Getting your ID at 18 comes down to three choices and one trip: pick a driver’s license, a non-driver state ID card, or a U.S. passport; gather documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and address; then apply at your state DMV or, for a passport, an authorized acceptance facility. The rest is paperwork and processing time.
Which ID Should You Get
Most new adults end up with one of three documents, and the right pick depends on what you actually need it for.
- A driver’s license proves your identity and authorizes you to drive. It’s issued by your state DMV or equivalent agency and is the most common form of adult ID.
- A non-driver state ID card works the same way for identification but doesn’t come with driving privileges. It’s the right choice if you don’t drive or aren’t ready to.
- A U.S. passport or passport card is federally issued and proves both identity and citizenship. The passport book covers all international travel; the passport card is wallet-sized and works only for land and sea crossings from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.1U.S. Department of State. U.S. Passports – Get a Passport Card
If you’re getting an ID mainly to start a job, a state license or ID plus your Social Security card satisfies the Form I-9 that every U.S. employer must complete for new hires. A passport does it on its own because it proves both identity and work authorization.2U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Completing Form I-9
Ask for the REAL ID Version
Since May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration has required REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.3Transportation Security Administration. About REAL ID A standard driver’s license or state ID that isn’t REAL ID-compliant no longer works at airport security.4Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
When you apply, tell the DMV clerk you want the REAL ID version. It requires slightly more documentation, described below, but it saves you a second trip. A compliant card has a star or similar marking in the upper-right corner; cards marked “Federal Limits Apply” are not compliant. Show up at the airport without an acceptable ID and TSA charges a $45 fee.5Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID A valid U.S. passport or passport card also satisfies the requirement, so if you already have one, you’re covered even with a non-compliant state ID.
Documents You Need to Bring
Every agency verifies the same four things: who you are, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and where you live. Specifics vary by state, but the categories don’t. Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are almost always rejected.
Proof of Identity and Age
Your primary identity document establishes your legal name and date of birth. An original or certified birth certificate from a state vital records office is the standard option. If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship works. Naturalized citizens can use their Certificate of Naturalization.
For a REAL ID-compliant card, federal regulations under 6 C.F.R. Part 37 set the minimum documentation every state must accept.6eCFR. 6 CFR Part 37 – Real ID Drivers Licenses and Identification Cards In practice, that means your birth certificate or passport, plus proof of lawful status if you’re not a U.S. citizen.
Proof of Your Social Security Number
Most states want proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card is the simplest option. Depending on your state, a W-2 showing the full nine-digit number or certain other government documents may also count. If your card is lost, the Social Security Administration lets many people request a free replacement online, and the new card arrives by mail in five to ten business days.7Social Security Administration. Replace Social Security Card
Proof of Residency
You’ll typically need two documents showing your current physical address. Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, and mortgage documents are the usual choices. The addresses on both documents should match.
Proof of a Name Change
The name on your ID has to match your primary identity document. If yours differs from what’s on your birth certificate because of marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring certified proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order granting the change is generally what’s accepted.8USAGov. How to Change Your Name and What Government Agencies to Notify
Where and How to Apply
For a driver’s license or state ID, apply in person at your state’s DMV. Many offices require appointments, so check online before you go. At the counter, a clerk reviews your documents, takes your photograph, and captures your signature. You’ll also give basic physical description details like height, weight, and eye color.
For a first-time passport, you have to apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility. These are often post offices, county clerk’s offices, or libraries. You’ll fill out Form DS-11, submit your identity documents, provide a passport photo, and pay the fees. First-time passport applications can’t be submitted online.
After you apply, most agencies hand you a temporary paper document that serves as valid ID until the permanent card arrives in the mail.
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
State driver’s licenses and ID cards are relatively inexpensive, with fees that vary by state but generally fall between roughly $10 and $50. Some states waive the fee entirely for non-driver ID cards.
Passport fees are set federally. For a first-time adult applicant in 2026:
- Passport book: $130 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee, totaling $165.
- Passport card: $30 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee, totaling $65.
- Both together: $160 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee, totaling $195.9U.S. Department of State. United States Passport Fees for Acceptance Facilities
State IDs and licenses typically arrive within one to three weeks, though timelines vary. Passports take longer. Routine processing runs four to six weeks and expedited processing takes two to three weeks, and neither figure includes mailing time, which can add roughly two weeks in each direction.10U.S. Department of State. How to Get My U.S. Passport Fast If you have upcoming travel, apply well ahead and consider the expedited fee.
If You’re Missing a Document
This is where most first-time applicants get stuck.
No birth certificate? Request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Fees vary — some states charge as little as $10 per copy, others $30 or more, and processing runs from a few days to about six weeks depending on the office and method. Online ordering through third-party services like VitalChek is available in many states but adds convenience fees.
No Social Security card? A replacement is free and often available through the SSA’s online portal.7Social Security Administration. Replace Social Security Card You’ll need to verify your identity during the application, so having at least one other form of ID helps. For most everyday purposes you only need to know the number, not present the card.
No proof of residency? If you’re staying with family, in transitional housing, or experiencing homelessness, many states have alternative verification methods. Some let a shelter, social services agency, or faith-based organization certify your address. Others allow a parent or guardian to sign a residency affidavit. Call your local DMV before your appointment and ask what they accept. These options exist specifically so people don’t get locked out of identification.