An interim driver license is a temporary document you receive while your permanent license is being processed or replaced
An interim license is not a learner's permit or a restricted license — it is a full, valid driver license that works exactly like a permanent one. You receive it on the spot at the DMV when you cannot leave with a permanent license the same day. The most common reason is that your permanent license is still being printed and mailed to you, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state.
An interim license has an expiration date printed on it, usually matching when your permanent license should arrive. Once your permanent license comes in the mail, the interim becomes invalid and you discard it. Some states call this document a "temporary license" or "temporary driving permit," but the function is the same across all of them.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is a full, valid driver license you receive when ready when your permanent license cannot be issued the same day.
- You typically receive an interim license when you renew your license, get your first license, or replace a lost or damaged one.
- The interim license expires on a specific date — usually when your permanent license is expected to arrive by mail.
- You must carry the interim license as proof of your right to drive; it is not optional or supplemental.
- Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the interim license or return it to the DMV if your state requires it.
When the DMV Issues an Interim License
You receive an interim license in three main situations. First, when you renew your driver license and the DMV cannot print and issue your permanent license before you leave the office — this is the most common scenario. Second, when you get your first driver license after passing the written and road tests. Third, when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license and the replacement cannot be produced when ready.
Some states issue interim licenses automatically; others only issue them if you ask. A few states do not use interim licenses at all and instead mail your permanent license within a few days and tell you to wait at home. Check your state's DMV website or ask the clerk at your local office whether interim licenses are available in your situation.
How Long an Interim License Lasts
An interim license is valid for a set number of days, not months or years. Most states print an expiration date on the interim license itself — commonly 30, 45, or 60 days from the date of issue, depending on the state and how long the DMV estimates it will take to mail your permanent license. A few states tie the interim expiration to a specific calendar date rather than a day count.
The interim license remains valid for driving, law enforcement stops, and vehicle registration purposes until that date passes. After the expiration date, you cannot legally drive. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, you must return to the DMV to request an extension or a replacement interim license.
What Information Appears on an Interim License
An interim license contains the same core information as a permanent license: your name, date of birth, address, license number, restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges), and the expiration date. The format and appearance vary by state — some are printed on card stock, others on paper. Some states print a photo on the interim; others do not.
The key difference is that an interim license is clearly marked as temporary or interim, usually with a stamp, watermark, or printed label. This marking tells law enforcement and other officials that it is a short-term document. The license number on your interim is the same number that will appear on your permanent license, so you can use it for insurance, vehicle registration, and employment purposes when ready.
Interim License vs. Permanent License: What Changes When Yours Arrives
Your permanent license will have the same information as your interim license, with one major difference: durability. A permanent license is printed on polycarbonate or similar material designed to last the full term of the license (usually four to eight years, depending on your state). An interim license, printed on paper or thin card stock, will wear out quickly if you carry it daily.
Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, stop carrying the interim license. Some states ask you to destroy it; others ask you to return it to the DMV. A few states do not require either. Check your state's instructions — they are usually printed on the back of the interim license or included in the envelope with your permanent license.
What to Do If Your Interim License Expires Before Your Permanent License Arrives
If your permanent license does not arrive within the interim period, contact your state DMV when ready. Do not wait until the interim expires. Most DMVs can issue a replacement interim license or extend the current one if you can show that your permanent license is still in production. Some states allow you to request an extension online or by phone; others require you to visit an office in person.
Driving on an expired interim license is illegal, even if you are waiting for your permanent license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will be treated as an unlicensed driver. Keep the interim license and its expiration date visible, and contact the DMV as soon as you notice the permanent license is delayed.
State Differences in Interim License Rules
Not all states handle interim licenses the same way. Some states issue them automatically and at no extra cost; others charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15). Some states print interim licenses on the spot at the DMV; others mail them separately from the permanent license. A handful of states do not issue interim licenses at all — they mail your permanent license within a few business days and expect you to wait.
Before your DMV visit, check your state's website or call your local office to learn whether interim licenses are available, what they cost, how long they last, and what you need to do when your permanent license arrives. This information is usually listed under "temporary license," "interim license," or "license renewal" on the DMV's FAQ or driver license section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an interim license to rent a car or board a plane?
An interim license is a valid government-issued photo ID for most purposes, including car rentals and domestic air travel. However, some car rental companies and airlines have their own policies about accepting temporary documents. Call ahead to confirm before your trip. For international travel, you will need a passport or passport card regardless of your driver license status.
What if I lose my interim license before my permanent one arrives?
Report the loss to your DMV when ready and request a replacement interim license or an extension. You cannot legally drive without a valid license. The DMV can usually issue a replacement the same day if you visit in person, though some states may charge a replacement fee.
Do I need to carry both my interim and permanent license once the permanent arrives?
No. Once your permanent license arrives, the interim license is no longer valid and should be destroyed or returned to the DMV per your state's instructions. Carrying only your permanent license is correct. Do not carry both.
Can I renew my driver license while I still have an interim license?
No. You must wait until your permanent license arrives and is in your possession before you can renew it. Attempting to renew while holding an interim license will create duplicate records and delay both licenses.
Is an interim license the same as a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit is a restricted license for new drivers who are learning to drive and must be supervised by a licensed adult. An interim license is a full, unrestricted license that allows you to drive alone. They serve completely different purposes.