To get an ID card for your child, visit your state’s motor vehicle agency in person with proof of the child’s identity, the child’s Social Security number, proof that you both live in the state, and your own identification showing you have authority to apply on the child’s behalf. States issue non-driver ID cards to children of any age, including infants. Fees typically run between $10 and $40, and the permanent card arrives by mail within two to four weeks.
Documents to Bring
Every state asks you to prove three things: who the child is, the child’s Social Security number, and your legal authority to apply for them.
The Child’s Identity
An original or certified birth certificate is the most widely accepted document. An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card works in virtually every state. Many states also accept a Certificate of Citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Permanent Resident Card.
If the birth certificate is missing, contact the vital records office in the state where your child was born to order a certified replacement online, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to know the city and county of birth.1USAGov. How to Get a Certified Copy of a U.S. Birth Certificate Replacements typically cost between $10 and $30 and can take several weeks by mail, so start early if this applies to you.
Social Security Number
Bring the child’s Social Security card or another official document that shows the number. If your child has not been assigned one, some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming that. Check your state’s motor vehicle website before you go.
Proof of Residency
You need to show that you and your child live in the state. Utility bills, bank statements, school records, and lease agreements in the parent’s name are typical. Some states require two separate residency documents, so bring a backup. Because children rarely have bills in their own name, most states let you use a parent’s residency document paired with something that links the child to the parent, such as a birth certificate.
Your Own ID and Proof of Relationship
You’ll need your valid driver’s license or state ID. If you’re not the biological parent named on the birth certificate, bring documentation that establishes your legal authority: an adoption decree, a court-issued guardianship order, or a foster care placement letter. If someone other than a parent or legal guardian is bringing the child, some states require a notarized authorization form from the parent.
What Happens at the Office
The visit has to be in person because the agency needs to photograph your child. Some states let you start the application online and upload documents ahead of time, which shortens the wait at the counter. Check your state’s motor vehicle website for pre-application and appointment options.
At the counter, a staff member verifies your documents, photographs your child, and processes the application. Older children may be asked to sign the application; for younger children, the parent’s signature is enough. Fees generally fall between $10 and $40. A handful of states issue children’s IDs at no cost, and some waive the fee for families receiving public assistance, children in foster care, or homeless youth. Most offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards, though payment options vary by location.
Does Your Child Need a REAL ID?
Since May 7, 2025, the federal government has required REAL ID-compliant identification for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities. That requirement applies only to travelers 18 and older. Children under 18 do not need any identification for domestic air travel when accompanied by an adult.2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions A child flying alone with TSA PreCheck will need an acceptable form of ID to receive PreCheck screening.3Transportation Security Administration. Do Minors Need Identification to Fly Within the U.S. Airlines can also have their own rules for unaccompanied minors, so check with your carrier.
If you do want a REAL ID-compliant card for your child, the process is the same but the paperwork is stricter. You’ll generally need two proofs of residency instead of one, plus proof of lawful status and a Social Security number. For most children, a standard ID card covers every practical situation they’ll encounter.
After You Apply
The permanent card is mailed to your home address, typically within two to four weeks. Many states issue a temporary paper ID at the counter that serves as valid identification until the card arrives. If nothing shows up after about 60 days, contact your state’s motor vehicle agency.
When the card arrives, check that the name, date of birth, and address are printed correctly. Errors are easier to fix right away than months later. Most states correct mistakes at no extra charge if you flag them promptly.
How Long the Card Lasts
Children’s ID cards don’t last as long as adult cards. Validity periods typically range from four to eight years, though several states tie the expiration to the child’s 21st birthday rather than a fixed number of years. The expiration date is printed on the card.
Renewal usually follows the same process as the first application: gather documents, visit the office, and take a new photograph. Some states allow online or mail-in renewal if the photo is still recent, but most require an in-person visit to update the picture as the child’s appearance changes. Renewal fees are generally the same as or slightly lower than the original.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card
If the card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement through your state’s motor vehicle agency.4USAGov. How to Replace Lost or Stolen ID Cards Replacement fees are typically lower than the original. You’ll usually need to bring the same identity documents you used the first time, so keep copies of those records somewhere safe.
Report a stolen card to local police before applying for the replacement. A police report isn’t always legally required, but it creates a record that can help if someone misuses the card. Most states process replacements the same way as new applications, with the permanent card mailed in a few weeks.