Yes, you can hold both an ID card and a driver's license at the same time, but most states don't require it and some actively discourage it
A state ID card and a driver's license are separate documents issued by the same agency — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent. You can legally possess both. However, most people carry only one because they serve overlapping purposes: both prove your identity, both show your address, and both are government-issued photo ID. The practical reason to hold both is rare and specific to your situation.
The main exception is if you need a state ID for identification purposes but cannot or do not want to maintain a driver's license. For example, you might have a medical condition that prevents you from driving safely, or you might choose not to drive but still need government photo ID for banking, travel, or age verification. In those cases, holding a state ID makes sense. If you do hold both, you will need to renew them on separate schedules and pay separate fees.
Key Takeaways
- A state ID card and a driver's license are issued by the same agency but are legally separate documents you can hold at the same time.
- Most people carry only one because both serve the same purpose: proving identity with a photo and address.
- You might need both if you want government photo ID but do not drive, or if you are transitioning between driving and non-driving status.
- Each document has its own renewal date and fee, so holding both costs more money and requires tracking two expiration dates.
- Some states allow you to convert a driver's license to a state ID without reapplying, which is cheaper than holding both.
When holding both documents actually makes sense
The most common scenario is someone who has stopped driving but still needs photo ID. If you surrender your driver's license, you lose your primary form of government-issued identification. Rather than go through the process of obtaining a state ID from scratch, you can keep your driver's license and straightforward not drive. However, this approach wastes money on renewal fees for a license you do not use.
A second scenario is someone in transition — for instance, a person who is learning to drive and wants to carry a state ID while they study for the driving test. Once they pass the test and receive a driver's license, they can discard the state ID. This is uncommon because most people straightforward wait until they pass the test to get the license.
A third scenario involves people with medical conditions or disabilities that affect their ability to drive. They may hold a state ID for everyday identification while keeping a driver's license for specific purposes, such as using it as a Real ID for air travel. In practice, this is also rare because the driver's license itself serves that purpose.
The cost and renewal burden of holding both
Each document costs money to obtain and renew. A state ID card typically costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state, and a driver's license costs between $20 and $100. If you hold both, you are paying both fees. Neither document is free, and neither fee is small enough to ignore if you do not actually need the document.
More importantly, each document has its own expiration date and renewal schedule. Your state ID might expire in 2027 while your driver's license expires in 2029. You will need to track both dates separately and renew each one on time. Missing a renewal important date for either document means you lose that form of ID until you renew it. If you only carry one document, you have one renewal date to remember.
Some states offer a conversion option: you can surrender your driver's license and convert it to a state ID without paying the full fee again. If your state offers this, it is usually cheaper than holding both documents. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether conversion is available and what the fee is.
How to get a state ID if you already have a driver's license
The process varies by state, but the general steps are straightforward. Visit your state's DMV website and look for the section on state ID cards or non-driver identification. You will need to bring the same documents you brought when you got your driver's license: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or similar), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or tax ID.
Some states allow you to explore for a state ID online or by mail, while others require an in-person visit. A few states let you explore at a DMV kiosk or partner location like a grocery store. Check your state's DMV website for the current process and any appointment requirements. Processing time is usually two to four weeks, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.
Bring your current driver's license with you if you explore in person. The DMV staff will note that you already hold a license and may ask why you need a state ID. You do not need to provide a reason — it is your choice — but being clear about your situation can help the process move faster.
What happens if you hold both and one expires
If your driver's license expires but your state ID is still valid, you can continue to use the state ID for identification purposes. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, but you can use the state ID to board a plane, enter a bank, or prove your age. The state ID remains valid until its own expiration date.
If your state ID expires but your driver's license is still valid, the same logic applies in reverse: you can use the driver's license for any purpose that requires photo ID. You do not need to renew the state ID unless you specifically want to carry it again.
The risk is forgetting which document is expired and which is still valid. If you carry both, check both expiration dates before you travel or need to show ID. Many people find it simpler to carry only one document and avoid this confusion entirely.
State-specific rules and restrictions
Most states allow you to hold both a state ID and a driver's license without restriction. However, a few states have specific rules worth knowing. Some states will not issue a state ID to someone who already holds a valid driver's license unless you surrender the license first. Other states allow both but charge a higher fee if you hold both simultaneously.
A small number of states have moved toward digital ID options or mobile driver's licenses, which may affect whether you need a physical card at all. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV directly to confirm the current rules in your state. The rules can change, and what was true five years ago may not be true today.
If you are moving to a new state, the rules in your new state may differ from your old state. You will need to follow your new state's process for obtaining or converting your ID. Some states recognize out-of-state licenses for a grace period, while others require you to convert when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to surrender my driver's license to get a state ID?
Most states do not require you to surrender your driver's license to obtain a state ID. You can hold both at the same time. However, some states will not issue a state ID if you already have a valid driver's license unless you specifically request a conversion. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the rule where you live.
Can I use a state ID instead of a driver's license for Real ID air travel?
Yes. A state ID card that meets Real ID standards is acceptable for domestic air travel. However, not all state ID cards are Real ID-compliant — you need to verify that your state's ID card meets the federal standard. Your DMV can tell you whether the ID you are explore for is Real ID-compliant.
What if I want to stop driving but keep my ID?
You can keep your driver's license without driving. However, most states offer a conversion option where you can exchange your driver's license for a state ID at a reduced fee. This is usually cheaper than renewing a driver's license you do not use. Ask your DMV about conversion options in your state.
Will holding both documents affect my insurance or driving record?
No. Your insurance and driving record are tied to your driver's license number, not to whether you also hold a state ID. Holding a state ID does not change your driving record, insurance rates, or any other aspect of your driving status.
Can I explore for both documents at the same time?
Yes, you can explore for both in a single visit to the DMV. However, you will need to pay separate fees and may receive them on different schedules. Some DMVs process state IDs faster than driver's licenses, or vice versa. Ask the DMV staff about processing times when you explore.