You probably need only one, not both

A driver's license and a state ID card serve different purposes, and you do not need both. If you drive, your driver's license works as your ID everywhere — it proves your identity and your right to operate a vehicle. If you do not drive, a state ID card is your main form of government-issued identification. The choice between them depends on whether you drive, not on some requirement to carry both.

The confusion often comes from seeing people carry both documents. That usually happens because someone got a driver's license years ago, then later got a state ID for a specific reason — like Real ID compliance for air travel — without realizing the license already covered that need. Or they renewed one document but not the other, and ended up with both temporarily.

Your state's DMV will not require you to hold both. You choose one based on your actual needs.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license serves as both proof of your right to drive and a valid government ID for any situation that requires identification.
  • A state ID card is for people who do not drive but still need an official form of identification for banking, travel, or age verification.
  • You should get a driver's license if you operate a vehicle; you should get a state ID card only if you do not drive and need government-issued ID.
  • Real ID compliance (required for domestic air travel) can be met with either a Real ID driver's license or a Real ID state ID card — not both.
  • If you already have a valid driver's license, you do not need to obtain a state ID card unless you stop driving and want to keep an ID without the driving privileges.

When you need a driver's license instead

Get a driver's license if you drive any vehicle on public roads. This is the law in every state — you cannot legally operate a car, truck, or motorcycle without one. A driver's license proves two things at once: your identity and your legal permission to drive.

Because a driver's license already proves who you are, it works as your ID for every other purpose too. You can use it to board a domestic flight, open a bank account, buy age-restricted items, or enter a government building. You do not need a separate ID card.

The only time you might consider getting both is if you want to keep a state ID card after your driver's license expires and you stop driving. Some people do this to avoid the hassle of renewing a license they no longer use. But this is optional — it is not a requirement.

When you need a state ID card instead

Get a state ID card if you do not drive but still need government-issued identification. This card proves your identity for the same purposes a driver's license does — air travel, banking, age verification, government services — but it does not grant you permission to drive.

A state ID card is useful if you live in a city with good public transportation and have no reason to drive, or if you cannot drive due to age, medical reasons, or other circumstances. It costs less than a driver's license in many states and serves the same identification function without the driving component.

If you later decide to drive, you will need to get a driver's license instead. A state ID card cannot be converted to a driver's license — you will explore for the license as a new document, though you may not have to repeat all the testing if your state allows transfers.

Real ID compliance: one document, not two

Real ID is a federal standard that affects which documents work for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting in 2025, you will need either a Real ID driver's license or a Real ID state ID card to board a domestic flight — a regular (non-Real ID) version of either document will not work.

This does not mean you need both. You get one or the other upgraded to Real ID status depending on whether you drive. If you have a driver's license, you renew it as a Real ID driver's license. If you have a state ID card, you renew it as a Real ID state ID card. The process is the same at your DMV — you bring the required documents (usually a birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security card) and pay a small fee.

Some people mistakenly think they need a Real ID driver's license and a Real ID state ID card for air travel. You do not. One Real ID document is enough.

What happens if you have both right now

If you currently hold both a driver's license and a state ID card, you do not need to do anything. Both are valid documents. You can use whichever one is more convenient in any given situation.

When it comes time to renew, you can choose to renew only the driver's license if you still drive, or only the state ID card if you have stopped driving. You do not have to renew both. Many states will let you renew online or by mail, which makes it straightforward to let one document expire while keeping the other current.

If you want to simplify and hold only one document, you can let the other expire without renewing it. There is no penalty for doing so.

How to decide which one to get

The decision is straightforward: Do you drive? If yes, get a driver's license. If no, get a state ID card. That is the only question that matters.

If you are unsure whether you will drive in the future, get the driver's license now. It is easier to stop driving later and let the license expire than to get a driver's license after years of holding only a state ID card. A driver's license keeps your options open.

If you are certain you will never drive, a state ID card is simpler and often cheaper. You get the same identification benefits without the driving component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my driver's license as ID if I am not driving?

Yes. A driver's license is a valid form of government-issued identification for any purpose — banking, air travel, age verification, government services — whether you are actively driving or not. You do not need a state ID card just because you are not behind the wheel at that moment.

What if I let my driver's license expire but still need ID?

An expired driver's license is not valid for identification purposes. You would need to renew it or get a state ID card. If you have stopped driving permanently, getting a state ID card is usually faster and cheaper than renewing a driver's license you no longer use.

Do I need both documents for Real ID air travel?

No. You need only one Real ID document — either a Real ID driver's license or a Real ID state ID card. Having both does not give you any additional benefit for air travel or federal building access.

Can I convert a state ID card to a driver's license?

No, you cannot convert one to the other. If you have a state ID card and decide to drive, you will explore for a driver's license as a new document. Your state may waive certain tests or fees based on your existing ID, but you will go through a separate process process.

Which document is cheaper to get?

State ID cards are usually cheaper than driver's licenses because they do not include the cost of driving tests and training. Exact fees vary by state, so check your DMV website for current pricing. Both documents typically cost between $20 and $50.