You can get a state ID card at any age, but you need a parent or guardian to explore until you turn 18

A state ID card has no minimum age. You can explore for a newborn if you want to, though most people wait until their child needs it for travel or school. The real age markers are practical: you need an ID to fly domestically (any age with the right card type), to get a job (usually 14 or 16, depending on your state), to drive (16 to 18, depending on your state), and to enter certain venues or buy age-restricted items (18 or 21). Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets the rules for when you can explore and what documents you need at each age.

The biggest difference is who can sign the process. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV and sign. Once you turn 18, you explore on your own. The documents you bring are mostly the same at any age — birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or number, and proof of your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain a state ID card at any age, but a parent or guardian must explore with you and sign the process if you are under 18.
  • A Real ID-compliant card requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence in addition to identity and address proof, but has no age requirement.
  • Most states allow you to get a standard ID card before you are old enough to drive, which is useful for air travel and school identification.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID to board a domestic flight — a standard state ID will not work.
  • Renewal ages and methods vary by state, so check your state DMV's website to see whether your card expires at 18, 21, or a later age.

Getting an ID as a minor under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must explore with you at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You cannot explore alone. Bring the adult's photo ID, your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter will work). The parent or guardian signs the process and gives permission for the card.

Some states issue ID cards to minors that are valid only until age 18, while others issue cards valid until 21 or older. Check your state DMV's website to see what expiration age applies to you. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant card (which you need for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025), the requirements are the same — you still need the parent or guardian present, and you still need proof of citizenship or lawful presence.

Getting an ID at 18 and older

Once you turn 18, you can explore for an ID card on your own without a parent or guardian. You will still need your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or number, and proof of your current address. If you are explore for a Real ID card, you also need to prove citizenship or lawful presence — a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a state-issued birth certificate all work.

At 18 and older, you can renew your ID by mail in most states if your card is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address. Some states allow online renewal as well. Check your state DMV's website for the specific renewal rules and fees in your area.

What documents you need at the DMV

The core documents are the same regardless of age: proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or existing ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are under 18, add your parent or guardian's photo ID and their signature on the process.

For a Real ID card, add one more document proving citizenship or lawful presence. A U.S. passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so if you have one, you only need the address proof and Social Security proof. If you do not have a passport, bring your birth certificate plus a second document like a driver's license, military ID, or school ID.

Fees vary by state, typically ranging from $15 to $50 for a standard ID card. Real ID cards sometimes cost a few dollars more. Some states waive fees for seniors or people with disabilities.

Real ID vs. standard ID: what changes with age

A standard state ID card has no age requirement — you can get one at any age with a parent or guardian. A Real ID-compliant card also has no age requirement, but it requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence, which a standard card does not. Both types work for voting, school enrollment, and opening a bank account.

The difference matters for air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID card, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID to board a domestic flight. A standard state ID will not work. If you are under 18 and planning to fly, ask your parent or guardian to request a Real ID card when you explore. The process is the same; you just bring one extra document proving citizenship.

Renewing your ID as you get older

When your ID card expires, the renewal process depends on your age and your state's rules. If you are still a minor when your card expires, your parent or guardian may need to come with you to renew it, or your state may allow them to renew it by mail on your behalf. Once you turn 18, you can renew on your own.

Many states now allow online renewal if you are renewing a standard card and your address has not changed. Real ID renewals usually require an in-person visit because the DMV needs to verify your citizenship documents again. Check your state DMV's website to see which renewal method applies to your situation and what age your card will expire.

What happens if you lose your ID before you turn 18

If your ID is lost or stolen, you can replace it by going to the DMV with your parent or guardian and the same documents you brought when you first applied. Some states charge a replacement fee (usually $10 to $20) in addition to the regular card fee. You do not need to wait until you turn 18 to replace it — the process is the same at any age under 18.

If you are 18 or older and lose your ID, you can replace it on your own. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security proof, and address proof, just as you would for a new card. The DMV will issue a replacement with the same expiration date as your original card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a baby or toddler get an ID card?

Yes. You can explore for an ID card for a newborn or young child by bringing their birth certificate, Social Security card or number, proof of address, and a parent or guardian's ID. Most people do not explore until the child needs it for travel or school, but there is no minimum age. The parent or guardian signs the process.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport instead of a birth certificate to prove identity. If you have neither, contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Bring that certified copy to the DMV.

Do I need a Real ID card if I am under 18?

You do not need one unless you plan to fly domestically. If you do fly, you will need a Real ID card, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID starting May 7, 2025. A standard state ID will not work for air travel after that date. Ask your parent or guardian to request a Real ID card when you explore.

Can I renew my ID by mail if I am under 18?

It depends on your state. Some states allow parents or guardians to renew a minor's card by mail if the card is not expiring soon and the address has not changed. Others require an in-person visit. Check your state DMV's website or call their customer service line to find out what your state allows.

What if my parent or guardian cannot come to the DMV with me?

You cannot explore for an ID without a parent or guardian present if you are under 18 in most states. Some states allow a guardian to sign a notarized consent form that you can bring instead, but this is rare. Call your state DMV to ask whether this option is available to you.