DD stands for "Designated Driver" and appears on some state licenses to show you've chosen not to drink alcohol
The DD designation is a voluntary marking that some states offer on driver's licenses. It signals to law enforcement and others that you have committed to not drinking alcohol, usually for a set period. Not all states offer this option, and it is never required — it is purely your choice.
The program exists to recognize people who make a public commitment to staying sober while driving. Some states use it as part of drunk driving prevention efforts, while others have phased it out or never adopted it. If your state offers DD, you can request it when you renew your license or explore for a new one.
Key Takeaways
- DD is a voluntary marking that shows you have chosen not to drink alcohol, and it is available only in certain states.
- The designation does not affect your insurance rates, driving privileges, or legal status — it is purely informational.
- You can request DD when you explore for or renew your license, and you can remove it at any time without penalty.
- Having DD on your license does not reduce penalties if you are caught driving under the influence; it is a personal commitment, not legal protection.
Which states offer the DD designation
Only a handful of states currently offer DD as an option on driver's licenses. States that have adopted it include Utah, Vermont, and a few others, though the list has shrunk over the years as some states discontinued the program. The best way to know whether your state offers it is to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call your local DMV office.
Even in states that offer DD, it is not automatic — you have to ask for it. The DMV will not add it to your license unless you specifically request it during your process or renewal. Some states allow you to add it online, while others require you to do it in person at a DMV office.
How to request DD on your license
The process varies by state, but generally you will need to indicate your choice when you fill out your license process or renewal form. Some states have a checkbox on the form itself; others require you to tell the DMV employee at the counter. A few states allow you to request it online during the renewal process.
You will typically need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring for any license renewal. There is usually no additional fee for adding the DD designation. Once you have requested it, it will appear on your new license when it arrives in the mail or is issued at the DMV office.
What DD does and does not do
Having DD on your license is a personal statement, not a legal agreement. It does not give you any special legal protection, reduce insurance rates, or affect your driving privileges in any way. If you are pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence, the DD marking will not prevent a sobriety test or arrest.
Similarly, DD does not reduce penalties if you are convicted of drunk driving. It is not a defense in court and does not appear in any law enforcement database that officers can access. The only people who will see it are those who look at your physical license — your employer, a police officer during a traffic stop, or someone checking your ID at a bar or restaurant.
Removing DD from your license
If you decide you no longer want the DD designation on your license, you can remove it at any time. There is no penalty for removing it, and you do not have to explain your decision to the DMV. You straightforward request that it be removed during your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office in person.
Some people remove DD because they no longer feel the commitment applies to them, or because they prefer not to have it visible on their license. Others remove it straightforward because they no longer want the marking to be public. The choice is entirely yours, and the process is as straightforward as requesting it was.
Why some states discontinued DD
Several states that once offered DD have phased out the program over the past decade. The reasons vary, but many states found that the designation had little practical impact on drunk driving prevention. Some also raised privacy concerns about having a personal commitment displayed on an ID that you show to many people.
Additionally, some states questioned whether DD created a false sense of security — both for the person wearing it and for others who might assume it offered legal protection. As a result, states like California and others removed it from their license options, though a few states continue to offer it to those who want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DD on my license affect my car insurance rates?
No. Insurance companies do not see the DD marking on your license, and it does not factor into your rates or coverage. Your driving record, age, and claims history are what affect your premiums.
Will DD protect me if I am arrested for drunk driving?
No. DD is a personal commitment, not a legal defense. If you are suspected of driving under the influence, the marking will not prevent a sobriety test, arrest, or prosecution. It has no legal weight in court.
Can I add DD to my license if my state does not offer it?
No. Only states that have adopted the DD program allow it. If your state does not offer it, you cannot request it. Check your state DMV website to see whether it is available where you live.
What happens if I remove DD and then want it back?
You can request DD again at any time during a renewal or by visiting the DMV in person. There is no waiting period or penalty for adding it back. The process is the same as requesting it the first time.