What a state ID card is and who needs one

A state ID card is a government-issued photo identification that proves who you are. It is not a driver's license — you do not need to pass a driving test or own a car to get one. Most states issue them through the same office that handles driver's licenses, usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live.

You might need a state ID if you do not drive, if your driver's license has expired and you need ID right away, or if you want a second form of identification. Banks, airports, and government offices accept state IDs the same way they accept driver's licenses. Some states also use state IDs to register voters or access certain services.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a state ID from your state's motor vehicle office without proving you can drive or owning a vehicle.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
  • The cost ranges from about $10 to $30 depending on your state, and processing takes anywhere from same-day to two weeks.
  • If you have lost your ID or it has expired, you can renew it by mail in most states, which is faster and cheaper than getting a new one in person.
  • Real ID compliant cards cost more and take longer but work for federal purposes like flying or entering military bases.

What documents you need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a naturalization certificate. A photocopy will not work — the document itself must be there.

For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current street address. A bank statement or credit card bill usually works too. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utilities, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the card itself or a document that shows it, like a tax return or W-2 form. Some states ask for your signature on a form before you arrive; check your state's motor vehicle website to see if you can read and sign it ahead of time.

The steps to get a state ID in person

First, find your local motor vehicle office online by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] motor vehicle office." Most states let you book an appointment through their website. If appointments are full, some offices take walk-ins, but wait times can be long — calling ahead to ask is worth the time.

Bring all your documents, your Social Security number or ITIN, and the process form if you printed it. At the office, staff will check your documents, take a photo of you, and collect your fee. The photo will be taken against a plain background, so wear something you would wear in a professional setting. You will be asked to sign the back of your ID before you leave.

Most states hand you a temporary paper ID on the spot that is valid for driving or identification until your plastic card arrives in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. Some states mail everything, so ask before you leave whether you get a temporary document that day.

Cost and processing time by state

State ID fees range from about $10 to $30 for a standard card that lasts four to eight years, depending on your state. Some states charge less for seniors or people with disabilities. A Real ID compliant card — which meets federal standards for flying and entering federal buildings — costs $5 to $15 more and takes longer to process because the office has to verify your documents more thoroughly.

Processing time varies widely. Some states issue your card the same day you explore. Others mail it within one to two weeks. A few states take up to four weeks, especially if they are verifying your documents with other agencies. Check your state's website for the current wait time before you go, because it changes with the season.

If you need ID urgently and your state does not issue same-day cards, ask whether you can get an expedited card for an extra fee. Some states offer this for $10 to $20 more, with processing in three to five business days.

Renewing or replacing an expired or lost ID

If your ID has expired or is about to expire, you can renew it by mail in most states without going to an office. You will need to fill out a renewal form, include a new photo (some states accept a photocopy of a recent photo; others require a new one taken at the office), and mail it with your fee and old ID. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks.

If your ID was lost or stolen, you will need to go to an office in person to get a replacement, because the office needs to take a new photo and verify that you are the person on the original card. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new ID. The replacement fee is usually the same as a new card, though some states charge a small extra fee for a duplicate.

If you have moved since your last ID was issued, you can update your address by mail in some states. Check your state's website to see whether you can do this without getting a new photo taken.

Real ID compliance and federal use

A standard state ID works for most everyday purposes — buying alcohol, entering a bank, proving your identity to an employer. But starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant card to fly on a domestic airplane or enter a federal building like a courthouse or military base.

A Real ID card looks the same as a standard ID but has a small star in the upper right corner. It costs more and takes longer because the motor vehicle office has to verify your documents against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security records. If your documents do not match those records exactly — for example, if your name on your birth certificate is spelled differently than on your Social Security card — the office will ask you to bring corrected documents before they issue the card.

You do not have to get a Real ID card unless you plan to fly or enter federal buildings. If you do not, a standard state ID remains valid for identification and voting.

What to do if you are not a U.S. citizen

Most states issue state IDs to people who are not U.S. citizens but have legal status to be in the country. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status, such as a green card, work permit, visa, or asylum approval letter. Some states also issue IDs to people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

A few states have stricter rules and only issue IDs to U.S. citizens. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what immigration documents are accepted. If your state does not issue IDs to non-citizens, you may be able to get a passport from your home country instead, which works as identification in most situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a state ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate instead. If you have none of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a birth certificate — this takes a few weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states will issue a temporary ID while you wait for your birth certificate to arrive.

How long does a state ID last?

Most states issue IDs that are valid for four to eight years. Your state's motor vehicle website will tell you the expiration date when you explore. You can renew by mail before it expires, usually for a lower fee than getting a new card.

What if I moved and my address on my ID is wrong?

You can update your address by mail in most states without getting a new photo. Some states charge a small fee for this, and some do it for free. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see the process. If your state does not allow address updates by mail, you will need to go to an office in person.

Do I need a Real ID card to vote?

No. A standard state ID is accepted for voting in every state. Real ID is only required for flying and entering federal buildings. You do not need to upgrade unless you plan to do one of those things.

Can I use my state ID to fly if it is not Real ID compliant?

Not after 2025. Starting in May 2025, you will need either a Real ID card, a passport, or a military ID to fly domestically. A standard state ID will no longer work at airport security. If you fly before then, a standard ID is still accepted.