Where to get a state ID card
A state ID card is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You go to a local office in person, bring the documents they require, pay a fee, and receive a card that proves your identity and age. Unlike a driver's license, it does not permit you to drive.
Most states issue ID cards to anyone 16 or older who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You do not need to own a car, pass a driving test, or have any driving history. The card looks similar to a driver's license and works for airport security, voting, age verification at stores, and opening a bank account.
The process takes 15 minutes to an hour at the office, though some states mail the card to you afterward and you receive it within one to three weeks. A few states issue the card on the spot if you pass the background check.
Key Takeaways
- State ID cards are issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency, and you must explore in person at a local office with required documents.
- You will need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
- The fee ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state, and the card arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states.
- A state ID card works for voting, airport security, age verification, and opening bank accounts, but does not permit you to drive.
Documents you need to bring
Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The specific documents accepted vary slightly, but the categories are the same.
Proof of identity means a document issued by a government body that shows your name and date of birth. A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or document from your country's consulate all work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy is not enough. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states accept a hospital record from your birth, a baptism certificate, or a court order.
Proof of residency shows your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address all count. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, ask the DMV what alternatives they accept — some allow a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a person who lets you stay with them.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one first through the Social Security Administration.
The process process step by step
Call or visit your state's DMV website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.
Bring all required documents, your Social Security number, and payment. Go to the office on the date and time you scheduled. At the counter, tell the staff member you want a state ID card, not a driver's license. They will check your documents, take your photograph, and ask you to sign. You will pay the fee — usually $10 to $30, depending on your state and how long the card is valid.
In most states, you leave with a temporary paper ID and the card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. A few states print the card on the spot and hand it to you before you leave. Check your state's website to see which applies to you.
Cost and how long it takes
The fee for a state ID card ranges from $10 in some states to $30 in others. A few states charge less for minors or seniors. Some states charge extra if you want the card to last longer — for example, a five-year card might cost $15 and an eight-year card $25. Check your state's DMV website for the exact price.
The card usually arrives four to fourteen days after your appointment, though some states take up to three weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer rush processing for an additional fee of $5 to $15. A few states will issue a temporary digital ID through a smartphone app while you wait for the physical card.
What to do if you lost your birth certificate
If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order a copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Visit the state health department website, search for "vital records" or "birth certificate," and follow the link. You will fill out a form, pay a fee (usually $10 to $25), and receive the certificate by mail within one to four weeks.
If you were born outside the U.S., contact the consulate or embassy of your birth country. They can issue a certified copy of your birth record or a travel document that proves your identity and date of birth. This process takes longer — often four to eight weeks — so start early if you need your state ID soon.
While you wait for your birth certificate, ask the DMV whether they accept an alternative document. Some accept a hospital record, baptism certificate, or court order in place of a birth certificate. A few states will issue a temporary ID while you gather documents, though this is rare.
Renewing or replacing your state ID
State ID cards expire after a set number of years — usually four, five, or eight years depending on your state and age. You renew by returning to the DMV with your expiring card, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The process is faster than getting your first card because the DMV already has your identity on file.
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and residency, the same as for a new card. The replacement fee is usually the same as the renewal fee or slightly higher. Some states let you report a lost card online and receive a replacement by mail without visiting an office.
State ID versus driver's license
A state ID card and a driver's license are both issued by the DMV and look similar, but they serve different purposes. A driver's license proves you are permitted to operate a vehicle and requires you to pass a written test and a driving test. A state ID card proves your identity and age but does not permit you to drive.
If you do not drive and do not plan to, a state ID card is simpler and cheaper. You skip the written and driving tests, and the fee is lower. If you later decide to drive, you can upgrade to a driver's license by passing the required tests — you do not have to start over with a new identity document.
Both cards work equally for voting, opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, and age verification. Some employers and schools accept either one as proof of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a state ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have a valid visa. You will need to bring your green card, visa, or other immigration document along with proof of identity and residency. Some states also issue ID cards to people with temporary protected status or deferred action status — check your state's DMV website for the full list.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to obtain one first. Visit the Social Security Administration office in your area or call 1-800-772-1213 to request an process. Bring proof of identity, age, and residency. Once you receive your Social Security number, you can return to the DMV to get your state ID card.
Can someone else pick up my state ID card for me?
Most states mail the card directly to your address, so you do not need to pick it up. If your state prints the card on the spot, you must be present to receive it. Some states allow a family member to pick up the card if you sign a power of attorney form, but policies vary — call your local DMV office to ask.
How much does a state ID card cost compared to a driver's license?
A state ID card usually costs $10 to $30, while a driver's license costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. The ID card is cheaper because you do not pay for the written and driving tests. Both cards are valid for four to eight years, and renewal costs are similar.
Can I use a state ID card to fly on an airplane?
Yes, a state ID card is accepted as valid identification for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognizes it as a Real ID-compliant document if your state has upgraded its ID cards. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state's ID cards meet Real ID standards.