Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency

The place to get a new ID is your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it. In some states it is the Secretary of State's office, the Department of Public Safety, or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles — the name changes, but the function is the same. This is where you renew, replace, or get your first ID card.

You can find your state's DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] ID card". The website will tell you the exact documents you need, the fee, and where your nearest office is located. Some states let you do parts of the process online or by mail, but most require you to show up in person at least once.

Walk-in service is available at most DMV offices, but wait times vary widely — some locations have 30-minute waits, others have two-hour waits. Many states now let you book an appointment online, which cuts your time in the office significantly. Check your state's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV or equivalent agency is the only place that issues state ID cards; no private company or online service can do this for you.
  • You will need to bring specific documents — usually a birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security number — so check your state's website before you go.
  • Most states require you to appear in person, though some allow you to renew by mail if your ID is not expired.
  • Booking an appointment online usually cuts your wait time in half compared to walk-in service.
  • The fee for a new ID ranges from roughly $15 to $50 depending on your state and the type of ID you need.

What documents to bring

The DMV will ask for proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but here is what most offices accept:

Proof of identity: Birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or an existing ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a combination of documents like a school record or hospital record with your name and date of birth.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works.

Proof of address: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document usually has to be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works at most DMVs.

Check your state's DMV website before you go — some states have different rules, and a few accept fewer documents than others. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

In-person visits: what to expect

When you arrive at the DMV, you will take a number or check in at a kiosk, then wait for your turn. Bring all your documents and have them organized — the clerk will ask to see them in a specific order. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though the wait before that can be much longer.

The clerk will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other personal information, and take your photo. You will sign the back of your new ID. Some states print your ID on the spot; others mail it to you within one to two weeks. Ask the clerk which applies in your case before you leave.

If the DMV finds a problem with your documents — for example, your birth certificate is not certified, or your proof of address is too old — they will tell you what you need to fix and send you home. You will have to come back once you have the right paperwork. This is why checking the website first saves time.

Online and mail options in some states

A few states let you renew an ID by mail if your current ID is not expired and you do not need to change your address or other information. You mail in your old ID, a completed form, and a check, and the state mails back your new one. This takes two to four weeks total.

Some states also let you start the process online — you fill out a form, upload photos of your documents, and then either mail in the originals or visit an office to verify them in person. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available where you live.

Online and mail options are not available in every state, and they usually only work for renewals, not for first-time IDs or replacements after loss or damage. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, call your state DMV or use their online chat tool.

Fees and how long it takes

A new ID card costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state. Some states charge less for a standard ID and more for an ID that is valid for longer (for example, five years versus eight years). A few states offer discounts for seniors or people with low income — ask the clerk or check the website.

If the DMV prints your ID on the spot, you walk out with it the same day. If they mail it, expect it to arrive within one to two weeks. Some states offer rush printing for an extra fee if you need it faster.

If you lose your ID or it is damaged, the process is the same as getting a new one — you bring your documents, pay the fee, and wait for the new card. Some states charge a replacement fee instead of a full ID fee, which is usually a few dollars less.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you are homebound, in the hospital, or otherwise unable to visit a DMV office, some states send a mobile unit to you or let a family member pick up your ID on your behalf. Call your state DMV to ask what options exist in your situation.

A few states also allow a notarized power of attorney — a legal document that lets someone else handle the transaction for you. This requires more paperwork and usually costs money for the notary, but it is an option if you cannot go yourself and the state does not offer mobile service.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can usually renew your ID by mail if your state offers that option. If you have moved to a different state permanently, you will need to get an ID from your new state instead — you cannot renew an ID from a state where you no longer live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID without a birth certificate?

Yes, in most states. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a passport, an existing ID from another state, or a combination of documents like a school record and hospital record with your name and date of birth. Call your state DMV to ask what combination they will accept — rules vary.

How long does a new ID take if I need it urgently?

If the DMV prints it on the spot, you get it the same day. If they mail it, it usually arrives within one to two weeks. Some states offer rush printing for an extra fee. Call your DMV office to ask if rush service is available and what it costs.

What if I do not have a proof of address?

Most DMVs accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 to 60 days. If you do not have any of those, ask whether they will accept a letter from a government agency, a school, or an employer with your name and address. Rules vary by state.

Can I change my name on my ID at the same time?

Yes, but you will need to bring proof of the name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states let you do this at the DMV; others require you to change your name through the court first. Check your state's website or call ahead to ask what documents you need.

What if I moved to a new state?

You will need to get an ID from your new state. You cannot renew an ID from a state where you no longer live. Visit your new state's DMV website to find out what documents you need and where your nearest office is located.