What to bring when you explore for a new ID card

You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Most states also require a completed process form and a fee, which ranges from $15 to $50 depending on where you live. The exact documents accepted vary by state — some take a passport, others do not; some accept utility bills for residency, others require a lease or mortgage statement.

The fastest way to find your state's exact list is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website directly and search for "ID card requirements" or "non-driver ID requirements". That page will tell you which documents your state accepts, which ones are required, and whether you can bring originals or certified copies. Bring more than the minimum if you can — if one document is rejected, you will not have to reschedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or card.
  • Each state maintains its own list of accepted documents on its DMV website, and some documents are not accepted in all states.
  • The process form is usually available online before you go, so you can fill it out at home and bring it completed.
  • Fees range from $15 to $50 and vary by state; some states charge extra for expedited processing or replacement cards.
  • Bring certified or official copies of documents when possible, and bring originals only if your state specifically requires them.

Proof of identity documents that most states accept

A passport or passport card works in all states. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) is accepted in most states. A previous driver's license or ID card from any state counts as identity proof. Some states also accept a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular ID card issued by a foreign government.

If you do not have any of those, some states will accept a school ID, work ID, or medical records with your name and date of birth. A few states accept marriage certificates or divorce decrees as secondary identity documents. Check your state's DMV website to see which of these your state takes — do not assume a document will work just because it worked in another state.

Proof of residency: what documents show you live where you say you do

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof of residency. A lease agreement or mortgage statement with your name and current address also works in all states. A property tax bill or homeowner's insurance policy serves the same purpose.

Some states accept a bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail (tax return, Social Security letter, or benefits statement) dated within the last 60 days. A few states will take a rental agreement or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your address, though this is less common. If you live with family or in temporary housing, ask your DMV whether they accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill.

Your Social Security number and tax ID

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you explore. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though most states do not require the physical card — they just need the number. If you do not have a card or do not know your number, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, but this takes one to two weeks.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some states accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for ID card purposes; others do not. Check your state's rules before you explore, because this affects whether you can get a standard ID card or only a limited-term card.

The process form and fees

Most states have the ID card process form available as a PDF on their DMV website. You can read it, fill it out at home, and bring it completed — this saves time at the DMV. Some states let you fill out the form online before you arrive and print a confirmation page to bring with you. A few states only have the form available at the DMV office itself.

Fees range from $15 to $50 for a standard ID card, depending on your state. Some states charge less for seniors or people with disabilities. If you need the card in a hurry, many states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25, which cuts the wait time from two to four weeks down to a few days. Check whether your state charges extra for a replacement card if you have lost or damaged your previous one.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the state where you were born. This takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30. While you wait, some states will issue a temporary ID card if you bring other identity documents and a signed statement explaining why you do not have a birth certificate yet.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, ask whether your state accepts a notarized letter from someone else at your address, or a lease agreement with a co-signer's name. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, some states have a separate process — call your DMV directly to ask what documents they will take in your situation, because the website rules do not always cover it.

What happens at the DMV office

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies, your completed process form, and your fee. The DMV staff will check that your documents match the state's requirements, take a photo of you, and collect your fingerprints or signature. They will tell you when to expect your card in the mail — this is usually two to four weeks, though some states are faster.

If a document is rejected, the staff will tell you what is missing and whether you can bring it back the same day or need to reschedule. Some DMV offices let you submit documents by mail if you cannot return in person; ask when you call or check the website. Keep your receipt — it serves as proof of identity until your card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or do I have to get a new one taken at the DMV?

The DMV takes your photo at the office — you cannot bring your own. The photo must meet federal standards for ID cards, which means a plain background, no sunglasses or hats, and your face clearly visible. If you wear glasses, you can wear them in the photo.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states require a certified copy of the name-change document; others accept the original. Check your state's DMV website to see which one they need.

Do I need an original birth certificate or is a copy okay?

Most states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate, which you can order from the state where you were born. A few states require the original. Check your state's DMV website before you order — if they accept a copy, you will save time by not having to carry the original back and forth.

Can someone else pick up my ID card if I cannot go to the DMV?

Most states mail the card directly to your address, so you do not have to pick it up. If your state requires you to pick it up in person, you can usually authorize someone else to do it by signing a form at the DMV office or downloading one from the website.

What if I moved and my address on my old ID is wrong?

Bring your old ID and proof of your new address. The DMV will update your address in the system and issue a new card with the correct one. You do not have to return your old ID — keep it as a backup until the new one arrives.