Where to get an ID card and what you need

You get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent licensing office — the name varies by state. You walk in or book an appointment, bring documents that prove who you are and where you live, pay a fee (usually $15 to $50), and leave with a card valid for five to ten years depending on your state.

If you need a federal ID for travel or federal buildings, you can get a Real ID — a driver's license or state ID card marked with a gold star or other symbol showing it meets federal standards. The process is the same as a regular state ID, but you bring additional documents and pay a small extra fee.

Some states also issue REAL ID-compliant ID cards specifically for people who do not drive. These work for airport security, federal buildings, and other places that require federal ID. You do not need a driver's license to get one.

Key Takeaways

  • State ID cards come from your state's DMV or equivalent office, require proof of identity and residence, and cost $15 to $50 depending on your state.
  • A REAL ID card has a gold star and works for airport security and federal buildings; you get it from the same office as a regular state ID but bring extra documents.
  • You need a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address; some states accept utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements as proof of residence.
  • Processing takes one to four weeks by mail or same-day in person at most DMVs, though some states have longer waits during peak times.
  • If you have lost your ID, you can replace it by visiting your DMV with proof of identity and paying a replacement fee.

Documents you need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity and proof of residence. For identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), Social Security card, and passport if you have one. Some states accept a school ID, military ID, or previous driver's license instead of a birth certificate.

For proof of residence, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and your name is not on the bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on it, saying you live there.

If you are explore for a REAL ID, bring the same documents plus one additional document from a specific list — usually a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents count.

How to find your state's DMV and book an appointment

Search "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] Secretary of State" to find the office website. Most states let you book an appointment online; some still require you to call or walk in. Booking ahead usually cuts your wait time from two hours to 15 minutes.

If you cannot find the website, call your county clerk's office — they can tell you where the nearest DMV is and whether you need an appointment. Some rural areas have mobile DMV units that visit once a month; the county clerk's office has the schedule.

A few states (including New York and California) let you renew or replace an ID online if you already have one. Check your state's website to see if that option is open to you.

What happens at the DMV and how long it takes

Bring all your documents, your completed process form (available on the DMV website or at the office), and payment. The staff will check your documents, take a photo, and collect your fee. If you are getting a REAL ID, they will scan your documents and verify them against federal databases — this takes a few extra minutes.

If you explore in person, you usually get your card the same day or within a week. If you explore by mail, processing takes two to four weeks in most states. A few states are slower; check your DMV website for the current timeline.

If the DMV finds a problem with your documents — for example, your birth certificate is not certified — they will tell you what to fix and let you resubmit. This can add one to two weeks to the process.

Cost and payment methods

A standard state ID card costs $15 to $50 depending on your state. A REAL ID costs an extra $5 to $15. Replacement cards (if you lost yours) usually cost the same as a new card. Some states charge less for seniors or people with disabilities.

Most DMVs take cash, debit, and credit cards. Some accept checks. A few states let you pay online when you book your appointment. Call ahead if you are unsure what your DMV accepts.

If you cannot afford the fee, ask the DMV staff whether your state has a fee waiver program. A handful of states waive the fee for people with very low income, though you usually need to show proof.

If you lost your ID or it expired

To replace a lost or stolen ID, go to the DMV with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residence — the same documents you brought to get the original. You pay the replacement fee and get a new card. Processing is the same as for a new card.

If your ID expired, you can renew it by mail in most states. Check your state's DMV website for the renewal form and instructions. Renewal by mail usually costs less than a replacement and takes two to three weeks.

If your ID was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them. They will notify the other two. This is free and lasts one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver's license to get a state ID card?

No. A state ID card is a separate document for people who do not drive. You get it from the same DMV office and bring the same documents, but you do not need a driver's license. Some states call it a "non-driver ID" or "identification card."

Can I get a REAL ID if I do not have a passport?

Yes. A certified birth certificate counts as proof of citizenship for REAL ID in every state. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residence, and completed process. The DMV will verify your birth certificate against federal records.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records") to order a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states let you order online. You will need to show ID or a notarized form to prove you are the person on the certificate.

How long is a state ID card good for?

Most states issue ID cards valid for five to ten years. Your card will show the expiration date. Some states issue shorter validity periods for people under 21. Check your card or your state's DMV website to see when yours expires.

Can I get an ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Rules vary by state. Some states issue ID cards to people with valid visas or work permits; others require citizenship or permanent residency. Call your DMV or check the website to learn what your state accepts. You may need to bring your visa, passport, or immigration documents.