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 at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Department of Transportation. A few states let you renew online or by mail, but first-time applicants and people replacing a lost or stolen ID almost always have to visit in person. The office you need is in your county or city — not a federal office — and you can find the exact location and hours on your state's DMV website.
If you do not drive and do not want a driver's license, you can get a state ID card instead at the same DMV office. It costs less and serves the same purpose for identification: boarding a plane, entering a federal building, opening a bank account, or proving your age. The process is nearly identical to getting a driver's license, except you skip the driving test.
Some states also let you get an ID through your local county clerk's office or sheriff's department, though the DMV remains the most common route. A few states have partnered with third-party vendors — sometimes at grocery stores or pharmacies — to handle renewals or limited services, but these do not handle first-time IDs.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV is the main place to get a state ID or driver's license, and you find the nearest office on your state's official DMV website.
- You will need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- First-time ID applicants must go in person; you cannot complete this step online or by mail in any state.
- A state ID card costs less than a driver's license and works for all identification purposes except driving.
- Processing times vary by state and season, but expect two to eight weeks for a mailed card after your in-person visit.
What documents you need to bring
Bring proof of identity — your birth certificate, U.S. passport, consulate-issued passport, or naturalization papers. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., bring the original or a certified copy. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states accept a hospital record, adoption papers, or a court order showing your name and date of birth.
You also need proof of residence — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. It must be recent (usually within the last 60 days) and in your name. A phone bill or insurance statement sometimes works, but call your local DMV first to confirm what they accept.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You do not need the card itself — you just need to know the number. If you do not have either, ask the DMV what documents they accept instead; some states have workarounds.
Bring the completed process form for your state. You can read it from the DMV website and fill it out at home, or fill it out when you arrive. Filling it out ahead of time usually speeds up the visit. Bring a pen.
How to find your nearest DMV office
Go to your state's official DMV website — search "[your state] DMV" — and look for "locations" or "office finder." Enter your city or zip code. The site will show you the address, hours, phone number, and sometimes how busy each office is. Some states let you book an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your state's website does not have an office locator, call the main DMV number (also on the website) and ask for the office nearest you. Write down the address and hours before you go, because some offices have different hours on different days.
Check whether your state requires an appointment. If it does, book one online or by phone before you go. If you show up without an appointment at an office that requires one, you will be turned away. If appointments are full, the DMV website usually tells you when the next opening is.
What happens during your visit
You will check in at the front desk, hand over your documents, and wait to be called. A staff member will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and take your photo and signature. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You will pay a fee — the amount varies by state and whether you want a standard or expedited card. Standard processing usually costs between $20 and $50 for a state ID. Ask whether they accept cash, card, or both before you go.
You will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot that you can use when ready for most purposes. Your actual ID card will arrive in the mail in two to eight weeks, depending on your state and how busy they are. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it faster.
If you lost or need to replace your ID
If your ID was lost or stolen, you still go to the DMV, but you may not need all the same documents. Many states let you replace a lost ID with just your Social Security number and proof of residence, since they already have your identity on file. Call your local DMV before you go to ask what you need to bring.
If your ID was damaged or the information is wrong, the process is similar. Bring the damaged card if you have it, along with proof of residence. The fee for a replacement is usually lower than the fee for a first-time ID.
If you changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your old ID and proof of residence. You will get a new card with your new name.
What to do if you cannot visit the DMV in person
If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it hard to visit an office, some states offer accommodations. Call the DMV and explain your situation — they may send someone to your home, let you use a video appointment, or provide other options. You still need to provide the same documents.
If you live far from the nearest DMV office, some states let you mail in certain documents or use a mobile DMV unit that visits smaller towns. Check your state's website or call to see what options exist where you live.
If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal status, you can still get a state ID. Bring your passport, visa, or other immigration document along with the other required papers. Some states have special processes for people with certain visa types, so call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a state ID cost?
A state ID usually costs between $20 and $50, depending on your state. A driver's license costs more — typically $40 to $100. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or for a card that lasts longer. Call your local DMV or check the website for the exact fee in your area.
Can I get an ID if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a hospital record, adoption papers, or a court order showing your name and date of birth. Some states accept a combination of documents instead. Call the DMV and describe what you have — they can tell you whether it will work.
How long does it take to get an ID in the mail?
Standard processing takes two to eight weeks after your in-person visit, depending on your state and how busy they are. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to one to two weeks. You get a temporary paper ID to use right away.
What if I do not have proof of residence?
Call your local DMV and ask what documents they accept instead. Some states accept a letter from your landlord, a utility company statement, or a government letter addressed to you. A few states let you use a school ID or work ID if you cannot get a utility bill.
Can I renew my ID by mail or online?
Some states let you renew an ID by mail or online if it is not expired and your information has not changed. First-time IDs always require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your renewal qualifies for mail or online processing.