A co-signer does not need a driver's license, but they do need a valid government ID
When you explore for your first driver's license as a minor, most states require a parent or guardian to co-sign your process. That co-signer must prove their identity with a government-issued ID — but it does not have to be a driver's license. A passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. The co-signer is vouching for who you are and that you have their permission to drive, not proving they can drive themselves.
The reason states ask for a co-signer at all is to confirm you are who you say you are and that a responsible adult knows you are getting licensed. The ID requirement exists so the DMV can verify the co-signer's identity matches their records. If your co-signer has a valid non-driver ID, you can move forward with your process.
Key Takeaways
- A co-signer must have a valid government-issued ID, but a driver's license is not the only option — passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID all satisfy the requirement.
- The co-signer's role is to confirm your identity and give permission for you to be licensed, not to demonstrate their own driving ability.
- Most states require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign for applicants under 18, though the exact age varies by state.
- You will need to bring the co-signer with you to the DMV appointment, along with their ID and proof of your relationship to them.
What ID documents a co-signer can use
A co-signer's government-issued ID must be current and show their name and photo. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory meets this requirement, but so does a state ID card (the non-driver version), a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a passport card. Some states also accept a permanent resident card (green card) if the co-signer is not yet a U.S. citizen.
The ID does not have to be from your state. If your co-signer moved to your state recently and still has a valid driver's license from another state, that works. The DMV is checking that the ID is genuine and current, not that it matches your state of residence.
Expired IDs are not accepted. If your co-signer's ID expired more than a few months ago, they will need to renew it before your appointment. Some states allow a grace period of 30 to 60 days after expiration, but do not count on it — call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.
Why co-signers need to show up in person
Most states require the co-signer to be present at your DMV appointment. The examiner needs to see both of you together and verify that the co-signer is who their ID says they are. This prevents fraud — it ensures that a real adult is actually giving permission, not just signing a form at home.
Some states allow a co-signer to sign the process at home and then you bring the signed form to your appointment, but the rules vary widely. A few states have moved to allowing a co-signer to sign electronically or by video call, especially after the pandemic, but this is not yet standard everywhere. Call your local DMV or check your state's website before assuming you can do this remotely.
What happens if your co-signer does not have an ID
If your co-signer has no government-issued ID at all, they will need to get one before you can explore for your license. The fastest route is usually a state ID card (non-driver), which does not require a driving test and can be obtained at the DMV. The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on how busy your local office is.
If your co-signer is not a U.S. citizen and does not have a green card or passport, the situation is more complex. Some states will accept a consular ID (issued by a foreign government's embassy or consulate in the U.S.), but not all. Contact your DMV directly to ask what documents they will accept for a non-citizen co-signer.
If getting an ID is not possible for your co-signer, ask the DMV whether another adult — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling — can co-sign instead. Most states allow any adult with a valid ID to serve as co-signer, not just parents.
Proof of relationship between you and your co-signer
Beyond the co-signer's ID, you will also need to bring documents proving your relationship to them. For a parent, this is usually a birth certificate. For a legal guardian, bring the guardianship papers. For another relative, a birth certificate showing both names, or a document like a lease or utility bill showing you live at the same address, may be enough.
The exact documents vary by state. Some DMVs are flexible and will accept a combination of documents that show you live together; others have a strict list. Call ahead and ask what your DMV needs, so you do not show up unprepared and have to reschedule.
Age requirements for co-signers
Most states require a co-signer to be at least 18 years old, and many require them to be 21. A few states allow a co-signer as young as 18 if they are a parent or legal guardian, but will not accept an 18-year-old sibling. The rules are specific to each state and sometimes even to each county.
If you are unsure whether your intended co-signer meets the age requirement, ask your DMV. There is no point in gathering all your documents only to find out at the appointment that your co-signer is too young.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring your co-signer's government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of your relationship to them (birth certificate, guardianship papers, or lease), your own documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security number), and any other documents your state requires for a learner's permit or license process. Check your state DMV's website for the full list before you go.
Arrive early and bring the originals, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of IDs or birth certificates. If you are missing even one document, you may be turned away and asked to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my co-signer be someone other than a parent?
Yes. Most states allow any adult with a valid ID to co-sign, including a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or legal guardian. You will need to prove your relationship to them, so bring a birth certificate or other document showing you are related or live together.
What if my co-signer has a suspended or revoked driver's license?
A suspended or revoked license is not a valid ID for co-signing purposes. Your co-signer will need to use a different form of government ID — a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If they have none of these, they will need to get a state ID card before your appointment.
Can my co-signer sign the form at home and not come to the DMV?
Most states require the co-signer to be present in person at your appointment. A few states allow a signed form to be brought in, but the examiner still needs to see the co-signer's ID. Check your state DMV's website or call to confirm the rule where you live.
Do I need a co-signer if I am 18 or older?
No. Once you turn 18, you can explore for a driver's license on your own without a co-signer in all states. You will still need to bring proof of identity and residency, but you do not need an adult's permission or signature.
What if my co-signer's ID is from another country?
A foreign passport is accepted in all states. A consular ID (issued by a foreign government's embassy or consulate in the U.S.) may be accepted, but rules vary. If your co-signer is a permanent resident, a green card works everywhere. Call your DMV to confirm what they will accept for a non-U.S. ID.