Where to get your ID depends on your state and the type of ID you need

Most people get a state ID or driver's license from their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the office may be called something different in your state—some call it the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Public Safety. You can visit in person, and many states now let you start the process online or by mail. A few states offer mobile DMV units that travel to smaller towns. If you need a federal ID for air travel or federal buildings, you'll go through a different process at a passport acceptance facility or post office.

The location you visit depends on whether you want a state ID card (which proves identity but does not let you drive) or a driver's license (which does both). Most DMV offices handle both. If you need a passport or passport card for international travel, you cannot get those at the DMV—you go to a post office, courthouse, or passport agency instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV is the main place to get a state ID card or driver's license, though the office may have a different name depending on where you live.
  • Many DMV offices now let you start the process online, by mail, or through an appointment system instead of walking in without one.
  • If you need a passport or passport card for travel outside the United States, you go to a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance agency, not the DMV.
  • You will need documents like a birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number before you visit, so check your state's website first.
  • Some states offer mobile DMV units or satellite offices in rural areas if you live far from the main office.

Finding your state's DMV office and hours

Start by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] Department of Motor Vehicles" online. The official state website will list all office locations, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Most states now require appointments or use a ticket system, especially after the pandemic. A few still accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer than showing up and waiting.

If you live in a rural area far from the main DMV, check whether your state runs mobile units or satellite offices. Some states send a DMV van to smaller towns on a schedule. Your state's website will list the schedule and locations. If your state does not offer mobile service, you may be able to mail in certain forms—again, check the state website for what can be done by mail and what requires an in-person visit.

What documents you need to bring

Every state requires proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but common ones are a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for address, and a Social Security card or tax return for your number. Some states accept a wider range of documents—for example, a school ID or tribal ID for identity, or a bank statement for address.

Check your state's DMV website before you go. Most states list exactly which documents they accept and which ones they do not. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department), though this takes time. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local Social Security office.

Getting a state ID card versus a driver's license

A state ID card proves who you are and can be used for voting, opening a bank account, or boarding a domestic flight. It does not let you drive. A driver's license does all of that plus lets you operate a vehicle. Both are issued by the DMV and require the same documents. The main difference is that a driver's license requires a written test and a driving test, while a state ID card does not.

If you do not drive or do not want to take the driving test, get a state ID card instead. It costs less in most states and takes less time because you skip the tests. If you already have a driver's license and just need proof of identity, you can use that instead of getting a separate state ID card.

Getting a passport or passport card for travel

If you need to travel outside the United States, you need a passport or passport card, not a state ID. You cannot get these at the DMV. Instead, go to a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, courthouse, or library. Some DMV offices are also passport acceptance facilities, so check your state's website to see if yours is.

You will need your birth certificate, a government-issued ID (like a state ID or driver's license), proof of citizenship, and proof of address. The process takes about 30 minutes at the facility. Processing time is usually 4 to 6 weeks for a regular passport, though you can pay extra for faster processing. If you already have a passport that is not expired, you can renew it by mail in many cases.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID

If your ID is lost or stolen, go to the DMV with your documents (birth certificate, proof of address, proof of Social Security number) just as if you were getting a new one. You do not need a police report, though some states ask you to sign a statement saying the ID was lost or stolen. The replacement usually costs the same as a new ID or slightly more, depending on your state.

If your ID was stolen and you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling one of them—they will notify the other two. This is free and makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Getting an ID if you are homeless or do not have a permanent address

Many states let you use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address (like a post office box or mail forwarding service) as your proof of address for a state ID. Some states also accept a letter from a shelter or social services agency as proof of address. Call your DMV or check the website to ask what counts as proof of address in your situation.

If you do not have a birth certificate, the process takes longer because you have to order one first from your state's vital records office. Some states have programs to help people without documents get the papers they need. Contact your local social services office or a legal aid organization to ask whether your state has such a program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a state ID or driver's license cost?

Cost varies by state, usually between $20 and $100 for a state ID card and $30 to $150 for a driver's license. Some states charge more for a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

Can I get an ID online or by mail?

Some states let you renew an ID online or by mail if you already have one that is not expired. A few states let you start the process online and then finish it in person. New IDs almost always require an in-person visit. Check your state's website to see what can be done remotely.

How long does it take to get an ID?

If you visit in person with all the right documents, you usually get a temporary ID on the spot and the permanent one arrives by mail in 1 to 3 weeks. If documents are missing or incorrect, it takes longer. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Order one from your state's vital records office, usually part of the health department. You can order online, by mail, or in person. It takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on the state. Once you have it, bring it to the DMV with your other documents.

Do I need a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. It costs a bit more and requires extra documents (like a passport or birth certificate). A regular state ID or driver's license works for voting, banking, and driving. Check whether you need REAL ID for your situation before you go to the DMV.