An interim driver's license is a temporary document you receive on the spot when you pass your road test, before your permanent license arrives in the mail
When you pass your driving test at the DMV, you do not leave with a plastic card. Instead, you receive a paper or cardstock interim license — sometimes called a temporary license or receipt — that proves you have passed and are legally allowed to drive. This document is valid when ready and lasts until your permanent license arrives, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state.
The interim license serves as your proof of licensure while the state processes and prints your permanent card. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. It has the same legal weight as a permanent license for the purpose of driving; a police officer will accept it as proof you are licensed. However, it is not a form of identification for other purposes — you cannot use it to board a plane, enter a bar, or open a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is issued when ready after you pass your road test and is valid for driving right away.
- You must carry your interim license whenever you drive; it is your only proof of licensure until the permanent card arrives.
- The interim license is not accepted as a form of identification for non-driving purposes such as air travel or age verification.
- Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks; the exact timeline depends on your state's processing speed.
- If your interim license is lost or damaged, contact your DMV when ready to request a replacement or extension.
How the interim license differs from your permanent license
An interim license is printed on paper or thin cardstock at the DMV office itself, usually by the same staff member who administers your test. Your permanent license is a laminated plastic card with security features, printed at a centralized state facility and mailed to your address. The interim version contains the same information — your name, address, license number, restrictions, and endorsements — but it is not durable enough for long-term use.
The interim license is valid for driving purposes only. Police will recognize it as proof of licensure. Your permanent license, once it arrives, can be used for driving and for identification at airports, banks, retailers, and other places that require a government-issued ID. Until your permanent license arrives, you will need a passport or other ID document if you need to prove your identity for non-driving reasons.
What to do if your interim license is lost or damaged
If you lose your interim license or it becomes unreadable before your permanent license arrives, contact your DMV office when ready. Most states allow you to request a replacement interim license at no charge, or they will issue an extension that gives you additional time to receive your permanent card. Some states issue a second interim license on the spot; others mail a replacement.
Do not delay reporting a lost interim license. Without it, you have no proof of licensure and cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your interim license, you may be cited for driving without a license, even though you passed your test. Keep your interim license in a safe place and carry it every time you drive.
State differences in interim license format and validity
Not all states issue interim licenses in the same way. Some states print the interim license on cardstock that resembles a temporary ID; others issue a printed receipt. A few states do not issue an interim document at all — instead, they issue a temporary license number that you can write down or photograph, and you must carry proof of your test passage (such as your test receipt) until your permanent card arrives.
The validity period also varies. Most states honor an interim license for 30 to 60 days, which covers the time it takes for the permanent license to be printed and mailed. If your permanent license is delayed, some states will extend your interim license automatically; others require you to request an extension in person or by phone. Check your state's DMV website or ask the examiner before you leave the testing facility what the exact validity period is and what to do if your permanent license does not arrive on time.
When your permanent license arrives in the mail
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard processing takes one to three weeks in most states, though some states are faster and others slower. Once it arrives, your interim license is no longer valid — you must use your permanent license for all driving and identification purposes.
Check the mail regularly after your test. If your permanent license does not arrive within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV before your interim license expires. You may need to request a replacement or extension. Keep your interim license until you have the permanent card in hand, even if you think the permanent license should have arrived by now.
Restrictions and endorsements on your interim license
Your interim license will show any restrictions or endorsements that explore to you based on your test results or your age. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required," "automatic transmission only," or "daylight driving only" for new drivers. If you are under 18, your interim license may carry restrictions on when you can drive or how many passengers you can carry, depending on your state's graduated licensing laws.
These restrictions are binding when ready. If your interim license says you must wear corrective lenses, you must wear them every time you drive. If it restricts you to daylight hours, you cannot drive at night. Your permanent license will carry the same restrictions, so they do not change when your card arrives — they change only if you pass a retest or if your state's law changes.
What happens if you move before your permanent license arrives
If you move to a different address after you pass your test but before your permanent license arrives, contact your DMV when ready. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file, so if that address is no longer yours, the card may be lost or delayed. Most states allow you to update your address online, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Provide your new address and ask whether the DMV will remail your license or if you need to pick it up in person.
Do not ignore a change of address. A permanent license that arrives at an old address may sit unclaimed or be returned to the state, forcing you to request a replacement and pay a reissuance fee. Update your address as soon as you know you are moving, and keep your interim license valid and with you until you have confirmed your permanent license has been received at your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with an interim license?
Yes. An interim license is valid for driving anywhere in the United States. However, it is not accepted as identification for air travel, hotel check-in, or other non-driving purposes. If you are traveling by plane, bring a passport or other federal ID.
What if I fail my road test — do I get an interim license?
No. An interim license is issued only after you pass your road test. If you fail, you will receive a notice of failure and information about retesting. You must schedule another test and pass before you receive any license document.
Is my interim license valid if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes. An interim license is valid for driving regardless of outstanding traffic tickets or fines. However, some states may suspend your license if you do not pay fines by a certain important date, which would affect both your interim and permanent license.
Can I use my interim license to rent a car?
Most car rental companies will not accept an interim license as proof of identity because it is not a standard government ID. You will need a passport, military ID, or other federal identification. Call the rental company ahead of time to confirm what documents they accept.
What if my interim license expires before my permanent license arrives?
Contact your DMV office when ready. Most states will extend your interim license or issue a replacement at no charge if your permanent license is delayed. Do not drive without a valid interim or permanent license, even if you believe the delay is the state's fault.