You get your driver's permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles
Your state's DMV — called the Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live — is the only place that issues permits. You cannot get one online, by mail, or from a third party. You must go in person to a DMV office, bring the documents they require, pass a written test, and pay a fee.
The DMV office you visit can be a full-service location or a satellite branch. Some states let you check online which offices are open and whether you need an appointment. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead or check your state's DMV website to learn the rules for your location.
The entire process — from walking in to leaving with your permit — usually takes one to three hours, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Going early on a weekday morning is typically faster than visiting on a weekend or after work.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV is the only issuer of driver's permits, and you must explore in person at a physical office location.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and sometimes a birth certificate or passport — the exact list depends on your state.
- You must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs before you receive your permit.
- Permit fees range from roughly $10 to $50 depending on your state and how long the permit is valid.
- Many DMV offices now require appointments, which you can often book online; others still operate first-come, first-served.
What documents you need to bring
Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state. A few examples: a passport or state ID card counts as identity in most places, but some states also accept a school ID plus a birth certificate. A utility bill or lease counts as residency proof in most states, but some accept a bank statement or insurance policy instead.
Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they will accept for each category. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip. Before you go, check your state's DMV site, find the "documents needed for a permit" or "what to bring" page, and print or screenshot the list.
If you are under 18, some states require a parent or guardian to sign a consent form or be present in person. A few states require a parent to attend the appointment. Check your state's rules for minors before you go.
How to find your nearest DMV office and make an appointment
Start at your state's official DMV website. Most states have a location finder tool where you enter your city or zip code and see nearby offices, their hours, and whether they handle permit applications. Some offices handle only renewals or specific services, so confirm that the office you choose issues new permits.
If your state requires appointments, the DMV website usually has a booking system. You select your location, the service (new permit), and available dates and times. Some states let you book weeks in advance; others open slots only a few days ahead. If no appointments are available, check back daily — cancellations open up regularly.
If your state does not require appointments, arrive as early as possible on a weekday. Take a number or check in at the counter, then wait for your turn. Bring something to read; waits of 45 minutes to two hours are common even at less busy times.
The written knowledge test
Before you receive your permit, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to score around 70 to 80 percent to pass — the exact passing score varies by state. You get one or two attempts on the day you visit; if you fail, you may have to return another day to retake it.
The test covers material in your state's driver's manual, which the DMV provides free online and in print at the office. Most people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. The DMV website often has sample test questions you can practice with.
The test is given on a computer at most DMV offices, though some still use paper. You cannot bring notes, a phone, or any reference material into the testing area. Cheating results in automatic failure and may disqualify you from getting a permit for a set period.
Permit fees and how long your permit lasts
Permit fees range from about $10 to $50, depending on your state and the permit's validity period. Some states charge a flat fee regardless of age; others charge less for minors. A few states charge extra if you want a Real ID-compliant permit, which you will need for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering a federal building.
Permits are usually valid for six months to two years. A few states issue permits that last longer. Check your state's DMV site to see how long your permit will be valid and whether you can renew it by mail or must return in person.
Payment methods at the DMV vary. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some accept checks. A few accept only cash. Call ahead if you are unsure what your local office takes.
What happens after you pass and receive your permit
Once you pass the knowledge test, you will have your photo taken for the permit card. The DMV prints the permit on the spot or mails it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state. You will receive a temporary paper permit to use while you wait for the card.
Your permit is valid only in your state and only while you are supervised by a licensed adult driver (usually at least 21 years old). The rules for where you can drive, what hours you can drive, and how many passengers you can carry vary by state and are printed on your permit or in your state's driver's manual.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at the DMV, usually for a small fee. Once you are ready to take your road test and get your full license, you will return to the DMV with your permit.
If you cannot visit the DMV in person
A few states offer limited remote options for certain steps. Some allow you to submit documents by mail and take the knowledge test at a third-party testing center instead of the DMV. A very small number of states have experimented with online knowledge tests during specific periods, though this is rare.
If you have a disability or medical condition that makes visiting the DMV difficult, contact your state's DMV directly to ask about accommodations. Many offices offer priority seating, accessible parking, or the option to take the test in a separate room. Some states allow a family member or caregiver to help you complete forms or provide transportation.
If you are incarcerated, homebound, or in a situation where travel is genuinely impossible, call your state's DMV customer service line and explain your circumstances. They can tell you whether any alternatives exist in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit without a Social Security number?
Most states require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a permit. A few states allow you to get a permit without one if you sign a form stating you do not have one. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask whether your situation qualifies for an exception.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other documents to prove identity and citizenship. A school ID plus a report card, a state ID card, a tribal ID, or a military ID may work depending on your state. The DMV website lists all accepted documents. If you do not have any of them, contact your state's DMV to ask what alternatives exist.
Do I have to take the knowledge test in English?
Most states offer the knowledge test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Check your state's DMV website to see which languages are available at your location. You may need to request a specific language when you book your appointment or arrive at the office.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You usually get one or two retakes on the same day at no extra cost. If you fail all attempts, you must wait a set period (often a few days to a week) before returning to retake the test. Some states charge a small fee for retakes. Study the driver's manual more thoroughly before your next attempt.
Can someone else pick up my permit for me?
No. You must be present when your photo is taken and when you receive your permit. A parent or guardian may attend the appointment with you if required by your state, but you cannot send someone else to get the permit in your place.