What you need to bring and where to go
An identification card is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state, but the process is similar everywhere. You do not need a driver's license to get one; an ID card serves the same purpose for proving your identity and age. Most states issue them at the same office where you would renew a driver's license.
Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or document issued by a government agency), 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 require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website or fill out on arrival. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary. A few states ask for additional documents like a marriage certificate if your name has changed. The website also tells you whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and whether your local office is currently accepting applications.
Key Takeaways
- You will need proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number; the exact documents depend on your state.
- Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person, though a few allow you to renew by mail if you already hold an ID card.
- Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm which documents they accept and whether you need an appointment.
- The fee ranges from about $10 to $30 depending on your state, and the card usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
- If you cannot find your birth certificate or other proof of identity, your state DMV website explains how to request a replacement from the vital records office.
Proof of identity: what counts and what does not
Your state DMV will accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as primary proof of identity. If you do not have any of those, a Social Security card, military discharge papers (DD-214), or a tribal ID card may work as a secondary document — but most states require you to bring two secondary documents instead of one primary document.
Documents that do not work include expired IDs, school IDs, or documents without your photo. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the DMV cannot issue a card in your new name.
If you have lost your birth certificate or cannot locate it, you can request a replacement from your state's vital records office, usually run by the health department. This takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. The vital records office address is on your state DMV website, or you can search "[your state] vital records" online.
Proof of address: documents that satisfy the requirement
Your state DMV needs to see that you live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and current address.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new address, a lease or rental agreement is usually accepted. If you live with family and are not on the lease, ask the person whose name is on it to bring a notarized letter confirming you live there, along with their ID. Rules vary by state, so call your local DMV office if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Mail forwarding notices, school IDs, and insurance cards do not count as proof of address. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, some states have alternative procedures — call your DMV to ask what they accept.
The process form and fees
Most states use a form called the process for Identification Card or Driver License, often numbered DL-44 or similar. You can read it from your state's DMV website and fill it out at home, or you can arrive early and fill it out in the office. Either way, you will need to sign it in front of a DMV employee.
The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Some states also ask whether you want to be on the voter registration list — you can say yes or no; it does not affect your ID card. Read the form carefully before you sign, because mistakes mean the DMV will reject it and you will have to start over.
The fee for a standard ID card is usually between $10 and $30, depending on your state. Some states charge less for seniors or people with disabilities. Payment is cash, card, or check — ask your local office which they accept. The fee is non-refundable even if you change your mind after you explore.
Getting your photo taken and submitting your process
At the DMV office, a staff member will take your photo. Wear something you feel comfortable in; the photo will be on your ID for several years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, and the background is usually plain white or blue. If you wear glasses, you can keep them on unless they create a glare.
After your photo is taken, the DMV employee will review your documents and process form. If everything is correct, they will process your process and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt — it shows you applied and can be used as temporary proof of identity while you wait for your card to arrive.
If the DMV finds a problem — a missing document, a form error, or a name mismatch — they will tell you what to fix and whether you can fix it that day or need to come back. Do not leave without understanding what went wrong, because restarting the process wastes time.
How long the card takes and what to do if it does not arrive
Most states mail your ID card within two to four weeks of approval. The card is sent to the address you provided on the process. If you move before the card arrives, contact your DMV when ready with your new address so they can update it.
If your card does not arrive within the timeframe your state promised, call the DMV with your receipt number. They can check the status and tell you whether it was mailed, lost, or delayed. If it was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it, usually for a small fee.
While you wait, your receipt serves as temporary ID in most situations — banks, stores, and police will usually accept it. If you need a permanent ID before the card arrives, ask the DMV whether you can pick it up in person instead of waiting for mail delivery.
Special situations: name changes, corrections, and replacements
If your name has changed since your last ID, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new card in your new name. If your current ID has a mistake on it (a misspelled name, wrong birth date, or incorrect address), you can request a correction at the DMV office. Bring your current ID and the document that proves what the correct information should be.
If your ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Most states charge a smaller fee for a replacement than for a new card. Bring your receipt or any document that proves you held an ID in that state before. If your card was stolen, some states ask you to file a police report first, though this is not always required.
If you are a non-citizen, your state may issue a different type of ID card or require additional documents like a visa or work permit. Check your state's DMV website under "non-citizen ID" or call the office to ask what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on your state and your local DMV office. Some offices take walk-ins; others require appointments booked online or by phone. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out. If appointments are required and none are available, ask whether you can be added to a waitlist or whether another nearby office has sooner availability.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most states require a Social Security number to issue an ID card. If you do not have one and are a U.S. citizen, you can request one from the Social Security Administration office in your area. If you are a non-citizen, ask your state DMV whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Can someone else pick up my ID card if I cannot go to the DMV?
No. You must appear in person to have your photo taken and sign the process. There is no way around this step. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit the office, call your DMV to ask whether they offer accommodations like curbside service or a private room.
How much does an ID card cost and what if I cannot afford the fee?
The fee is usually $10 to $30. Some states offer reduced fees for seniors, people with disabilities, or low-income households. Call your local DMV office and ask whether you may have access to for a reduced fee or a fee waiver.
What if my address keeps changing and I do not have a stable place to live?
Some states allow you to use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a mailing address like a post office box. Call your DMV office and explain your situation — they can tell you what address they will accept and whether you will need additional documentation.