What a California DMV Identification Card Is and Who Can Get One

A California DMV Identification Card (ID) is a state-issued photo ID that proves your identity and age. 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 a bank account, or prove your age at a store. California issues ID cards to anyone 13 and older who does not have a valid driver's license or who chooses not to drive.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get an ID card. California issues them to lawful permanent residents, people with valid visas, and some people without immigration status, depending on the document you bring. The card is valid for six years if you are under 62, and ten years if you are 62 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • A California ID card is a photo ID for non-drivers that works for travel, age verification, and opening accounts, and is valid for six to ten years depending on your age.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore.
  • You can explore in person at any DMV office, and the process takes about 30 minutes if you bring all required documents.
  • The card costs $29 if you are under 62, and $14 if you are 62 or older, and you can request a replacement card by mail if yours is lost or damaged.

Documents You Need to Bring

California requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a birth certificate, a consular ID card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If your document is in another language, bring an official English translation.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the document, plus proof that you live there.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can still explore, but the DMV will assign you a number instead. Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity.

how the process works at a DMV Office

Go to any California DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot online at dmv.ca.gov to skip the walk-in line. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will fill out form DL 44, which is the same process used for driver's licenses.

At the office, a staff member will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and verify your information. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will pay the fee at the counter — $29 if you are under 62, or $14 if you are 62 or older. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot that you can use right away for travel and age verification. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact the DMV to report it missing.

What to Do If You Are Under 18

If you are 13 to 17, you can explore for an ID card, but you must go to the DMV with a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must bring their own ID and sign the process. You will still need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency in your own name, or the parent's name if you live with them.

The card for minors looks the same as an adult card and costs the same. It expires on your 19th birthday, not six years from the date of issue. When you turn 19, you can renew it at a DMV office or by mail.

Renewing or Replacing Your Card

If your card is expiring soon, you can renew it by mail without going to the DMV. Fill out form DL 44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. You can find the form and mailing address at dmv.ca.gov. Renewal by mail takes about four weeks.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement in person at a DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for the original process. The replacement costs the same as a new card. If your card was stolen, you can also file a report with the DMV at the same time.

If your name, address, or other information on the card changes, you can update it by mail or in person. For a name change, you will need to bring a certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. For an address change only, you can update it online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office.

Using Your ID Card for Travel and Other Purposes

A California ID card is accepted as a Real ID for domestic air travel within the United States. You can use it to board a flight without a passport. It is also accepted at federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. Some states and countries may not recognize it, so if you are traveling internationally, bring a passport instead.

You can use your ID card to prove your age at stores, bars, and restaurants. Banks and credit unions accept it to open accounts. Some employers accept it as proof of identity for hiring. If you need to prove your identity for a specific purpose, ask the organization first whether a California ID card will work — some may require a driver's license or passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, bring your proof of identity and residency to the DMV, and they will assign you an identification number instead. You will still be issued a card and can use it the same way.

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

You receive a temporary paper ID when ready after you explore at the DMV office. Your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, the process takes about four weeks.

What if I moved to California recently and do not have a utility bill in my name?

Bring any document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address — a lease, bank statement, or government check works. If nothing is in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the document, plus that document itself.

Can I use a California ID card to drive?

No. An ID card proves your identity and age but does not give you permission to drive. If you want to drive, you need a California driver's license instead.

What happens if my ID card expires?

You can renew it by mail before or after it expires. If it has already expired, you can still use it for some purposes like age verification, but for travel you should renew it first. Renewal by mail takes about four weeks.