What documents and information you need to bring

Your state's DMV will ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but the pattern is the same everywhere.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Some states accept a combination — for example, a school ID plus a bank statement — so check your state DMV website before you go.

You will also need to fill out an process form at the DMV. Most states let you read and complete it online before you arrive, which speeds up the process. Bring the completed form with you, or fill it out there if you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (card, W-2, or tax return).
  • You must be at least 15 or 16 years old depending on your state, and some states require parental consent if you are under 18.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and most states let you study the handbook online for free before you go.
  • The permit itself costs between $20 and $60 in most states, and you pay at the DMV when you pass the test.
  • A permit is usually valid for one to three years, and you must renew it if it expires before you pass your driving test.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 or 16 years old to get a permit. Most states set the age at 15 or 16, but a few allow 14. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact age.

If you are under 18, most states require a parent or legal guardian to sign your process or be present at the DMV. Some states let a parent sign the form before you arrive; others require them to be there in person. A few states allow a notarized parental consent form if a parent cannot come. Call your local DMV to ask what your state accepts.

The written test on traffic laws and road signs

The permit test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states give you 30 to 50 questions, and you usually need to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass. You take the test at the DMV on a computer or on paper, depending on the location.

Every state publishes a free driver's handbook online that covers everything on the test. read it from your state DMV website and study it before you go. Many states also offer free practice tests online so you can see what the real test looks like. Spending a few hours with the handbook and a practice test makes passing much more likely.

If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or within a few days. There is no penalty for failing, and you do not lose money — you only pay the permit fee once you pass.

The cost of a permit and how long it lasts

A permit costs between $20 and $60 in most states. The exact price depends on your state and how long the permit is valid. You pay the fee at the DMV when you pass the written test, and payment is usually cash, check, or card.

A permit is typically valid for one to three years. Your state DMV website will tell you how long yours lasts. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you will need to renew it. Renewal usually costs less than the original permit and takes a few minutes at the DMV.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Most states require the supervising driver to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Some states have restrictions on when you can drive (no night driving, for example) or how many passengers you can have, so check your permit card or your state's rules.

You must carry your permit with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and do not have it, you can be cited even though you have a valid permit.

After you have practiced for the time your state requires — usually between 30 days and 6 months — you can schedule your driving test. The driving test is separate from the permit test and is taken with a DMV examiner in a car. Passing the driving test is what gives you a full driver's license.

What to do if you lose your permit or it gets damaged

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the DMV and ask for a replacement. You will need to show your ID and proof of residency again, just as you did for the original permit. Most states charge a small replacement fee, usually $10 to $20, though some states replace it for free.

A replacement permit is issued on the spot in most places and is valid for the same length of time as your original permit. The expiration date does not change — it stays the same as when you first got it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some states allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others require a Social Security number and do not accept alternatives. Call your state DMV to ask what they accept in your situation.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

Most states offer the written test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Call your DMV or check their website to see which languages are available in your area. You may need to request a specific language when you schedule your appointment.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it, usually the same day or within a few days. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, and you do not pay again — the fee covers all attempts until you pass. Study the handbook more before your next try.

Can I get a permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a permit until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact your state DMV to find out when you become may be able to access again.

How do I know if my documents are acceptable before I go to the DMV?

Call your local DMV office or check your state's DMV website. Most states have a list of acceptable documents for identity, residency, and Social Security proof. Calling ahead saves you a trip if you are missing something.