Where to get a state ID card

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency issues state ID cards. In most states, you walk in with documents proving who you are and where you live, pay a fee (usually $15 to $35), and leave with a card the same day or within a few weeks. Some states now let you explore online or by mail for a renewal, but first-time applicants almost always have to appear in person.

The exact name of the agency varies by state — it might be called the DMV, the Secretary of State's office, the Department of Public Safety, or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles — but the process is similar everywhere. You can find your state's office by searching "[your state] ID card" or visiting your state's official website directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency for a first-time ID card, and you will need proof of identity and proof of your current address.
  • The fee for a state ID card ranges from about $15 to $35 depending on your state, and you may receive the card the same day or wait two to four weeks.
  • Acceptable documents for proof of identity include a birth certificate, passport, or previous driver's license; acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the card quickly, though this is not available in all locations.
  • If you have lost your ID or it has expired, the renewal process is often faster and may be done by mail or online in your state.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves where you live. For identity, the DMV accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, previous driver's license, passport card, or military ID. Some states also accept a tribal ID or a document issued by another country's government.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. If you do not have a document in your name, some DMVs will accept a letter from a landlord or shelter on letterhead, but call ahead to confirm what your office accepts.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. You will also need to fill out an process form, which the DMV provides at the office or online before you go.

How much it costs and how long it takes

A standard state ID card costs between $15 and $35, depending on your state and how long the card is valid. Some states charge less for a card valid for four years and more for one valid for eight years. A few states offer a free ID card if you are over 65 or meet other criteria — check your state's DMV website to see if you may have access to.

You will usually receive your card on the same day if you explore in person, though some states mail it to you within two to four weeks. If you need the card urgently, some DMVs offer expedited service for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 — that guarantees delivery within a few days. Not all locations offer this, so ask when you arrive or call ahead.

Finding your local DMV office and hours

Search "[your state] DMV office locator" or go directly to your state's official DMV website. Most states have a tool that shows you every office in your area, their hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, especially after the pandemic, so check before you go.

If your state offers online appointments, book one before you visit — it usually cuts your wait time from an hour or more to 15 or 20 minutes. If appointments are full, some DMVs keep a small number of walk-in slots, but arriving early is important. A few states let you reserve a time slot online even if you cannot book a full appointment.

What to do if you do not have a birth certificate

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail, though expedited options are available for more money. Search "[state] vital records birth certificate" to find the right office and process form.

While you wait for your birth certificate, some DMVs will accept other identity documents in its place — a passport, previous driver's license, military discharge papers, or a document from immigration services. Call your local DMV and describe what you have; they can tell you whether it will work. If nothing else is available, ask whether the DMV can issue a temporary ID while you gather the right documents.

Renewing or replacing an expired or lost ID

If your ID has expired or you have lost it, the renewal or replacement process is usually faster and simpler than getting a first-time card. Many states let you renew online or by mail if your ID expired recently and you have not changed your address. You typically upload a photo, pay the fee, and receive a new card in the mail within two weeks.

If your ID was lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and get a report number — some DMVs require this before they will issue a replacement. Then contact your DMV to request a duplicate. The fee for a replacement is usually the same as for a new card, though a few states charge slightly less.

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

If you do not have a permanent address, you can use the address of a shelter, a friend's house, a mail drop service, or a social services agency as your proof of address. Some states also accept a letter from a homeless services provider on official letterhead that confirms you are receiving services there. Call your local DMV ahead of time and explain your situation — staff can tell you what documents they will accept.

A few states issue a special ID card for people experiencing homelessness that does not require a fixed address at all. Search "[your state] homeless ID card" to see if this is available where you live. If it is, the process is the same as for a regular ID, but you bring different documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a state ID card without a Social Security number?

Most states require a Social Security number to issue an ID card. If you do not have one, contact your local Social Security office to explore — you can do this in person or by mail. Some states make exceptions for people with religious objections or immigration status that prevents them from having a Social Security number; call your DMV to ask.

What if I cannot get to the DMV during business hours?

Some DMVs stay open one evening a week or offer Saturday hours. Check your state's office locator for extended hours at offices near you. If no office near you has hours that work, ask whether your state offers mail-in renewal or whether you can explore online; not all states do, but some have expanded these options.

Do I need a state ID card if I have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves the same purpose as a state ID card for most situations. You only need a separate state ID card if you do not drive or your driver's license has expired and you need a valid photo ID.

How long is a state ID card valid?

Most states issue ID cards valid for four to eight years, depending on your age and the state. Your card will show the expiration date. Some states issue shorter-term cards (two to four years) at a lower cost if you prefer to renew more often.

Can I change my name on my state ID card?

Yes. Bring a document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated birth certificate — along with your current ID and proof of address. The process is the same as renewing, and the fee is usually the same or slightly higher.