Where to Get an ID Card and What You'll Need
You get an identification card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. Most states issue ID cards at the same office where you'd get a driver's license, but you don't need to drive to get one. The card proves who you are and shows your address, and many states now issue them with REAL ID compliance, which means they work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
Before you go, gather these documents: a birth certificate or passport (proof of citizenship or legal residency), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some states also ask for a second form of ID if you have one — an old ID card, passport, or school ID. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact list, because requirements do vary.
Key Takeaways
- You explore for a state ID card at your state's DMV or Secretary of State office, the same place that issues driver's licenses.
- Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your address, and your Social Security number — requirements vary by state, so check your DMV website first.
- The card costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state and how long you want it to last.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or you can walk out the same day if you pay for expedited service at the office.
- If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
The process Process at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office or book an appointment online — most states now let you reserve a time slot to cut down on wait time. Bring all your documents in originals (not copies, except for the address proof). Tell the clerk you want a state ID card, not a driver's license. They'll check your documents, take your photo, and have you sign the process in front of them.
The whole process at the counter takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll pay the fee on the spot — usually between $10 and $30, depending on whether you want a card that lasts four years or eight years. Ask whether your state offers REAL ID cards; if it does and you want one for federal purposes, there may be a small extra fee. The clerk will tell you when to expect your card in the mail, usually one to two weeks.
Getting Your Card Faster
If you need the card sooner, most DMV offices offer same-day service if you pay an expedited fee — typically $10 to $20 extra. You'll still wait at the office while they process it, but you'll leave with the card in hand instead of waiting for the mail. Some states also let you order a temporary paper ID that works for a few weeks while your plastic card is being made.
Call your local DMV before you go to ask whether same-day service is available that day. Some offices run out of blank cards or have technical issues, so confirming ahead saves a wasted trip. If you're in a real time crunch, ask whether you can pick up your card at the office instead of having it mailed — not all states offer this, but it's worth asking.
What to Do If You're Under 18
If you're a minor, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV. They need to bring their own photo ID and proof of guardianship — usually a birth certificate showing they're your parent, or a court order if they're your legal guardian. You'll both sign the process, and the guardian pays the fee.
Some states let minors get ID cards without a parent present if they have a school ID or other secondary ID, but this varies widely. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what your state requires. If your guardian can't come in person, a few states allow them to sign a notarized consent form, but you'll still need to bring it with you.
Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost Card
If your ID card has expired, you can renew it by mail in most states — you don't have to go back to the DMV. You'll mail in your old card, a renewal form (read it from your state's DMV website), and the fee. Processing takes two to four weeks. If your card is still valid but you've moved, you can update your address by mail in many states as well.
If your card is lost or stolen, go to the DMV in person and ask for a replacement. Bring your documents the same way you did for the original process. There's usually a replacement fee of $5 to $15, and you'll get a new card in one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you pay for expedited service. Some states let you report a lost card online first, which speeds up the replacement process.
Costs and Timeline at a Glance
| Service | Cost Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| New ID card (standard) | $10–$30 | 1–2 weeks by mail |
| Same-day service | $20–$50 | Same day at office |
| Renewal by mail | $10–$25 | 2–4 weeks |
| Replacement (lost/stolen) | $5–$15 | 1–2 weeks by mail |
Costs and timelines vary by state. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and processing time in your area. Some states charge less for seniors or people with low income — ask the clerk whether you may have access to for a discount.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is bringing copies instead of originals of your birth certificate or passport. The DMV needs to see the real document. Another common error is showing up without proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease is what they want, not a piece of mail with your name on it. If your address proof is old, bring two documents instead of one.
Don't assume your old ID or passport counts as proof of address; it doesn't. And if you've changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change — the DMV won't issue a card in a new name without it. Finally, if you're explore for REAL ID compliance, ask the clerk to confirm your documents meet the federal standard before you leave, so you don't find out later that you need to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ID card if I don't have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you don't have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, a naturalization certificate, or a state-issued document like a previous ID card. Call your DMV to ask which documents they'll accept in place of a birth certificate, because the list varies by state.
What if I don't have a current address?
If you're homeless or living temporarily, most states let you use a shelter address, a friend's address with a signed letter from them, or a PO box. Call your DMV and explain your situation — they have workarounds for people without stable housing.
How long does an ID card last?
Most states issue ID cards that are valid for four to eight years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The longer the validity, the higher the fee. Your DMV clerk will tell you the options available in your state.
Can I use a state ID card to fly domestically?
Yes, if it's a REAL ID-compliant card. Ask your DMV whether your state's ID cards meet REAL ID standards. If they do, you can use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If not, you'll need a passport or other federal ID.
What if the DMV rejected my documents?
The clerk will tell you which document didn't work and what you need instead. Go home, gather the correct document, and come back. You don't have to pay again if you return within a certain time frame — ask the clerk what that window is in your state.