An interim driver's license is a temporary document you receive when ready after passing your driving test, valid until your permanent license arrives by mail

When you pass your driving test at your state's DMV, you do not walk out with a finished plastic card. Instead, you receive an interim license — a printed document, usually on regular paper or cardstock, that serves as your legal proof of licensure while the state produces and mails your permanent card. The interim is valid for driving right away and holds the same legal weight as a permanent license for the purposes of operating a vehicle, but it is temporary and will expire once your permanent license arrives.

The interim exists because producing a physical ID card takes time. States must verify your information, run background checks, print the card with security features, and mail it to you. That process typically takes two to four weeks, though it varies by state and current processing volume. Without an interim document, you would pass your test on a Friday and have no legal way to drive until your card showed up weeks later.

Key Takeaways

  • An interim license is issued on the spot after you pass your driving test and is valid when ready for driving.
  • The interim remains valid until your permanent plastic license card arrives in the mail, which usually takes two to four weeks.
  • You must carry your interim license with you whenever you drive; it is your only proof of licensure during this period.
  • If your interim is lost or damaged before your permanent card arrives, you will need to request a replacement from your DMV.
  • Some states print the interim on paper; others use cardstock or a temporary plastic card, but all have the same legal standing.

What the interim license looks like and what it contains

The physical appearance of an interim license varies by state. Some states print it on standard white or colored paper with your photo, name, address, license number, and expiration date. Others issue a temporary plastic card that resembles a permanent license but is marked clearly as temporary. A few states use cardstock that is thicker than paper but thinner than a permanent ID.

Regardless of format, every interim license contains the same core information: your full legal name, date of birth, address, license number, the class or type of license you received (such as Class D for standard passenger vehicle), any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required), and an expiration date. The expiration date on the interim is usually set for 30 to 45 days from the date of issue, which gives the state time to mail your permanent card and accounts for mail delays.

The interim will also show the date you passed your test and the date the document was issued. Some states include a barcode or QR code that law enforcement can scan to verify your information in real time. The document is not laminated and is not designed to last years — it is meant to be temporary.

How long an interim license is valid

An interim license is valid from the moment it is issued until one of two things happens: either your permanent license arrives in the mail, or the expiration date printed on the interim passes. In most states, the interim expires 30 to 45 days after issue. If your permanent card has not arrived by that date, you will need to contact your DMV to request a replacement interim or to check on the status of your permanent card.

Processing times for permanent licenses depend on your state and current workload at the DMV. During normal periods, most states mail permanent licenses within two to three weeks. During high-volume periods — such as after a holiday or when a state has changed its license design — the wait can stretch to four to six weeks. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need your permanent card faster.

Once your permanent license arrives, the interim is no longer valid and should not be used. You should destroy it or keep it as a record, depending on your preference, but it has no legal standing once the permanent card is in your possession.

What you must do with your interim license

You must carry your interim license with you every time you drive. It is your only proof of licensure during this period, and law enforcement can stop you and request to see it just as they would a permanent license. If you are stopped and cannot produce your interim, you may be cited for driving without a license, even though you have legally passed your test and are licensed to drive.

Treat the interim as you would a permanent license: keep it in your wallet or a safe place in your vehicle, do not lend it to anyone else, and do not damage it. If it becomes unreadable — for example, if it gets wet and the ink runs, or if it is torn — you should request a replacement from your DMV. Some states allow you to request a replacement interim online; others require you to visit in person or call.

You should also update your address with your DMV if you move while the interim is still valid. If your address changes and your permanent license is already in the mail, it may be sent to your old address. Updating your address before the permanent card ships ensures it goes to the correct location.

What happens if your interim is lost or damaged

If you lose your interim license before your permanent card arrives, contact your DMV when ready. Most states allow you to request a replacement interim without charge, though a few charge a small fee. You will typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and license number. Some states let you request a replacement online through their DMV portal; others require a phone call or in-person visit.

If your interim is damaged but still readable, you may not need a replacement right away — law enforcement will usually accept a damaged interim as long as the information is legible. However, if it is so damaged that your name, photo, or license number cannot be read, request a replacement to avoid being cited during a traffic stop.

If your interim is damaged or lost and your permanent license has already been mailed, the DMV may be able to tell you the expected delivery date. In some cases, if the permanent card is very close to arriving, the DMV may advise you to wait rather than issue another interim. Ask the DMV for guidance based on your specific situation.

State-by-state differences in interim license format and validity

Most states issue an interim license in one of three formats: printed paper, cardstock, or a temporary plastic card. The format does not affect the validity — all three are equally legal proof of licensure. However, the format can affect how durable the interim is during the weeks you carry it.

Some states, such as California and New York, issue a temporary plastic card that looks similar to a permanent license but is marked "TEMPORARY" across the front. These cards are more durable than paper and less likely to be damaged in a wallet. Other states, such as Texas and Florida, print the interim on cardstock or heavy paper. A few smaller states still use standard paper.

Expiration dates also vary slightly. Most states set the interim to expire 30 to 45 days from issue, but some set it to expire on a specific calendar date (such as the last day of the month in which it was issued). Check the expiration date printed on your interim to know exactly when it stops being valid. If you are unsure, contact your state DMV to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my interim license to travel across state lines or fly on an airplane?

You can drive across state lines with an interim license — it is valid in all states. However, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a Real ID-compliant license or another federally approved ID. If your interim is not marked as Real ID-compliant, bring a passport or other federal ID to the airport instead.

What if my permanent license arrives while I am out of state?

Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file with your DMV. If you are traveling when it arrives, it will be left at your home or held by the postal service. You can continue using your interim license until you return home and receive the permanent card. If you will be away for an extended period, consider updating your address with your DMV before you leave, or ask someone at home to collect the mail for you.

Do I need to do anything special when my permanent license arrives?

No. When your permanent license arrives in the mail, straightforward start carrying it instead of the interim. You do not need to register it, set up it, or notify the DMV. The interim becomes invalid once you have the permanent card in hand, but you do not need to return it or destroy it.

Can I get a Real ID interim license?

If you passed your test at a DMV that issues Real ID licenses, your interim may already be marked as Real ID-compliant. Check the front of your interim for a star or the words "REAL ID" — if it is there, your interim meets federal standards. If it is not marked, your permanent license will likely be Real ID-compliant even if the interim is not, as long as you provided the required documents during your test.

What if the DMV made an error on my interim license?

If your interim contains incorrect information — such as a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong license class — contact your DMV right away. Bring the interim and proof of the correct information (such as your birth certificate or proof of address). The DMV can issue a corrected interim while your permanent license is being printed. Do not drive with an interim that contains errors, as it may cause problems during a traffic stop.