An interim driver license is a temporary document you receive when ready after passing your road test, while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail

When you pass your road test at your state's DMV or testing center, you don't walk out with a finished plastic card. Instead, the examiner gives you an interim license — a printed certificate or temporary document that proves you have passed and are legally allowed to drive right away. Your actual plastic license card is produced at a separate facility and mailed to your address, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state.

The interim license serves one purpose: it bridges the gap between passing your test and receiving your permanent card in the mail. You can drive with it when ready, and it is valid for the same activities as your permanent license — commuting to work, driving alone, carrying passengers, whatever your license type allows. Police will recognize it as legitimate if you are stopped.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive your interim license on the day you pass your road test, before leaving the testing location.
  • An interim license is a temporary printed document that lets you drive legally while waiting for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
  • Your permanent plastic license card is produced separately and usually arrives within one to three weeks, depending on your state.
  • An interim license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license and is recognized by law enforcement.

What the interim license looks like and what it contains

An interim license is not a plastic card. It is typically a printed certificate on cardstock or a temporary paper document that includes your name, address, license number, date of birth, and the date it was issued. Some states print it on the spot at the testing center; others mail it to you within a few days. The format varies by state — some are wallet-sized cards, others are larger certificates — but all serve the same function.

The document will clearly state that it is temporary and valid only until your permanent license arrives. It includes an expiration date, usually 30 to 60 days out, which gives the permanent card time to be produced and delivered. If your permanent card arrives before that date, the interim license becomes void and you discard it.

How long you can drive on an interim license

You can drive on your interim license from the moment you receive it until your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail. In most states, this period is one to three weeks. Some states are faster — a week or less — while others may take up to a month, especially during busy seasons at the DMV.

Your interim license also has a printed expiration date on it, usually 30 to 60 days from issue. This is a safety net: if your permanent card has not arrived by that date, you can return to the DMV with your interim license and request a replacement or extension. In practice, this rarely happens because the permanent card almost always arrives before the interim expires.

Interim licenses for different license types

Whether you are getting a standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), or a motorcycle endorsement, you receive an interim license after passing the road test for that category. The interim works the same way — it is temporary, it arrives when ready, and your permanent card follows by mail.

If you are upgrading from one license type to another — for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing driver license — you will receive a new interim license reflecting the upgrade. Your old permanent card remains valid until the new one arrives, at which point you discard the old card and use the new one.

What to do if your interim license is lost or damaged

If you lose your interim license before your permanent card arrives, contact your state's DMV when ready. You will likely need to visit in person with proof of identity and your test results. The DMV can issue you a replacement interim license on the spot, or in some cases, they can expedite your permanent card if it is already in production.

If your interim license is damaged but still readable, you can usually continue driving with it. However, if it is torn, water-damaged, or illegible, take it to the DMV and ask for a replacement. Do not delay — you need valid documentation to drive legally, and a damaged interim may not hold up if you are stopped by police.

Interim licenses and out-of-state moves

If you pass your road test and receive an interim license, then move to another state before your permanent card arrives, contact the original state's DMV to have the card forwarded to your new address. Most states will do this at no extra cost if you provide your new address within a reasonable time frame.

You can also choose to get a new license in your new state instead. In that case, bring your interim license from the original state as proof of passage — you may not have to retake the road test, depending on your new state's reciprocity rules. Check with your new state's DMV before you move to understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive out of state with an interim license?

Yes. An interim license is a valid driver license in all states. You can drive across state lines and use it anywhere you would use your permanent license. However, some states may question an unfamiliar temporary document if you are stopped, so having your test results or DMV paperwork with you can help.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact your state's DMV as soon as you receive it. If the card is physically damaged, request a replacement. If the information is wrong — misspelled name, incorrect address, wrong license class — the DMV will issue a corrected card. Bring the damaged card and proof of the error with you.

Do I need to carry my interim license in my wallet at all times?

Yes. Your interim license is your proof of licensure until your permanent card arrives. You must carry it when you drive, just as you would carry your permanent license. If you are stopped by police, you are required to show it.

Can I use my interim license to rent a car or get a job?

Most car rental companies and employers will accept an interim license as proof of a valid driver license. However, some may prefer to wait for your permanent card because it is more familiar. Call ahead to confirm before you go in, especially for car rentals, which have strict ID policies.

What happens if my permanent license never arrives?

If your permanent card does not arrive within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV. Bring your interim license and proof of your address. The DMV can check the status of your card, reissue it, or in some cases, issue you a replacement interim license with an extended expiration date while they investigate.