the United States, contact the vital records office of the country where you were born, or ask your DMV what documents they will accept instead.
While you wait for your birth certificate, you can ask your DMV whether they accept alternative documents. Some states accept a baptism record, school records, or a passport process denial letter if you can explain why you do not have a birth certificate.
Renewing Your ID by Mail or Online
Many states allow you to renew a standard ID by mail or online if your current ID is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. You typically fill out a form, pay the fee online or by check, and mail in your current ID card. Your new card arrives in one to three weeks.
Online renewal is faster—some states process it in a few days—but not all states offer it yet. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal. If your ID is expired, your name has changed, or you need a REAL ID for the first time, you will have to visit the DMV in person.
Renewing by mail costs the same as renewing in person. Keep track of when your ID expires so you can renew before it lapses—some states charge an extra fee if you renew after expiration.
What Happens at the DMV Appointment
When you arrive at the DMV, bring all your documents and be ready to wait. Check in at the front desk and give them your paperwork. A staff member will review your documents to make sure they are complete and acceptable.
Next, you will have your photo taken and your signature recorded. The photo is printed on your ID card, so dress as you normally would. You will also answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect driving (if you are getting a driver's license). Be honest—false statements on an ID process can result in denial or legal consequences.
After the interview, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your new ID will be mailed to the address on your process in one to two weeks. Some DMVs issue temporary paper IDs on the spot that you can use until your card arrives.
Getting an ID as a Minor or Dependent
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must go with you to the DMV. Bring the same documents you would normally bring, plus a document showing the parent or guardian's relationship to you—usually a birth certificate or adoption papers. Some states also require a notarized consent form from both parents if they are divorced or separated.
A minor's ID card works the same way as an adult's and costs about the same. It expires when you turn 18 or 21, depending on your state. You will need to renew it once you reach that age, even if the card is not damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an ID card?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks from the time you visit the DMV. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee, which can reduce the wait to three to five business days. A few states issue temporary paper IDs at the DMV that you can use when ready while you wait for your card.
Can I get an ID if I don't have a Social Security number?
Most states require a Social Security number to get an ID. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, ask your DMV what documents you can bring instead—some accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport from your home country.
What if I've changed my name since my birth certificate?
Bring your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. Some states require these documents to be certified copies.
Do I need an appointment at the DMV?
Many states now require appointments, which you can book online on the DMV website. Some DMVs still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often longer. Check your state's DMV website to see whether appointments are required in your area.
What if my documents are from another country?
If your birth certificate or other documents are from outside the United States, bring the original and ask the DMV whether they need a certified English translation. Some states accept foreign documents as-is; others require a translator certified by the state. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.