Where to go and what to bring

You get a new ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent licensing agency—the name varies by state. Some states let you renew or replace by mail or online if your old ID is not expired and you have not changed your address or appearance significantly. If you need the ID in person, go to your local DMV office during business hours; call ahead or check the website to see if you need an appointment, because many offices now require one.

Bring your current ID if you still have it, even if it is expired or damaged. Bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works in most states. Bring your Social Security number or card. If your name has changed since your last ID, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states also ask for proof of citizenship or legal residency, which can be a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your state's DMV or equivalent office in person, or check whether your state allows mail or online replacement for expired IDs without address changes.
  • Bring your old ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, your Social Security number, and any documents showing a name change.
  • The fee for a replacement ID ranges from about $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you want a standard or real ID.
  • Processing takes one to three weeks for standard mail delivery; some offices offer same-day service if you pay an expedited fee.
  • If your ID was lost or stolen, report it to the DMV at the same time you request a replacement to prevent fraud.

Replacement vs. renewal: which one you need

Replacement means you are getting a new ID because your old one is lost, stolen, damaged, or the information on it is wrong. Renewal means your ID is expiring soon and you want to keep it current with the same information. The process is slightly different, and some states charge different fees.

If your ID is lost or stolen, tell the DMV when you request the replacement. Many states will flag your old ID in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently. If your ID is damaged but still readable, some states let you do a straightforward replacement by mail. If the information is wrong—your name, address, or photo—you will need to go in person and bring documents proving what the correct information is.

Real ID vs. standard ID: what the difference costs

A Real ID is a federally compliant ID that you can use to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A standard ID cannot be used for those purposes as of May 2025, though the important date has been extended multiple times. If you fly domestically or need to enter a federal courthouse or military base, you need a Real ID.

Real ID costs more—usually $10 to $20 extra—and requires you to bring additional proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are renewing or replacing anyway, the extra cost is small. If you are not sure whether you need it, ask yourself: do I fly domestically, or will I need to enter a federal building in the next few years? If yes, get the Real ID now rather than replacing it again later.

How long it takes and when you will get it

Standard processing takes one to three weeks by mail. Some DMV offices offer same-day service if you go in person and pay an expedited fee—usually $10 to $25 extra. A few states offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the ID within a few days, though this is not available everywhere.

If you need to drive before your new ID arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper ID or receipt showing you have applied. Some states issue these automatically; others only give them if you ask. A temporary ID is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the physical card.

What to do if your information has changed

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring the court order or certificate that proves it. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If your appearance has changed significantly—you have grown a beard, cut your hair very short, or gained or lost a lot of weight—the DMV may ask you to take a new photo. Most DMV offices take the photo for free as part of the replacement process.

If you have changed your gender marker on your ID, requirements vary by state. Some states let you change it by mail with a signed statement; others require a court order or a letter from a doctor. Check your state's DMV website for the specific documents needed, because this is one area where rules differ most.

If you lost your ID or it was stolen

Report the loss or theft to the DMV when you request a replacement. Provide the ID number if you remember it, or the DMV can look it up using your name and date of birth. The DMV will cancel the old ID in the system so it cannot be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

If your ID was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. This is a separate step from replacing your ID, but it is worth doing if you think someone might try to use your stolen ID.

Replacing an ID from another state

If you moved to a new state and need an ID from your new state, you will need to surrender your old ID or bring proof that you no longer live in the previous state. Bring your new proof of address, your Social Security number, and your old ID. Some states let you keep your old ID as a souvenir if it is not a Real ID; others require you to turn it in.

If you moved but have not yet established proof of address in your new state—you just signed a lease but have not received a utility bill yet—bring the lease itself, a signed apartment agreement, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. The DMV will accept these as temporary proof of address while you wait for official documents to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new ID if my old one is not expired?

Yes. You can replace an ID at any time if it is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains wrong information. You do not have to wait for it to expire. If you are replacing it for one of those reasons, the fee is usually the same as a renewal.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of identification that your state accepts. Call your DMV to ask what documents you can bring instead of a Social Security card. Requirements vary by state and by immigration status.

Can I get a new ID without going to the DMV in person?

Some states allow mail-in or online replacement if your old ID is not expired and your information has not changed. Check your state's DMV website to see if you are in that situation. If your ID is expired or your information has changed, you will need to go in person.

How much does a replacement ID cost?

Fees range from about $15 to $50 depending on your state and the type of ID. Real ID costs more than standard ID. Expedited or rush processing adds $10 to $25. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.

What if the DMV says my photo is not acceptable?

The DMV has rules about photos: no sunglasses, no hats (except for religious reasons), no filters, and your face must be clearly visible. If your photo is rejected, the DMV will ask you to take another one on the spot. This is free and takes a few minutes.