What you need to get a driver's license

A driver's license requires you to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test in your state. Before you can take any of these tests, you must bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, and where you live. The exact documents vary by state, but most require a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and a recent utility bill or lease.

You will also need to pass a medical exam in some states if you have certain health conditions. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website lists the specific documents they accept and whether you need a medical form from your doctor. Some states allow you to submit documents by mail or online before you visit in person; others require you to bring originals to the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, date of birth, and address to your state DMV, along with your Social Security number or tax return.
  • Most states require you to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before you receive your license.
  • Driver's licenses expire on a schedule set by your state—usually every four to eight years—and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your state's rules.
  • If you are under 18, your state may impose restrictions such as a curfew, limits on passengers, or a learner's permit phase before you can drive alone.
  • Replacing a lost or stolen license costs less than getting a new one and takes less time if you report it to your DMV quickly.

The written test and what it covers

The written test asks about traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Most states allow you to take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you usually get your score when ready. You must pass with a score that varies by state—typically 70 to 80 percent—and you can retake the test the same day or within a few days if you fail.

Your state DMV publishes a study guide for free online or in print at the office. The guide covers everything on the test and is the most direct way to prepare. Some states also offer practice tests on their DMV website so you can see the format and types of questions before you arrive.

The vision and driving tests

The vision test checks whether you can read a chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you can usually retake it after a short wait, or you can return another day with a new prescription from an eye doctor.

The driving test takes place on public roads with a DMV examiner in your car. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner watches for safe driving habits and your ability to follow traffic laws. Most states allow you to use your own car or a car borrowed from a friend or family member, as long as it is registered and insured. Some DMVs offer test cars you can use for a fee.

Renewing your license before it expires

Your license expires on a date printed on the card itself. Most states allow you to renew online or by mail if you have no medical conditions, no address change, and no name change since your last license. The online or mail renewal process is faster and cheaper than renewing in person, and you do not have to retake the written or driving tests.

If you cannot renew online or by mail, you must visit the DMV in person. Some states let you renew up to one year before your license expires; others allow renewal only within a set window before the expiration date. Check your state DMV website for the exact renewal window and the fee, which ranges from $20 to $100 depending on the state and how long the new license is valid.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

Report a lost or stolen license to your state DMV as soon as you notice it is gone. You can usually report it by phone, online, or in person. The DMV will flag your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently. You will then need to get a replacement, which costs less than a new license and does not require you to retake the tests.

To get a replacement, bring your proof of identity and address to the DMV office, or submit the documents by mail if your state allows it. The replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to you within one to two weeks in most states. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 to 60 days.

Restrictions for drivers under 18

Most states impose restrictions on young drivers to reduce accidents. Common restrictions include a curfew (you cannot drive between certain hours, usually 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.), limits on the number of passengers you can carry, and a ban on using a cell phone while driving. Some states require a learner's permit phase that lasts several months before you can take the driving test for a full license.

The restrictions vary widely by state. Your state DMV website lists the exact rules for your age group. Restrictions usually lift when you turn 18 or after you hold your license for a set period, such as six months or one year.

Updating your address or name on your license

If you move to a new address, you must update your license in most states within 30 to 60 days. You can usually do this online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license.

Some states issue a new card with your updated information; others straightforward add a note to your existing license. The fee for an address or name change is usually lower than the cost of a full renewal. Check your state DMV website for the exact process and documents needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Most states offer the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Some states also allow you to bring an interpreter to the DMV office. Contact your state DMV to find out which languages are available and whether you need to request an interpreter in advance.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period that varies by state, usually three to seven days. There is a fee each time you retake the test. You do not have to retake the written or vision test unless your state requires it or your vision has changed.

Do I need to renew my license if I move to a different state?

Yes, you must get a license from your new state within a set time frame, usually 30 to 60 days after you move. You will need to pass the written test and vision test in your new state, but some states waive the driving test if you have held a valid license in another state for a certain period. Check your new state's DMV website for the exact rules.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass all the tests?

Most states mail your license within one to two weeks after you pass the tests. Some DMVs offer a temporary paper license valid for 30 to 60 days so you can drive while you wait for the card. A few states issue the license on the spot at the DMV office.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

You must wear your glasses or contacts during the vision test and the driving test. Your license will have a restriction code that says you must wear corrective lenses whenever you drive. If you fail the vision test even with glasses or contacts, you cannot get a license until your vision improves.