What a California DMV ID card is and who needs one

A California DMV identification card is a state-issued photo ID that proves who you are. Unlike a driver's license, it does not give you permission to drive. You can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, open bank accounts, or show proof of age. The card is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and is valid for five or ten years depending on your age.

You may want a DMV ID card if you do not drive, have lost your driver's license, or prefer not to hold a driver's license. You can hold both a DMV ID card and a driver's license at the same time, but you cannot have two of the same type. If you already have a valid California driver's license, you do not need a DMV ID card unless you want to replace your license with one.

California residents of any age can get a DMV ID card. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. If you are 62 or older, your card will be valid for ten years instead of five.

Key Takeaways

  • A California DMV ID card is a photo identification that does not permit you to drive and is valid for five or ten years depending on your age.
  • You will need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The DMV charges a fee for a new ID card; the amount depends on whether you are under 18, between 18 and 61, or 62 and older.
  • You can renew your DMV ID card by mail if you meet certain conditions, such as having no address changes and being between 18 and 61 years old.
  • Processing times vary, but you should expect to wait several weeks for your card to arrive by mail after your DMV visit.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a permanent resident card, or a tribal ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a Social Security card, a school ID, or a utility bill in your name.

You also need proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address will work. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either, you can still get a DMV ID card, but you will need to fill out a form explaining why. Bring the completed form with you to the DMV.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person at the DMV office.

how the process works in person at a DMV office

Go to the California DMV website and use the office locator to find the DMV office nearest you. Some offices take appointments, and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If appointments are available, book one online before you go. If not, arrive early, as wait times can be long.

Bring all required documents listed above. Fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Identification Card) before you arrive or at the DMV office. You can read the form from the DMV website or ask for one when you arrive.

At the DMV, you will have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. You will also answer questions about your identity and residency. The DMV staff will review your documents and tell you if anything is missing. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt.

Your DMV ID card will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard processing takes about two to three weeks. You can pay extra for expedited processing, which takes about one week, but this is not always available at every office.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a new DMV ID card depends on your age. If you are under 18, the fee is lower than for adults. If you are 18 to 61, you pay the standard adult fee. If you are 62 or older, the fee is reduced. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks.

If you are renewing your card by mail, you will pay the same fee. If you choose expedited processing, there is an additional charge on top of the base fee. Ask the DMV staff about current fees when you visit, as they can change.

If you cannot afford the fee, ask the DMV about fee waivers or reductions. Some counties offer information for low-income residents, though this varies by location.

Renewing your DMV ID card by mail

You can renew your DMV ID card by mail if you meet certain conditions. You must be between 18 and 61 years old, have no address changes since your last card was issued, and have a card that is not expired or will expire within the next 60 days. Your card must also not be marked as a real ID card, or you must be renewing it as a real ID card.

To renew by mail, read Form DL 44 from the DMV website or request one by mail. Fill it out completely and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current DMV ID card and the renewal fee. Include a check or money order for payment; the DMV does not accept credit cards for mail renewals.

Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your card expires. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal, so plan ahead. Once the DMV receives your renewal, it will take two to three weeks for your new card to arrive.

Real ID compliance and your DMV ID card

A standard California DMV ID card is not a real ID card. A real ID card meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. If you want a real ID card, you must request it when you explore or renew.

To get a real ID card, you need to bring additional documents that prove your identity and residency. The requirements are stricter than for a standard ID card. You will also pay a higher fee. If you are not sure whether you need a real ID card, ask the DMV staff when you visit.

As of now, a real ID card is required to board domestic flights in the United States. If you do not have a real ID card or a valid passport, you will need to show an alternative form of identification, such as a military ID or a tribal ID. Check the Transportation Security Administration website for the most current list of acceptable documents.

Replacing a lost or stolen DMV ID card

If your DMV ID card is lost or stolen, go to a DMV office in person to report it and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new card. You do not need to bring your Social Security number again if it is already on file with the DMV.

Tell the DMV staff that you are replacing a lost or stolen card. They will mark your old card as invalid in the system. You will pay a replacement fee, which may be different from the fee for a new card. Your replacement card will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

If your card was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your card fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the DMV if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DMV ID card if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can still get a DMV ID card. You will need to complete Form DL 44 and explain why you do not have a number. Bring the completed form to the DMV office when you explore.

How long does it take to get a DMV ID card?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the time you visit the DMV office. Your card will be mailed to the address you provide. Expedited processing takes about one week but costs extra and is not available at all offices. Mail renewals also take two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process.

Can I use a DMV ID card to drive?

No. A DMV ID card is not a driver's license and does not give you permission to operate a vehicle. If you want to drive, you must get a California driver's license instead. You cannot hold both a driver's license and a DMV ID card at the same time.

What if my address changes after I get my DMV ID card?

You can update your address with the DMV online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need to get a new card just because your address changed. Your current card remains valid. However, if you want your new address printed on your card, you will need to renew it.

Is a DMV ID card the same as a real ID card?

No. A standard DMV ID card is not a real ID card. A real ID card meets federal standards and can be used to board domestic flights. You can request a real ID card when you explore for or renew your DMV ID card, but you will need to bring additional documents and pay a higher fee.