Start at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State office is where you get a new ID card. Every state runs this differently—some call it the DMV, others call it the Department of Licensing or Bureau of Motor Vehicles—but they all issue state ID cards separate from driver's licenses. You can usually find the exact name and location by searching "[your state] ID card" or "[your state] DMV."

Most states let you start the process online, by mail, or in person. Online is fastest if your state offers it: you fill out the form, pay the fee, and either pick up your card at an office or have it mailed to you. In-person visits take longer because of wait times, but you walk out with answers if something is wrong with your process.

The fee varies by state—typically between $15 and $50 for a standard ID card. Some states charge more for expedited processing (getting your card in days instead of weeks). Real ID cards, which meet federal standards for air travel and federal building entry, may cost a few dollars more than a basic state ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV or Secretary of State office directly, since each state runs ID issuance differently and has its own website and locations.
  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address, and a Social Security number or tax ID to your appointment.
  • Online applications are faster than in-person visits when your state offers them, but in-person visits let you fix problems when ready.
  • Standard ID cards take two to four weeks by mail; expedited processing costs more but can deliver your card in days.
  • If you have lost your ID, bring a police report or affidavit of loss; if it was stolen, bring the theft report.

What documents you need to bring

You will need proof of identity, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number or tax ID. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. A photocopy is not enough—the DMV needs to see the original document or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card bill usually works too, but call your DMV first to confirm what they accept. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask your DMV what alternatives they offer—many allow a shelter address or a letter from a social service agency.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a letter from the IRS. Some states also accept a passport as proof of identity and citizenship combined, which can simplify the process.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID

If your ID was lost, bring a police report or a signed affidavit stating that you lost it and do not have it. If it was stolen, bring the theft report from the police. Some DMVs will issue a replacement without a report if you sign an affidavit, but having the report speeds things up and protects you if someone tries to use your old ID.

The replacement process is the same as getting a new ID—you fill out the form, bring your documents, and pay the fee. Some states charge a small additional fee for a replacement card, while others charge the same amount as a new card. Ask whether your state charges extra for a replacement when you call or visit.

If your ID was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is free and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Getting a Real ID card for federal purposes

A Real ID card meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It looks like a regular state ID but has a gold or silver star in the corner. If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base, you will need either a Real ID card, a passport, or a passport card.

To get a Real ID card, bring the same documents as a standard ID, plus proof of your Social Security number. The fee is usually $5 to $15 more than a standard card. Not all states charge extra, and some states issue Real ID cards automatically. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need to request it specifically or whether it is the default option.

Real ID cards take the same amount of time as standard cards—two to four weeks by mail, or same-day in some offices if you visit in person. If you travel frequently or plan to enter federal buildings, getting a Real ID card now saves you from having to return to the DMV later.

Online versus in-person applications

Most states now let you start your ID process online through their DMV website. You fill out the form, upload photos of your documents, and pay by credit or debit card. Then you either pick up your card at a local DMV office or have it mailed to your address. This route takes one to two weeks total and avoids waiting in line.

In-person applications take longer because of wait times—expect one to three hours at a busy DMV—but you get your card faster. Some offices offer same-day service if you arrive early or use an appointment system. In-person visits are also better if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, because a staff member can tell you right away instead of having your process rejected by mail.

If your state does not offer online applications, you can mail in a paper form with copies of your documents. Mail-in applications take three to six weeks because of processing time plus mail delivery. Call your DMV before mailing anything to confirm which documents they accept as copies and which must be originals.

Expedited processing and rush fees

If you need your ID card quickly, most states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Expedited cards typically arrive in three to seven business days instead of two to four weeks. The rush fee is usually $10 to $25 on top of the standard card fee. Some states also offer same-day service at certain locations if you visit in person and arrive early.

Expedited processing is worth the cost if you need your ID for a job, travel, or housing verification soon. Without it, plan for two to four weeks from the time you submit your process. If you are explore in person, ask whether your local office offers same-day service—many do, and it costs the same as a standard card.

What to do if your process is rejected

If your DMV rejects your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, an unacceptable address proof, or a signature that does not match your birth certificate. Read the letter carefully and gather the missing or corrected documents.

Contact your DMV by phone or through their website to ask what specific document they need. Do not guess—call and ask. Then resubmit your process with the corrected documents. If you applied in person, you can often fix the problem on the spot by bringing the missing document back to the office.

If you disagree with the rejection—for example, if you believe your document is acceptable—ask to speak with a supervisor or file a formal appeal. Your DMV's website will explain the appeal process. Appeals usually take two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new ID card?

Standard processing takes two to four weeks by mail. In-person applications at a DMV office may be same-day or take one to three hours depending on wait times. Expedited processing costs extra but delivers your card in three to seven business days.

Can I get an ID card without a birth certificate?

You need an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you do not have a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy. This takes one to four weeks depending on the agency.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Many states accept a shelter address, a care facility address, or a letter from a social service agency as proof of address. Call your DMV and ask what they accept for homeless or transient residents. Some also allow you to use a friend's or family member's address if you live there.

Do I need a Real ID card or a regular ID card?

You need a Real ID card only if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. For everyday identification, a regular state ID card is fine. If you are unsure, get a Real ID card—it costs only a few dollars more and covers both purposes.

Can someone else pick up my ID card for me?

Most states require you to pick up your ID card in person to verify your identity. Some offices allow a family member or authorized representative to pick it up if you provide written permission and they bring your ID. Call your local DMV office to ask about their specific policy.