Most temporary licenses do not include a photograph
A temporary driver license — the paper document you receive when ready after passing your written test — typically does not have a photo. It is a printed receipt, usually about the size of a regular sheet of paper, with your name, address, license number, and the expiration date printed on it. The document itself is black and white text on white paper.
Your photograph appears on your permanent plastic license card, which arrives by mail weeks later. That card is what you will carry in your wallet long-term. The temporary license is meant to serve as proof of licensure in the short window between passing your test and receiving the permanent card in the mail.
The exact appearance of a temporary license varies by state. Some states print them on standard paper; others use a slightly heavier stock. But across all states, the temporary version is a paper document without a photo, while the permanent card that follows includes one.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary licenses are paper documents issued on the spot after you pass your written test and do not include a photograph.
- Your photo appears only on the permanent plastic license card, which arrives in the mail within two to four weeks.
- The temporary license and permanent card have the same license number, so either one proves you are licensed to drive during the waiting period.
- You should carry your temporary license until the plastic card arrives, since it is your only proof of licensure during that time.
Why temporary licenses skip the photo
Temporary licenses are issued on-site at the DMV or testing location the moment you pass your written test. There is no time to take a photo, process it, and print it onto a card before you leave. The state needs to give you proof of licensure when ready so you can legally drive while waiting for your permanent card.
Adding a photo to the temporary document would require either a camera at every testing location or a delay in issuing the temporary license — neither of which states do. The photo is reserved for the permanent card, which is produced at a central facility with the equipment and time to do it properly.
What information is on a temporary license
Your temporary license includes the core details the state needs to identify you and confirm you are licensed:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- Your license number (the same number that will appear on your permanent card)
- The class of license you received (such as Class D for regular passenger vehicles)
- The expiration date of your temporary license
- Any restrictions or endorsements that explore to your license
Law enforcement can look up your photo in the state database using your license number if they need to verify your identity during a traffic stop. The temporary paper document itself does not need to include the photo for you to be legally licensed to drive.
How long you will use the temporary license
Your temporary license is valid from the moment it is issued until your permanent card arrives. This window is usually two to four weeks, depending on how busy your state's processing center is and how far you live from the mailing facility.
You should carry the temporary license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the temporary license is sufficient proof that you are licensed. You do not need to wait for the permanent card to begin driving legally.
Once your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail, the temporary license expires and you should stop carrying it. Keep the permanent card in your wallet instead. Some people keep the temporary license as a record, but it is no longer valid for identification purposes once the permanent card is in your possession.
What to do if your temporary license is lost or damaged
If you lose your temporary license before the permanent card arrives, contact your state's DMV when ready. You will likely need to visit in person or call to request a replacement temporary license. Some states can print a new one on the spot; others may mail it to you.
If your temporary license is damaged or unreadable, the same process applies. Bring what remains of it to the DMV along with your identification, and ask for a replacement. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can get a new one and continue driving legally.
If your permanent card arrives while you are waiting for a replacement temporary license, you do not need to pursue the replacement. The permanent card serves the same purpose and is valid when ready upon arrival.
The difference between temporary and permanent licenses
The main differences between a temporary and permanent license are the format, the photo, and the durability. A temporary license is a paper document with no photo. A permanent license is a plastic card with your photograph, your signature, and security features designed to last for years.
Both licenses have the same license number, the same expiration date (for the license itself, not the card), and the same driving privileges and restrictions. Either one proves you are legally licensed to drive. The temporary version is straightforward a placeholder until the permanent version arrives.
Your permanent license will be valid for a set number of years — typically four to eight years depending on your state and age — and you will need to renew it when it expires. The temporary license, by contrast, expires as soon as the permanent card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary license as a photo ID at a bank or airport?
No. A temporary license is not a photo ID because it does not include a photograph. Banks, airports, and other institutions that require photo identification will not accept it. You will need a passport, state ID card, or permanent driver license. Once your permanent license arrives, you can use that as photo ID.
What if I move before my permanent license arrives?
Contact your DMV to update your address. Your temporary license will have your old address on it, but the DMV's records will reflect the new one. When your permanent card is printed, it will have your current address. You may be able to update your address online, by phone, or by visiting the DMV in person, depending on your state.
Is the temporary license number the same as the permanent license number?
Yes. The license number printed on your temporary paper license is the same number that will appear on your permanent plastic card. This number stays with you for the life of your license, even when you renew it.
Can I drive out of state with a temporary license?
Yes. A temporary license from your home state is valid for driving in other states, just as a permanent license is. However, you should carry it with you at all times while driving, and be prepared to explain that it is temporary if you are stopped by law enforcement in another state.
What happens if my permanent license never arrives?
Contact your DMV. If more than four weeks have passed, the card may have been lost in the mail or there may be an error in your address on file. The DMV can reprint and resend your permanent license, or in some cases issue a new temporary license if you still need one.