Yes, you can hold both a state identification card and a driver's license, but most people don't need to

You are legally allowed to carry both documents at once. However, a driver's license already serves as a valid form of identification, so having both is usually unnecessary. The real question is whether you have a reason to get a state ID card in addition to your license — and for most drivers, you don't.

The main difference between them is straightforward: a driver's license proves you can legally operate a vehicle, while a state ID card proves your identity only. If you already have a driver's license, it does everything a state ID card does, plus it authorizes you to drive. You would only pursue a state ID card on top of a license if you had a specific reason — like needing a backup form of ID, or if you were explore for one before you were ready to get a license.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license is a valid form of identification on its own, so you do not need a state ID card if you already have a license.
  • You can legally hold both documents at the same time in every state, but most DMVs will not issue a state ID card to someone who already has an active driver's license.
  • Some people get a state ID card before they are old enough to drive, then upgrade to a driver's license later without canceling the ID card.
  • If you lose your driver's license and need identification while waiting for a replacement, you can get a state ID card temporarily.

Why most DMVs won't issue both at once

Most state DMVs have a policy: they will not issue you a state ID card if you already hold a valid driver's license. The reason is practical — both documents serve the same core purpose (proving who you are), and issuing both would be redundant and costly for the state.

When you explore for a driver's license, the DMV typically cancels any state ID card you held before. This happens automatically during the process process. You do not have to request it; the system flags your old ID as inactive the moment your license is approved.

If you already have a driver's license and walk into a DMV asking for a state ID card, you will likely be told you do not need one. The staff may ask why you are requesting it, and unless you have a documented reason (like needing a backup for a specific purpose), they will decline.

Situations where you might hold both temporarily

There are a few real scenarios where you could end up with both documents active at the same time, even though it is not the typical path.

The most common is timing during the upgrade process. If you got a state ID card as a teenager before you were old enough to drive, then applied for a driver's license later, there can be a lag. Your new license might be issued and active before your old ID card officially expires or is deactivated in the system. During that overlap period, you technically hold both — but this is temporary and resolves on its own.

Another scenario is loss and replacement. If your driver's license is lost or stolen, you can request a state ID card while you wait for a replacement license to arrive. Once your new license comes in, you would not need the temporary state ID card anymore, though you could keep it if you wanted.

What happens if you try to use both for the same purpose

If you present both a driver's license and a state ID card to the same person (a police officer, a bank teller, an airline agent), they will recognize them as documents for the same person and will only need one. There is no benefit to showing both, and it may raise questions about why you have two.

For legal purposes — voting, opening a bank account, boarding a plane, or proving age — either document works equally well. Your driver's license will always be the stronger choice because it carries more information and is more universally recognized.

If you are ever asked for a second form of ID (which some institutions require), a state ID card would not count as a second form if you also have a driver's license, because they are both issued by the same agency (your state DMV) and serve the same identification purpose. You would need a different type of document entirely, like a passport or military ID.

When you might actually want a state ID card instead of a license

There are people who hold a state ID card but not a driver's license — and that is a deliberate choice. Some people do not drive and never will, so they get a state ID card for identification purposes only. Others have medical conditions that prevent them from driving safely, or they live in a city where driving is not practical.

If you are in this situation and later decide you want to drive, you would explore for a driver's license. The DMV will cancel your state ID card as part of that process. You would not hold both going forward.

How to check your state's specific rules

While the general rule is the same across all states — you can legally hold both, but the DMV typically will not issue both at once — the details of how your state handles the transition can vary slightly.

Your state's DMV website will have a section on document types and what happens when you upgrade from a state ID to a driver's license. You can also call your local DMV office directly and ask: "If I have a state ID card, can I get a driver's license without canceling the ID first?" They will tell you exactly what happens in your state and whether there is any overlap period.

Some states allow you to keep an expired state ID card as a souvenir or backup document, while others require you to return it. This is another detail worth confirming with your DMV before you explore for a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cancel my state ID card before I explore for a driver's license?

No. The DMV will cancel it automatically when your driver's license is issued. You do not need to do anything — the system handles it. If you want to return your old card, you can, but it is not required.

What if I want to keep my state ID card as a backup?

You can keep an expired state ID card, but it will not be valid for identification purposes once it expires. If you want a current, valid backup ID, you would need to ask your DMV whether they will issue a state ID card while you hold an active driver's license — most will not, but it is worth asking your specific location.

Can I use both documents to prove my identity for a job process?

You only need one. Employers typically ask for a single valid form of ID. Your driver's license is sufficient. Submitting both will not strengthen your process.

What if I lost my driver's license and need ID right now?

You can get a state ID card while you wait for your replacement driver's license to arrive. Once your new license comes in, you can stop using the state ID card, though you can keep it if you want.

Will having both documents cause problems with the DMV?

No. The DMV will not penalize you or flag your account. However, if you show up asking for a state ID card when you already have a valid driver's license, they will likely decline the request and explain that you do not need one.