What you need to do to get a driver's license or ID card
To get a driver's license or ID card, you will visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, bring required documents, pass a written test and vision screening, and pay a fee. The exact documents, test content, and fees vary by state, but the basic path is the same everywhere: prove who you are, show you live in the state, demonstrate you can read and understand traffic laws, and then take a road test if you want a license to drive.
The difference between the two is straightforward: an ID card is for identification only and does not let you drive. A driver's license lets you drive and also serves as ID. If you want to drive, you need a driver's license. If you only need proof of identity for things like banking or air travel, an ID card is faster and cheaper because you skip the road test.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the DMV.
- The written test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; most states let you study the handbook online for free before you go.
- An ID card requires only the written test and vision screening; a driver's license also requires a road test with an examiner in a real vehicle.
- Fees range by state and license type, but typically run between $20 and $100 for the first process.
- Processing time varies from same-day issuance in some states to several weeks in others; check your state's DMV website for current wait times.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). A birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth abroad counts as identity proof. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it—the document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.
You will also need to fill out an process form at the DMV. Most states let you read and complete this form before you arrive, which saves time. Bring the completed form with you, along with any other documents your state lists on its DMV website. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process and may need to be present.
If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant driver's license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), you may need additional documents such as proof of a Social Security number or an unexpired passport. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need Real ID and what extra documents that requires.
The written test and what it covers
The written test, also called the knowledge test, checks whether you understand traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Questions are typically multiple choice and cover topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different signs mean. Most states give you 30 to 50 questions and require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass.
Every state publishes a free driver's handbook online that covers everything on the test. You can read it at home and take practice tests on your state's DMV website before your appointment. Many people pass on their first try if they study the handbook for a few hours. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or within a few days, though your state may charge a small fee for each retake.
Some states offer the test in languages other than English. Call your local DMV or check the website to find out which languages are available and whether you need to request an interpreter ahead of time.
The vision screening and road test
At your DMV appointment, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. This is a straightforward test where you read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retake it after getting new glasses, or you may be required to get a medical evaluation from an eye doctor.
For a driver's license, you must also pass a road test. An examiner will sit in the car with you while you drive on real streets and demonstrate that you can start the car, steer, brake, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people bring a parent, guardian, or instructor to the test, but only you and the examiner sit in the front. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy your DMV is.
For an ID card, there is no road test—you only take the written test and vision screening.
Fees and how long it takes
The cost of a driver's license or ID card depends on your state and the type of license you want. A standard driver's license typically costs between $30 and $100 for a first process. An ID card is usually cheaper, ranging from $15 to $50. Some states charge extra for a Real ID license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go, and bring cash or a card—not all DMVs accept both.
How long you wait for your license or card varies widely. Some states issue it on the spot after you pass the tests. Others mail it to you within one to three weeks. A few states take longer, especially if they are processing a backlog. Your state's DMV website will tell you the current processing time. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, ask the DMV whether they issue a temporary permit on the day of your test.
Making an appointment and what to expect on the day
Most states now require you to book a DMV appointment online rather than walk in. Go to your state's DMV website, select your local office, and choose a date and time. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, so book as soon as you are ready. A few states still allow walk-ins, but expect a long wait if you do.
On the day of your appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents and a completed process form. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you are taking the road test, bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and make sure the registration and insurance documents are in the car. Wear clothes you can move freely in, and avoid anything that blocks your vision or makes it hard to control the car.
The whole process—process, written test, vision screening, and road test if you are taking it—usually takes one to three hours. Plan for the longer end of that range, especially if the office is busy.
What to do if you fail the written test or road test
If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days. Go home, study the handbook again, and focus on the topics you missed. Most people pass on the second or third try. Your state may charge a small fee for each retake, usually $5 to $10.
If you fail the road test, you will get feedback on what you did wrong—for example, not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or parking poorly. Schedule another test as soon as possible while the mistakes are fresh in your mind. Practice the specific skills the examiner pointed out. Many people pass on the second attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can use a passport, consular report of birth abroad, or in some states a court order showing your identity. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of documents that count as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a birth certificate.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can use that instead. Bring the document that shows your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact your local Social Security office or the IRS to find out how to get an ITIN.
Do I have to take the written test in English?
Most states offer the test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Call your local DMV or check the website to see which languages are available and whether you need to request an interpreter before your appointment.
What happens if I move to a different state?
You will need to get a license from your new state. Most states let you transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the road test, though you will still need to pass the written test and vision screening for your new state. Bring your old license and proof of residency in your new state to the DMV.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
Many states issue a temporary permit or paper license on the day you pass the tests. Ask the DMV examiner whether this is available in your state. If it is, you can usually drive with it while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail.