To get a state ID, go to your state’s motor vehicle agency, which may be called the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Licensing, the Motor Vehicle Division, or something similar depending on where you live. The same office that issues driver’s licenses issues non-driver ID cards, and you can find your local office through your state government’s website or through USA.gov.1USAGov. How to Replace Lost or Stolen ID Cards Bring original or certified documents proving your identity, your Social Security number, your residential address, and any legal name changes.
Finding the Right Office
Every state has one agency that handles IDs and driver’s licenses. The name differs, but the function is identical: you show up, present documents, have your photo taken, and leave with proof that your application is in process.
Most states let you book an appointment online, which trims your wait considerably. Some also let you start the application online and finish in person. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but you should expect a longer wait. Check your state’s website before you go.
Documents to Bring
States want originals or certified copies, not photocopies.2USAGov. How to Get a REAL ID and Use It for Travel The exact list varies by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.
Proof of Identity
A U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card all work. These must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency.
Social Security Number
Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 showing your full number, or a pay stub that displays your name and Social Security number. If you’ve lost the card, request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your visit.
Proof of Residency
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address will do. Many states ask for two separate residency documents, so bring more than one.
Legal Name Change
If your current name doesn’t match your birth certificate, you need documents that trace the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order linking the two names. For a REAL ID, the chain has to be complete with no gaps.2USAGov. How to Get a REAL ID and Use It for Travel A valid U.S. passport in your current legal name can simplify things by covering both identity and the name change in one document.
REAL ID or Standard Card
When you apply, you’ll choose between a standard ID and a REAL ID. Since May 7, 2025, the federal government has enforced REAL ID requirements at airport security and federal facilities.3Transportation Security Administration. TSA to Highlight REAL ID Enforcement Deadline of May 7, 2025 A REAL ID is marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner. Without that star, your card cannot be used to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a federal government building, or access a military installation.2USAGov. How to Get a REAL ID and Use It for Travel
If your current card already has the star, you’re set. If not, choosing REAL ID the next time you apply or renew saves you a second trip later. The document requirements are slightly stricter, mostly around proving your legal name and tying any name changes back to your birth certificate, which is why gathering those papers in advance matters.
A U.S. passport also satisfies TSA at the airport, so travelers who already have one can hold a standard state ID without losing the ability to fly.
If You’re Not a U.S. Citizen
You don’t have to be a citizen to get a state ID. Permanent residents can use their green card as proof of identity. If you’re on a visa, you’ll typically need your valid passport with the visa stamp, your I-94 arrival/departure record, and any status-specific forms such as an I-20 for students or a DS-2019 for exchange visitors. Some states also want documentation from the Social Security Administration confirming whether you’re eligible for a Social Security number.
For a REAL ID, the state agency has to verify your immigration status electronically through the federal SAVE system before issuing the card.4eCFR. 6 CFR Part 37 – Real ID Drivers Licenses and Identification Cards A mismatch sends you to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to clear up before the ID can be issued, which adds time.
Getting an ID for a Child
Minors can get state-issued ID cards. The process is largely the same with one important addition: a parent or legal guardian usually needs to appear in person and show their own valid ID to verify the child’s identity. In many states, the parent’s ID doubles as proof of residency for the child when the addresses match. Bring the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, and any other documents your state lists. Some states set a minimum age for non-driver IDs, so check the rules first.
What Happens at the Visit
Once you check in, a representative reviews your documents and you fill out an application if you didn’t start one online. You’ll have your photo taken, and some states capture a digital signature. If a document is missing or doesn’t check out, the representative will tell you what’s needed. That’s the most common reason for a second trip, so run through your paperwork before you leave the house.
You won’t walk out with the permanent card. The office gives you a temporary paper ID or a receipt that serves as proof of your application. The permanent card arrives by mail, usually within two to four weeks, though some states are faster and some slower. If nothing has arrived after about 60 days, contact the issuing agency. TSA does not accept temporary paper IDs at airport checkpoints, so keep a passport or other acceptable ID on hand if you’re flying before the real card shows up.5Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
Fees
Application fees for a state ID generally run from about $10 to $50, depending on your state and whether you choose a standard card or a REAL ID. Many states reduce or waive the fee for seniors, low-income applicants, and people receiving public assistance. Renewal fees tend to be lower than initial application fees, and replacement fees for lost or stolen cards typically fall in between. Your state’s motor vehicle website lists the exact amounts.
Renewing or Replacing a Card
State IDs expire. Validity periods vary, but most cards last four to eight years, with the expiration date printed on the card. Many states allow renewal online or by mail when your photo and information are still current. If your appearance has changed significantly or you’re upgrading to a REAL ID, you’ll need to go in person.
For a lost or stolen card, the replacement process mirrors the original on a smaller scale: apply online or in person, pay a replacement fee, and get a new card by mail. Report a stolen card to the police as well, since someone holding your state ID creates identity theft risk.
If you let an ID expire for too long, some states treat the renewal as a brand-new application, meaning the full document set again. Renewing before expiration avoids that.