What documents to bring when you renew

You will need your current ID card, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name. Bring the originals — most states will not accept photocopies. If your name has changed since your last ID, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a government letter with your name and address. Call your state's ID office before you go to confirm what they take, because the list varies by state and sometimes by location within a state.

You will also need to pay a renewal fee. The cost ranges from about $20 to $75 depending on your state and how long you want the card to be valid. Some states charge less if you renew before your card expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current ID card, proof of address dated within the last 60 days, and proof of your legal name — originals only, not copies.
  • If your name has changed, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that shows the change.
  • Renewal fees range from $20 to $75 depending on your state and the length of validity you choose.
  • You can renew in person at your state's DMV or ID office, or by mail in some states — check your state's website to see which option is available to you.
  • Processing time is usually two to four weeks if you renew in person, or four to six weeks by mail.

Renewing in person versus by mail

Most states let you renew by mail if your card is not expired and you have not changed your address or legal name. You will mail your current card, the renewal form, proof of address, and the fee to the address listed on your state's ID office website. Processing takes four to six weeks, and your new card arrives by mail.

Renewing in person at your state's DMV or ID office is faster — usually two to four weeks — and you can walk out with a temporary ID the same day in many states. You will need to bring all the documents listed above and be prepared to have your photo taken. Some states now let you book an appointment online, which cuts down on wait time.

If your card is expired, most states require you to renew in person rather than by mail. Check your state's ID office website to see which route is open to you.

What happens if your name or address has changed

If you have moved, bring proof of your new address. If your name has changed since your last ID, you must bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the state cannot issue a new card with the new name.

Some states will let you change your address by mail even if you cannot renew your card by mail. Call your state's ID office to ask whether you can update your address separately and renew your card later, or whether you have to do both at once.

ID cards that are expiring soon versus already expired

If your card is expiring within the next 30 days, you can usually renew by mail or in person. Renewing early can save you time because you avoid the rush near the expiration date. Some states charge a lower fee if you renew before your card expires.

If your card has already expired, most states require you to renew in person. You will still need the same documents — your expired card, proof of address, and proof of legal name — but you cannot use the mail-in route. Processing time is the same as a regular renewal, usually two to four weeks.

What to do if you have lost documents or cannot find your current card

If you have lost your current ID card, you can still renew. Bring proof of address and proof of your legal name. Some states will let you renew without the card itself; others require you to report it lost first. Call your state's ID office before you go to ask what they need.

If you do not have a birth certificate or other proof of legal name, you can get one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Your state's ID office website will have a link to the vital records office you need.

Processing time and what to expect after you submit

In-person renewals usually take two to four weeks from the day you submit. By mail, expect four to six weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $15 to $30 — that cuts the time in half. Check your state's website to see whether expedited processing is available.

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary ID receipt that you can use until your card arrives. If you renewed by mail, you will not have a temporary ID, so plan ahead if you need to use your ID before the new card arrives. Your new card will come by mail to the address you provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ID card if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but most states require you to renew in person rather than by mail if your card has been expired for a long time. Bring your expired card, proof of address, and proof of legal name. The process is the same as a regular renewal.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

Other documents work: a mortgage statement, bank statement, government letter, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a letter from your employer or a recent tax return. Call your state's ID office to ask what they will accept before you go.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my ID?

Most states do not require it, but some do. Check your state's ID office website or call before you go. If your state does require it, bring the original card, not a copy.

Can someone else renew my ID card for me?

No. You must appear in person to have your photo taken. Some states let you mail in a renewal if you meet certain conditions, but you cannot have someone else do it on your behalf.

What if my address or name is wrong on my current ID card?

Bring the document that proves what your correct address or name should be — a lease, utility bill, or legal name-change document. The ID office will correct it during the renewal process.