Where to go and what to bring

You get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You cannot order one by mail in most states; you must go in person to a DMV office or an authorized agent location (some grocery stores, pharmacies, and county offices handle renewals and replacements). Bring a proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), a proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or previous license), and your Social Security number or card. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website or fill out on arrival.

The office will take your photo, verify your information against state records, and charge a fee that ranges from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you are getting your first card or replacing one. Processing time is usually same-day for a temporary paper ID and 7 to 14 days for the physical card to arrive by mail. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office or authorized agent in person; most states do not issue ID cards by mail.
  • Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
  • Fees range from $15 to $50 and vary by state and whether you are getting a first card or a replacement.
  • A temporary paper ID is usually issued the same day; the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days.
  • Check your state DMV website before you go to confirm which documents your state accepts and whether you need an appointment.

What counts as proof of identity

Your state will accept a birth certificate (original or certified copy), U.S. passport, passport card, or previous driver's license or ID card from any state. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a citizen. The document must be unexpired or, in the case of a birth certificate, issued within the last year (rules vary slightly by state).

If you do not have any of these, you may be able to use a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a medical record with your name and date of birth. Call your state DMV before you go to ask what secondary documents they will accept. Getting a birth certificate takes 1 to 3 weeks through your state's vital records office and costs $10 to $30, so if you do not have one, start there.

What counts as proof of residency

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the fastest route. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy also work if they show your name and current address. Some states accept a government check or tax return with your address. The document must be in your name and show your street address — a P.O. box does not count.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a signed lease plus an older bill from your previous address to show you have moved. A few states will accept an affidavit (a sworn statement) signed by someone else who lives at your address if you cannot produce a document in your own name — ask the DMV whether this applies to you.

Getting an ID if you do not have a birth certificate

Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office (usually run by the Department of Health or Vital Statistics). You can order online, by mail, or in person at the office in your state capital. The cost is $10 to $30 and processing takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and parents' names, and you may need to show ID yourself when you pick it up.

If you were born outside the U.S., order a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. State Department, or a Certificate of Naturalization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Both take 4 to 8 weeks. If you have a passport, use that instead — it is faster and counts as both identity and citizenship proof.

Getting an ID without a Social Security number

Most states require a Social Security number to issue an ID card. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you go to the DMV. You can explore in person at your local Social Security office, by mail, or online at ssa.gov if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your birth certificate, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, some states will issue an ID card without a Social Security number if you show an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Check your state DMV website to see whether this applies. If your state does not accept an ITIN, you will need to work with an immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal aid organization to explore other options.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID

Go to the DMV with your proof of residency and proof of identity (the same documents you would bring for a first card). Tell the staff your card was lost or stolen. You do not need a police report unless your state specifically requires one — most do not. The fee for a replacement is usually the same as for a new card, though a few states charge less. You will get a temporary paper ID the same day and the physical card by mail in 7 to 14 days.

If your card was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them and asking them to notify the others. This is free and lasts one year. You can also freeze your credit, which costs nothing and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission.

Renewing an expired ID

Some states let you renew by mail if your card is only slightly expired and you have not changed your address or appearance significantly. Others require you to come in person. Check your state DMV website to see which applies. If you can renew by mail, you will mail in your expired card, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.

If you must renew in person, bring your expired ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You do not need to bring proof of identity again if your ID is still valid. The fee for renewal is usually lower than for a replacement — typically $10 to $25. You will get a temporary paper ID the same day.

Finding your nearest DMV office and making an appointment

Go to your state DMV website and search for "office locations" or "find an office near me." The site will show you hours, services offered, and whether that location handles ID cards (some offices handle only driver's licenses). Many states now require an appointment; you can book one online or by phone. If appointments are full, check back daily — offices often release same-day slots in the morning.

If the DMV is far away or has a long wait, look for an authorized agent location in your area. These are often pharmacies, grocery stores, or county offices that handle renewals and replacements. They cannot issue first-time IDs, but they can renew or replace an existing card. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service you need and whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID card if I do not have a fixed address?

Some states will accept a shelter address, a care facility address, or a mailing address (like a P.O. box or a friend's address where you receive mail) as proof of residency. Call your state DMV to ask what they accept for homeless or unstably housed people. A few states also accept a letter from a social service agency confirming your residency.

How much does a state ID card cost?

Fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your state and whether you are getting a first card, a replacement, or a renewal. Some states charge less for seniors or people with low income. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee and ask whether discounts explore to you.

What if I changed my name?

Bring your proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers) along with your regular documents. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new card. There is usually no extra fee, though some states charge a small amount for a name change.

Can I use a passport instead of a state ID?

A passport works for most purposes where an ID is needed, including air travel and opening a bank account. However, some states require a state ID for voting or driving. If you have a passport and do not need to drive, you may not need a state ID card at all.

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

You get a temporary paper ID the same day you explore. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days in most states. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. Check your state DMV website for exact timelines.