What You Need to Know Before You Start
A minor can get a state ID card at the same office where adults get driver's licenses — usually your Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent state agency. The ID does not allow driving; it is a photo identification card that proves age and identity. Most states issue them to children as young as five or six, though some have no minimum age.
The process takes one visit in most states, though a few require a parent or guardian to explore by mail first. You will need to bring specific documents — typically a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security number. The card costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state, and it usually lasts until the minor turns 18 or 21.
Key Takeaways
- You explore at your state's DMV or equivalent office, bringing the minor's birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security card or number.
- A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process in most states, though a few allow guardians to explore by mail.
- The photo is taken at the office during your visit, and the card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
- Cost ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state, and the ID is valid until the minor reaches 18 or 21.
- Some states require proof that the parent has custody or guardianship, so call ahead if you are not the biological parent.
Documents You Must Bring
Start by gathering the original or certified birth certificate. A photocopy will not work — the DMV needs the official document issued by the vital records office in the state where the child was born. If you do not have it, you can order one from that state's vital records office online or by mail, though this adds one to two weeks to your timeline.
Next, bring proof of residency in your current state. This is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to the parent or guardian at your home address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. A cell phone bill or credit card statement typically does not count.
You will also need the minor's Social Security card or a document showing the Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or letter from Social Security. Some states allow you to provide the number verbally if you have the card with you. Call your local DMV office before your visit to confirm what they accept, because rules vary by state.
If you are not the biological parent, bring proof of legal guardianship — a court order, custody agreement, or adoption papers. The DMV will not issue an ID to a minor without a parent or legal guardian present, and they verify your authority to act on the child's behalf.
How to Schedule and Complete Your Visit
Call your local DMV office or visit the state's website to find the office nearest you and check whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments to reduce wait times; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If appointments are required and the office is booked out, you may wait weeks, so schedule as soon as you know you need the ID.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all documents in hand. The DMV staff will verify your documents, check that the minor's name and date of birth match across all paperwork, and ask you to confirm the information on the process form. The minor will have their photo taken at the office — they should wear something they feel comfortable in, and the photo will be used on the card for several years.
The parent or guardian must sign the process in front of a DMV employee. Some states require the minor to sign as well, depending on age. Once everything is signed, you pay the fee — usually $10 to $30, though some states charge less for minors than for adults. Ask whether your state offers a reduced rate for children.
The card is mailed to the address you provide, typically arriving within two to four weeks. If you need the ID sooner, ask whether your state offers expedited processing or a temporary paper ID you can use while waiting for the card.
What Happens If Documents Are Missing or Incorrect
If your birth certificate does not match the name on your current address or other documents — for example, if the child's last name changed after birth — bring documentation of the legal name change. This might be a court order, adoption decree, or marriage certificate if the name changed due to a parent's marriage. Without it, the DMV cannot issue an ID.
If the birth certificate lists a different parent than the one explore, or if custody is shared and you are not the primary custodian, bring the custody order or court documents showing your legal authority. The DMV will not process the process without proof that you have the right to make decisions for the minor.
If you cannot locate the original birth certificate and ordering a new one will take too long, ask the DMV whether they accept a certified copy from the vital records office or a court-issued certified copy. Some states will work with these alternatives, though it depends on the specific office and situation.
State-by-State Variations You Should Know
Most states follow the process described above, but a few have different rules. Some states require you to explore by mail if the minor is under a certain age — typically under 14 — and the parent must have the process notarized. Others allow you to explore in person at any age. A handful of states do not issue ID cards to minors at all and require a learner's permit or passport instead.
A few states charge different fees for minors than for adults, and some offer free or reduced-cost IDs for low-income families. Check your state's DMV website or call the office to confirm the exact documents, fees, and process for your location. The website usually lists what you need and whether appointments are required.
If you are explore for a minor in a state where you do not live — for example, if the child was born in another state and you have since moved — you will explore in your current state of residency, not the birth state. Bring the out-of-state birth certificate and proof that you now live in your current state.
Timeline and What to Expect After Your Visit
The entire in-person visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether all your documents are in order. If documents are missing or incorrect, the DMV will tell you what you need to bring back, and you will have to schedule another visit.
After you leave, the card is printed and mailed to your address. Standard processing takes two to four weeks. If the card does not arrive within that window, contact the DMV to check the status — sometimes mail is delayed, and the office can reissue it. Keep the receipt you receive at your visit; it serves as proof of ID until the card arrives.
Once the card arrives, check that the photo, name, date of birth, and ID number are correct. If there is an error, return to the DMV with the card and your receipt to request a replacement. Most states issue replacements for free if the error was made by the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor get an ID without a parent or guardian present?
No. A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process in all states. If you are not the biological parent, bring proof of guardianship or custody. A few states allow guardians to explore by mail, but the guardian must still sign the process in front of a notary.
What if the minor's birth certificate has a different name than they use now?
Bring documentation of the legal name change — a court order, adoption papers, or a marriage certificate if the name changed due to a parent's marriage. The DMV will not issue an ID without proof that the current name is legally correct.
How long is a minor's ID card valid?
Most states issue ID cards to minors that are valid until age 18 or 21, depending on the state. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the expiration age. You will need to renew it once it expires, though renewal is usually simpler than the first process.
Can I get a temporary ID while I wait for the card to arrive?
Some states issue a temporary paper ID or receipt that you can use for identification while the card is being mailed. Ask the DMV staff at your visit whether this is available in your state. If not, keep your receipt — it may be accepted as proof that you have applied.
What if I lost the ID card after it arrived?
Return to the DMV with your receipt or any remaining documents and request a replacement. Most states charge a small fee for replacements — usually $5 to $15 — and the new card arrives within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited replacement if you can show the card was lost or stolen.