Where to Order Your ID Card Online

Most states let you order a standard identification card through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You do not go to a separate ID company — you go directly to your state's DMV portal, which handles both driver's licenses and ID cards. The process differs by state, but the general path is the same: visit your state DMV website, find the "ID card" or "non-driver ID" section, and follow the ordering steps.

Not every state offers full online ordering for ID cards. Some states let you start the process online but require you to visit a DMV office in person to verify your identity and take your photo. A few states only allow in-person applications. Before you begin, check your state's DMV website to see whether online ordering is available where you live and what documents you will need to upload or bring in.

The website address for your state DMV usually follows the pattern dmv.[your state].gov or [your state].gov/dmv. If you cannot find it, search "[your state] DMV" in a search engine and look for the official government domain — not a third-party service that charges a fee to help you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website is the official place to order an ID card online; third-party websites that charge fees are not necessary.
  • You will need to upload or provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and sometimes a Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Some states allow you to upload a photo online, while others require you to visit an office for a photo taken by staff.
  • Processing time ranges from one to three weeks after you submit your order, depending on your state.
  • If your state does not offer online ordering, you must visit a DMV office in person to explore.

Documents You Will Need to Upload or Bring

Before you start the online order, gather the documents your state requires. Nearly all states ask for proof of identity — a birth certificate, passport, or previous driver's license — and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If your state allows you to upload documents, you will scan or photograph them and upload them as PDF or image files during the online order. Make sure the document is clear, fully visible, and not blurry — if the DMV cannot read it, they will reject your order and ask you to resubmit. If your state requires you to visit an office, bring the original documents or certified copies with you.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of accepted documents, because some states have specific rules. For example, some accept a utility bill as proof of residency, while others do not. Having the right documents ready before you start the order saves time and prevents delays.

Steps to Complete Your Online Order

Once you are on your state's DMV website, look for a link labeled "Order an ID Card," "Non-Driver ID," or "ID Card process." Click it and you will usually be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. You will enter your name, date of birth, and contact information.

Next, you will answer questions about your identity and residency. The website will ask you to select your proof of identity from a dropdown menu (for example, "birth certificate" or "passport") and then upload the document. Do the same for proof of residency. Some states ask additional questions about your citizenship status or whether you have a Social Security number.

If your state allows online photo submission, you will upload a digital photo or take one using your device's camera. The photo must meet specific requirements — usually a plain background, face clearly visible, and taken within the last six months. If your state does not allow online photos, you will skip this step and take your photo at a DMV office later.

Review all the information you entered before you submit. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number and an estimated processing time. Save or print this confirmation — you may need it to check the status of your order or if you have to visit an office.

Photo Requirements If You Upload Online

States that allow online photo uploads have strict rules to make sure the photo works for identification. Your photo must show your face straight-on, with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera. The background must be plain white or off-white — no patterns, shadows, or other people in the background.

Your face must take up between 50 and 70 percent of the photo. Wear normal everyday clothing — no uniforms, costumes, or religious head coverings that hide your face (though religious head coverings that do not hide your face are usually allowed). Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, and avoid heavy makeup or filters that change your appearance.

The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and saved as a JPG or PNG file. If you are unsure whether your photo meets the requirements, most state DMV websites show examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Taking the photo in natural daylight near a window usually produces the clearest result.

What Happens After You Submit Your Order

After you submit your online order, the DMV will review your documents and information. This usually takes one to three weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. During this time, the DMV may contact you by email or phone if they need more information or if a document is unclear.

If your state requires you to visit an office for your photo, the DMV will send you an email with instructions on how to schedule an appointment or which office to visit. Bring your confirmation number and any documents the DMV asks for. The office visit is usually quick — just a few minutes for the photo and to verify your identity.

Once your ID card is ready, the DMV will mail it to the address you provided during the order. Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks after the card ships. If you need your card faster, some states offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is uploading blurry or cut-off documents. Make sure the entire document is visible and readable before you upload. If you are photographing a document with your phone, use good lighting and hold the phone steady to avoid blur.

Another mistake is using an outdated or expired document as proof of identity. The DMV will reject expired passports or old driver's licenses. Use a current passport, birth certificate, or recent state ID instead.

Do not use a PO box as your proof of residency address. The DMV needs a physical street address where mail can be delivered. If you live in a temporary situation, use the address of a friend or family member where you are currently staying, as long as you can provide a document (like a utility bill or lease) that shows that address.

Finally, do not use a third-party website that claims to speed up the process or simplify the process. These sites charge fees and do not make the DMV process any faster. Always go directly to your state's official DMV website.

If Your State Does Not Offer Online Ordering

If your state does not allow you to order an ID card online, you must visit a DMV office in person. You can usually schedule an appointment through your state's DMV website, which saves time compared to walking in without one. Some states let you check wait times online before you go.

Bring all required documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and any other documents your state asks for — along with a completed process form if your state requires one. The DMV office will take your photo, verify your information, and process your process on the spot. You will receive your ID card by mail within one to three weeks.

If scheduling an appointment is not available in your area, call your local DMV office to ask about wait times and what documents to bring. Going early in the morning or on a weekday usually means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an ID card after I order online?

Processing time is usually one to three weeks after you submit your order, depending on your state. Once the card is approved, the DMV mails it to you, which takes another one to two weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited shipping for an extra fee, which can cut the mailing time in half.

Can I use a photo from my phone or do I need a professional photo?

You can use a photo from your phone as long as it meets the state's requirements — plain background, face straight-on, good lighting, and taken within the last six months. You do not need a professional photo. If your state requires you to visit an office, the DMV will take your photo for you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some states allow you to leave the field blank if you do not have either. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm what to do in your situation.

Can I order an ID card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes, if you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, naturalization certificate, or other government-issued ID as proof of identity. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of accepted documents. If you are unsure whether your document will work, call your local DMV office before you order.

What should I do if the DMV rejects my documents?

The DMV will contact you by email or phone to explain why your documents were rejected and what you need to submit instead. Usually the issue is a blurry photo, an expired document, or a document that does not meet the state's requirements. Once you understand what is needed, you can upload new documents or visit an office in person.