Start at your state's DMV or equivalent agency

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Registry of Motor Vehicles) is where you get a replacement ID. Most states now let you start the process online, though you will need to visit in person at least once to verify your identity and have your photo taken.

Find your state's DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] driver's license replacement". The website will show you what documents to bring, the current fee, and whether you can book an appointment. Booking ahead usually cuts your wait time from hours to 15 minutes.

If you have lost your ID and need one urgently, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 on top of the standard replacement cost. Ask when you book whether this option is available in your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website tells you exactly what documents to bring and whether you can book an appointment online.
  • You will need to appear in person to verify your identity and have your photo taken, even if you start the process online.
  • Bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport — the DMV website lists which documents your state accepts as proof of identity.
  • Expedited processing is available in most states for an additional fee if you need your ID within days rather than weeks.
  • Some states let you get a temporary ID on the spot while your permanent one is being made.

What documents you need to bring

The standard documents are a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept — some states are flexible, others are strict. Bring originals, not copies, unless the website specifically says copies are acceptable.

If your birth certificate is lost, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30. Ordering online is faster than ordering by mail.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your Social Security number on it. The DMV accepts these as proof.

The cost and how long it takes

Replacement ID fees vary by state. A standard replacement typically costs $20 to $50. Expedited processing adds $10 to $25. Some states charge extra if you need the ID mailed to you rather than picked up in person.

Standard processing takes two to four weeks in most states. Expedited processing cuts this to three to five business days. A few states offer same-day or next-day service if you pay for it and visit in person.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and timeline — both change occasionally. The website will also tell you whether you can pick up your ID at the office or whether it will be mailed to you.

Getting a temporary ID while you wait

Many states issue a temporary paper ID on the spot when you complete your replacement process. This temporary ID is valid for 30 to 90 days and works for most purposes — boarding a plane, entering a government building, or opening a bank account. Ask the DMV clerk whether a temporary ID is available in your state.

If your state does not offer a temporary ID and you need to prove your identity before your replacement arrives, a passport or passport card works as a backup. If you do not have either, ask your employer or bank whether they will accept a letter from the DMV confirming that you have applied for a replacement.

If you are out of state or cannot visit in person

Most states require you to appear in person at least once. However, some states let you renew or replace an ID by mail if you are out of state temporarily. Check your state's DMV website under "mail-in renewal" or "out-of-state replacement".

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, you can usually renew your ID through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Contact the embassy in your country to ask whether they handle ID replacements and what documents you need.

If you are unable to visit the DMV in person due to a disability or medical condition, some states offer mobile services or will send an examiner to your home. Call your local DMV office to ask whether this option is available.

What to do if you have lost your Social Security card too

Order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) or by visiting a local Social Security office. You will need your birth certificate and a photo ID — but if you are replacing both at once, start with the Social Security card because it is faster (usually one to two weeks).

Once your Social Security card arrives, take it to the DMV along with your other documents to complete your ID replacement. You do not have to wait for the Social Security card if you have other proof of your number, such as a tax return or W-2.

Replacing an ID in a different state

If you have moved to a new state, you will need to get a new ID from your current state of residence, not your old one. Visit your new state's DMV website and follow the same process. You will need proof that you live in the new state — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Your old ID remains valid for identification purposes until it expires, even after you move. You do not have to surrender it when you get a new one, though some states ask you to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement ID without a birth certificate?

Most states require a birth certificate, but some accept alternatives such as a passport, naturalization papers, or a court order. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents. If you do not have any of these, order a birth certificate replacement from your state's vital records office first.

What if I do not know my Social Security number?

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request your number. Have your birth certificate and photo ID ready. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Once you have your number, you can proceed with your ID replacement.

How much does a replacement ID cost?

Fees range from $20 to $50 depending on your state. Expedited processing typically adds $10 to $25. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, as prices change occasionally and may differ based on the type of ID you need.

Can I replace my ID online without going to the DMV?

You can start the process online in most states, but you must visit the DMV in person to verify your identity and have your photo taken. Some states let you book an appointment online to speed up the in-person visit.

What if my ID was stolen instead of lost?

Follow the same replacement process. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by visiting annualcreditreport.com. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.