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

Most people get a standard ID card from their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), even if they do not drive. Some states call this office the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. You can visit in person, and many states now let you start the process online or by mail. A few states offer ID cards through other agencies — check your state's official website to find the exact office and whether you can begin your request before you go in.

The process is straightforward: bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or existing ID), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and pay a fee that ranges from about $15 to $50 depending on your state and how long you want the card to last. Processing time is usually one to four weeks if you explore in person, longer if you mail it in. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV or equivalent office is the standard place to get an ID card, and you can find the exact location and hours on your state's official website.
  • You will need proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your address, and payment for the card fee.
  • Processing typically takes one to four weeks in person or longer by mail, though some states offer faster service for an additional cost.
  • Many states now let you start your ID request online or by mail before visiting in person, which can save time.
  • If you have lost your ID or it has expired, the process is the same as getting a new one, though some states charge less for replacements.

Finding your state's DMV office and hours

Go to your state's official DMV or motor vehicles website — search "[your state] DMV" to find it. The site will show you office locations near you, hours of operation, and whether you need an appointment. Some states require appointments now; others work on a first-come, first-served basis. A few states let you reserve a time slot online.

Call ahead if the website does not make the process clear. The DMV's phone line will tell you what documents to bring, whether you can start online, and how long the wait typically is at your nearest office. Having this information before you go saves a trip back home for a missing document.

What documents you need to bring

You will need one document that proves your identity and one that proves where you live. For identity, the DMV accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or an existing ID from another state. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization. Some states also accept a Social Security card, but it is not enough on its own.

For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. If you have just moved and do not have a bill yet, ask the DMV what they will accept — some take a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You will also need to fill out an process form, which the DMV provides at the office or online. Some states let you fill it out at home and bring it completed; others have you fill it out there.

ID card fees and how long they last

Standard ID card fees range from about $15 to $50, depending on your state and how many years the card is valid. Most states issue cards that last four to eight years. A few states charge less if you are over 65 or under 21. Some offer a reduced fee if you are replacing a lost or damaged card rather than getting your first one.

If you want your card faster than the standard processing time, most states offer expedited service for an extra $10 to $30. This usually cuts the wait from three to four weeks down to one to two weeks. A handful of states offer same-day or next-day service at certain offices, but you typically pay more for this and may need to explore online first.

explore online or by mail before you visit

Many states now let you start your ID request on their DMV website. You fill out the process, upload photos of your documents, and pay the fee online. Then you either get a confirmation to bring to the office, or the state mails you the card directly if you submit everything correctly. This cuts down the time you spend at the DMV itself.

A smaller number of states let you explore entirely by mail. You send in your completed form, copies of your documents, a photo, and a check or money order. Processing takes longer this way — usually four to eight weeks — but you avoid the office visit. Check your state's website to see which option is available to you.

What to do if you have lost your ID or it has expired

The process is the same as getting a new card: bring proof of identity, proof of address, and the fee. You do not need your old card. If your old card was lost or stolen, some states ask you to sign a statement saying so, but many do not. If your card expired, you can renew it without going in person in some states — check your DMV website for a renewal-by-mail option.

If your name has changed since your last ID — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is usually the same as for a new card.

Getting an ID if you do not have a birth certificate

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can get one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Search "[state name] vital records" or "[country name] vital records" to find the office and the fee, which is usually $10 to $30. This can take several weeks, so start early if you need an ID soon.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate from your home country, a U.S. passport or passport card counts as proof of identity at the DMV. If you do not have either, ask your DMV what documents they will accept — some take a combination of documents like a school record and a medical record, or a letter from a relative who was present at your birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to get an ID card?

It depends on your state. Some DMVs require appointments and let you book them online; others work on a walk-in basis. A few use a hybrid system where you can walk in but may wait longer. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what applies to you.

Can I get an ID card if I do not have a permanent address?

Most states require proof of a current address, but some accept a shelter address, a relative's address where you receive mail, or a PO box. Call your DMV and explain your situation — they can tell you what counts as proof of address in your case.

How much does an ID card cost?

Standard ID cards cost between $15 and $50 depending on your state and how long the card lasts. Expedited service adds $10 to $30. Some states charge less for seniors or young people. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get an ID card in most states. Bring whatever identity documents you have — a passport, birth certificate, or visa. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they will accept without a Social Security number.

Can someone else pick up my ID card for me?

Most states mail the card to you, so you do not have to pick it up. If your state requires you to pick it up in person, ask the DMV whether someone with a power of attorney or written permission can collect it on your behalf.