To get a physical ID card, you apply in person at your state’s motor vehicle office with documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your residential address, then pay a fee that in most states runs between $5 and $35. The card arrives by mail a few weeks later, and a temporary paper ID covers you in the meantime.
Before you gather documents, decide which card you want. That single choice changes the paperwork.
Standard Card or REAL ID
Every state issues two versions of the non-driver ID: a standard card and a REAL ID-compliant card. The REAL ID has a star in the upper corner and required stricter documentation to obtain. The REAL ID Act is codified as a note to 49 U.S.C. 30301.1GovInfo. U.S.C. Title 49 – Transportation, Chapter 303
Since May 7, 2025, TSA has enforced REAL ID at airport checkpoints. To board a domestic flight, enter certain federal facilities, or visit a nuclear power plant, you need a REAL ID-compliant card, a valid U.S. passport, or another federally accepted document. A standard state ID will not get you through security.2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID
If you don’t fly and don’t visit federal buildings, a standard card handles banking, pharmacies, age verification, medical appointments, and everything else that asks for photo ID. It’s also easier to obtain because the document rules are lighter. Applying for a REAL ID the first time around adds only a couple of documents and preserves your options.
One point of confusion worth clearing up: federal rules only prohibit holding a REAL ID driver’s license and a REAL ID identification card at the same time. A REAL ID card alongside a non-REAL-ID card is permitted unless your state has its own rule against it.3eCFR. 6 CFR 37.29 – Prohibition Against Holding More Than One REAL ID Card or More Than One Driver’s License Many states still require you to surrender your driver’s license before issuing a non-driver ID, so ask before you assume.
Who Can Apply
You must be a resident of the state where you apply. Minimum age ranges from no minimum at all to around six years old, depending on the state, and parents or guardians apply for minors. Some states issue children’s cards that expire at a milestone age like 16 or 21.
Non-citizens can get a state ID with proof of lawful immigration status. Accepted documents typically include a permanent resident card, an employment authorization document, or a valid foreign passport paired with an I-94 arrival record.
Documents to Bring
State lists vary, but the categories are the same everywhere.
Proof of Identity and Legal Presence
Bring at least one document that establishes both who you are and that you’re legally present in the U.S. The commonly accepted options are a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate from a state or local vital statistics office, a permanent resident card, or a certificate of naturalization. For a REAL ID, federal law specifically requires evidence of lawful status.4Department of Homeland Security. REAL ID Act – Title II
Proof of Social Security Number
Your Social Security card is the simplest option. Most states also accept a W-2, a pay stub showing your full SSN, or an SSA-1099. If you aren’t eligible for a Social Security number, you’ll usually need a denial letter from the Social Security Administration.
Proof of Residency
Most states require two separate documents showing your current residential address. Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, a signed lease or mortgage, official government mail, and vehicle registration are the standards. Both must show your name and a physical street address. A P.O. box alone won’t work. Cell phone bills are accepted in some states and not others, so bring a backup.
The Application Visit
First-time applicants almost always have to appear in person. Many states let you start online or download the form ahead of time, which shortens your wait at the counter. At the office, staff take your photo, capture a digital signature, and in some states scan a fingerprint.
Fees for an original state ID card generally fall between $5 and $35, depending on the state, your age, and how long the card is valid. Some states charge a small additional fee for REAL ID compliance on top of the base fee. Cash, checks, debit, and credit are commonly accepted, but payment methods vary by office.
You leave the office with a temporary paper document that works as valid ID until your permanent card arrives.
Free ID Programs
Many states waive the fee entirely for specific groups: people experiencing homelessness, seniors above a certain age (often 62 or 65), veterans, and people receiving public assistance. Some states issue free IDs to anyone without a valid driver’s license. Check your state motor vehicle agency’s website or call before your visit to see if you qualify.
If You Don’t Have a Permanent Address
The two-documents-of-residency rule is a barrier for people experiencing homelessness, and most states have built alternatives into their process. The most common workaround is a letter from an authorized organization such as a homeless shelter, a domestic violence shelter, a social services agency, or a religious organization confirming that you receive mail or services there. Some states also accept a letter from a government agency on official letterhead. The letter generally must include the organization’s name, address, phone number, and an authorized signature.
There’s often a documentation catch-22: you need a birth certificate to get an ID, but you may need an ID to request a birth certificate. Social service organizations and legal aid groups in your area can sometimes help you obtain vital records at no cost. Dialing 2-1-1 connects you with local resources.
What Happens After You Apply
Your permanent card comes by mail. Delivery times vary widely. Some states send cards within 10 business days; others take up to 30 business days or longer. Your temporary paper ID’s validity period is set to match or exceed the expected delivery window.
State ID cards are valid for four to eight years depending on where you live, with eight years common for adults. The expiration date is printed on the card, and most states send a renewal notice by mail a few months out. Letting the card expire isn’t illegal, but it creates real problems: an expired ID won’t clear airport security, may fail voter ID requirements, and can be rejected by banks, pharmacies, and notaries. Some states treat a long-expired card as grounds for making you start over as a first-time applicant, meaning the full document list and the higher original fee. Renewing on time is much cheaper than letting it lapse.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card
If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, request a replacement right away. Most states require an in-person visit for replacements so they can re-verify your identity and take a new photo. Replacement fees are usually lower than the original issuance fee. File a police report if the card was stolen, because identity theft using a state ID can escalate quickly.