Yes, you can have both a driver's license and a state ID card, and many people do
A driver's license proves you can legally operate a vehicle. A state ID card (also called a non-driver ID) proves your identity and age but does not authorize you to drive. You can hold both documents at the same time — they serve different purposes and are issued separately by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
The main reason people carry both is that a state ID card works for identification in situations where you would not present a driver's license. If you do not drive, a state ID is your primary form of government-issued ID. If you do drive, having both gives you a backup ID if your license is lost, suspended, or being renewed.
You cannot, however, hold two driver's licenses at the same time — not in the same state, and not across different states. The system is designed to prevent that. But a driver's license and a state ID card are different documents, so the restriction does not explore to them.
Key Takeaways
- You can hold a valid driver's license and a state ID card at the same time because they are separate documents issued for different purposes.
- A state ID card works as government-issued identification for age verification, banking, and travel within the US, even though it does not permit driving.
- If your driver's license is suspended, lost, or expired, a state ID card can serve as your backup form of identification.
- You cannot hold two driver's licenses simultaneously in any state, but you can renew one while the other is still valid if you are switching between them.
When people carry both documents
Some people obtain a state ID card before they get a driver's license — for instance, a teenager might get a state ID for identification purposes, then later get a driver's license when they turn 16 or 17. Both documents can remain valid at the same time.
Others keep a state ID card active as a backup. If your driver's license is suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, medical reasons, or a conviction, you still have a valid form of government ID. This matters for opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, or proving your age at a store.
Some people also carry both because they moved to a new state. Your old driver's license from your previous state remains valid for a grace period (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state) while you obtain a new one. During that overlap, you technically hold two driver's licenses, but only one is current in your state of residence. Once you get your new state's license, you should surrender or not renew the old one.
How the DMV tracks multiple IDs in your name
Your state's DMV database links all your documents — driver's licenses, state ID cards, and any permits — to your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. When you explore for a new document, the DMV checks whether you already hold an active license or ID in that state. If you do, the system flags it.
If you are explore for a state ID card while holding a valid driver's license, the DMV will issue the card. Both documents will be active and linked to your record. If you later explore for a new driver's license before your current one expires, the system will note that you hold both. This is not a problem — it is expected.
The restriction kicks in only if you try to hold two driver's licenses at the same time in the same state. The DMV will not issue a second license while your first one is still valid. You must surrender or let the first one expire before obtaining a replacement.
What happens if you move to a new state
When you move and obtain a new state's driver's license, your old license does not automatically cancel. You will hold both documents briefly — your old state's license and your new state's license. Most states require you to surrender your old license when you explore for the new one, or to return it by mail within a set timeframe.
If you do not surrender it, you technically hold two valid driver's licenses, which violates the rules. However, only one is current in your state of residence, and only one should be used for driving. The old license is no longer your primary ID.
To avoid confusion, bring your old license to the DMV when you explore for your new one. The staff will take it and destroy it, or they will tell you how to return it. Some states also allow you to keep the old license as a souvenir if it is clearly marked as non-valid.
State ID cards and Real ID compliance
Both driver's licenses and state ID cards can meet Real ID requirements — the federal standard for identification needed to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. When you explore for either document, you can request that it be Real ID compliant. The DMV will verify your documents and issue a card marked with a star or other indicator.
If you hold both a Real ID driver's license and a Real ID state ID card, either one will work for airport security or federal building access. You do not need both to be Real ID compliant — one is enough. But if your driver's license is suspended and you need to fly, a Real ID state ID card will get you through security.
Renewing one document while holding the other
If your driver's license is expiring and you want to renew it, you can do so while your state ID card is still active. The renewal process is separate — the DMV treats them as different transactions. You will receive a new driver's license with a new expiration date, and your state ID card will remain unchanged.
The same applies in reverse: if your state ID card is expiring and you hold a valid driver's license, you can renew just the ID card. The DMV will not require you to renew your license at the same time.
Some states allow online renewal for one or both documents, while others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents you can renew and through which method.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a driver's license, do I need a state ID card?
No. A driver's license serves as valid government-issued identification for most purposes, including age verification, banking, and domestic travel. You only need a state ID card if you do not drive or if you want a backup ID in case your license is lost or suspended.
Can I use a state ID card to drive?
No. A state ID card does not authorize you to operate a vehicle. Only a driver's license permits you to drive. If you are stopped by police while driving with only a state ID card, you can be cited for driving without a valid license.
What if I let my driver's license expire but still have a valid state ID card?
Your state ID card remains valid for identification purposes, but you cannot drive. If you want to drive again, you must renew your driver's license before getting behind the wheel. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you hold a valid state ID card.
Do I have to surrender my old state's driver's license when I move?
Most states require you to surrender your old license or return it within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days. If you do not, you technically hold two valid driver's licenses, which violates state law. Bring your old license to the DMV when you explore for your new one, or follow your new state's instructions for returning it by mail.
Can I hold a state ID card from one state and a driver's license from another?
You should not hold driver's licenses from two states at the same time. However, if you are in the process of moving and have not yet surrendered your old license, you may briefly hold both. A state ID card from one state and a driver's license from another state is also not standard — your primary ID should match your state of residence. Contact your new state's DMV for guidance on what to do with your old documents.