Most landlords will ask for a driver's license, but it's not always required

A driver's license is the most common form of ID landlords request when you explore for an apartment, but it is not the only one they will accept. Landlords use ID primarily to verify your identity and run a background check — they need to confirm you are who you say you are before they sign a lease with you. If you don't have a driver's license, you have other options: a state ID card, passport, passport card, or other government-issued photo ID will work instead.

The real barrier to renting is not the type of ID you have, but whether you can prove who you are. A landlord cannot legally run a background check or contact your previous landlords without confirming your identity first. So while a driver's license makes the process straightforward, any current government-issued photo ID will do the job.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license is the most common ID landlords request, but a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID will work instead.
  • Landlords use ID to verify your identity and run background checks, which are standard parts of the rental process.
  • If you don't have any government-issued photo ID, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's DMV without taking a driving test.
  • Some landlords may ask for additional documents like proof of income or references even if your ID is valid.
  • Having an expired ID may still work, but a current ID makes the process faster and reduces questions from the landlord.

What ID documents landlords will accept

Landlords are looking for a current government-issued photo ID that proves your identity. A driver's license is the standard choice because most adults have one, but landlords regularly accept state ID cards, passports, passport cards, and military IDs. The key requirement is that the ID must have your photo, your name, and an expiration date — and it should not be expired, though some landlords will accept an ID that expired recently if no other option is available.

If you are under 18 and do not have a driver's license, a state ID card works just as well. If you are an immigrant or do not drive, a passport or passport card is equally valid. The point is not which ID you have, but that you have something current that proves who you are. Landlords cannot move forward with a background check without it.

Getting a state ID card if you don't drive

If you don't have a driver's license and don't plan to get one, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A state ID card is a government-issued photo ID that serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification — it just does not give you permission to drive. The process is simpler than getting a driver's license because you do not take a road test or written driving test.

To get a state ID card, you will need to visit your local DMV office with proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The cost varies by state but is typically between $10 and $30. Processing usually takes a few weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. Once you have the card, it works as a standard form of ID for apartment rentals, opening a bank account, or any other situation where a landlord or business asks for photo ID.

Other documents landlords typically request alongside ID

Even with a valid ID, most landlords will ask for additional documents to complete your rental process. These usually include proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer), references from previous landlords, and permission to run a background check and credit check. Some landlords also ask for proof of residency or a co-signer if your income is below a certain threshold.

The ID itself is just the starting point. Landlords use it to verify who you are, but they also want to know whether you can afford the rent and whether you have been a reliable tenant in the past. Having a valid ID speeds up the process, but you should be prepared to provide these other documents as well. If you don't have previous landlord references, some landlords will accept references from employers, teachers, or community leaders instead.

What happens if you don't have any government-issued ID

If you have never obtained a driver's license or state ID card, you will need to get one before most landlords will consider your process. This is not optional — landlords cannot legally run a background check without confirming your identity first, and they will not sign a lease without one. The good news is that getting a state ID card is faster and simpler than getting a driver's license, and it costs less.

Start by visiting your state's DMV website to find your local office and see what documents you need to bring. You will need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consular ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. Bring these documents to the DMV, pay the fee, and you will receive your state ID card within a few weeks. Once you have it, you can move forward with apartment applications.

Expired ID and what landlords will do

An expired driver's license or state ID card is not ideal, but some landlords will accept it if it is the only ID you have. However, most prefer a current ID because it proves you are still living in the state and that your information is up to date. If your ID expired recently, explain the situation to the landlord — they may move forward with your process while you renew it.

If your ID has been expired for several years, renewing it becomes more important. The renewal process is usually faster than the original process — you can often renew online or by mail without visiting the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website for renewal options. Having a current ID removes any questions from the landlord and speeds up the background check process.

How landlords use your ID during the rental process

When you submit a rental process, the landlord will photocopy or scan your ID as part of their records. They use the information on it to run a background check through a third-party service, which typically includes a criminal history check and an eviction history check. They may also use your name and address to verify your previous rental history by contacting former landlords.

Some landlords will also use your ID to verify your Social Security number and run a credit check. All of this requires that your ID be valid and current so that the information matches what they find in public records. If your ID is expired or the information on it is outdated, the background check may be delayed or rejected. This is why having a current, valid ID makes the entire process faster and smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired driver's license to rent an apartment?

Some landlords will accept an expired ID if it is recent and you have no other option, but most prefer a current one. An expired ID can slow down the background check process because the information may not match public records. If your ID expired recently, renew it before explore — renewal is usually faster than the original process.

What if I'm an immigrant and don't have a U.S. driver's license?

A passport or passport card works just as well as a driver's license for apartment rentals. Some states also issue ID cards to immigrants without a Social Security number. Check your state's DMV website for options, or bring your passport to the rental process — most landlords will accept it without question.

Can a landlord reject my process just because I don't have a driver's license?

A landlord cannot reject you solely for not having a driver's license if you have another valid government-issued photo ID. However, they can reject your process if you have no ID at all, because they cannot run a background check without it. If you don't have any ID, obtain a state ID card from your DMV before explore.

How long does it take to get a state ID card?

Processing time varies by state, but most state ID cards take two to four weeks to arrive. Some states offer expedited service for an additional fee, which can reduce the time to one week or less. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times and whether expedited options are available in your area.

Do I need a driver's license if I don't own a car?

No. If you don't drive, a state ID card serves the same purpose for renting an apartment or proving your identity. A state ID card is cheaper, easier to obtain, and does not require a driving test. You can get one from your state's DMV with proof of identity and residency.