What a temporary license is and who can get one
A temporary driver's license is a short-term permit that lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail or while you complete the steps to get a full license. Most states issue them on the spot at the DMV after you pass your written and road tests, or when ready after you pass your written test if you are under 18. The temporary version is usually valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on your state.
You can get a temporary license if you have passed the required tests and paid the fee, but have not yet received your permanent card. Some states also issue them to people who are renewing an expired license and need to drive before the new one arrives. A few states offer temporary licenses to people who have lost their permanent license and are waiting for a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- A temporary license is issued when ready after you pass your driving test and is valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.
- You must pass both the written test and the road test at your DMV before a temporary license is issued.
- The temporary license is usually printed on paper or a temporary card and counts as legal proof of your right to drive.
- Each state sets its own rules for how long a temporary license lasts and what it looks like, so check your state DMV website for the exact details.
What you need to bring to get a temporary license
Bring the same documents you would bring to get a permanent license: a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will also need to bring your learner's permit if you are a first-time driver, or your expired license if you are renewing.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and any documents your state requires for minors, such as a school enrollment form or parental consent. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what documents they accept in your state, because the list varies.
How the process works at the DMV
You will take your written test first. If you pass, you move on to the road test, usually the same day or within a few days. Once you pass the road test, the DMV staff will take your photo and print your temporary license on the spot. This temporary version is valid when ready and counts as proof that you can drive legally.
The DMV will also submit your information to the state's licensing system so your permanent card can be printed and mailed to your address. This usually takes two to three weeks, though some states take longer. You can drive on your temporary license the whole time you are waiting.
How long a temporary license lasts
Most states make a temporary license valid for 30, 60, or 90 days. A few states set the expiration date to match when your permanent license is expected to arrive. Check your temporary license itself — the expiration date is printed on it — or look it up on your state DMV website.
If your permanent license does not arrive before the temporary one expires, contact your state DMV to ask about a replacement or extension. Some states will issue a second temporary license if there has been a delay in the mail.
What to do if your temporary license expires before your permanent one arrives
Call your state DMV and tell them your permanent license has not arrived. They can check the status of your card and tell you whether it is still in the mail or whether there was a problem with your process. If it is lost in the mail, they can reissue it.
In the meantime, ask whether you can get a temporary extension. Some states will issue one automatically if you call before your temporary expires. Others require you to visit the DMV in person. Do not wait until after your temporary expires to contact them — it is much faster to ask for an extension before the important date.
Temporary licenses for people renewing an expired license
If your permanent license expired and you have already passed the renewal tests, some states will issue a temporary license while you wait for your new permanent card to arrive. The process is the same: you pass your tests, the DMV prints a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card is mailed to you.
A few states do not issue temporary licenses for renewals, so you may have to wait for your permanent card before you can drive legally. Check your state DMV website or call them to find out whether this option is available where you live.
Temporary licenses for people who lost their permanent license
If your license was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at your DMV. Some states will issue a temporary license while you wait for the replacement card to be printed and mailed. Others require you to wait for the permanent replacement to arrive before you can drive again.
The fee for a replacement is usually lower than the fee for a new license. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, because some states use it to speed up the replacement process. Call your DMV first to ask what documents you need and whether a temporary license is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state on a temporary license?
Yes. A temporary license issued by your state is valid in all other states and counts as proof that you can drive legally. However, some rental car companies and insurance companies may not recognize a temporary license, so call ahead if you plan to rent a car.
What if I fail my road test?
You will not get a temporary license if you fail. You can take the test again after a waiting period, which varies by state — usually between one and two weeks. You can keep using your learner's permit to drive until you pass.
Do I need a temporary license if I already have a valid license from another state?
No. If you have a valid license from another state, you can drive legally in your new state while you transfer your license. You do not need a temporary license. Contact your new state's DMV to find out how to transfer your existing license.
Can I get a temporary license online?
No. You must visit your DMV in person to take your tests and have your photo taken. Some states let you schedule your appointment online, but you cannot get the temporary license itself without going to the office.
What if I move before my temporary license expires?
You can still drive on your temporary license even if you move. When your permanent license arrives, it will be mailed to the address you gave the DMV. If you move before it arrives, contact your DMV to update your address so the card goes to your new home.