Getting a Driver's License in the United States
There is no national US driver's license — each state issues its own under the federal REAL ID standard. Pick your state below to see who issues the license, which documents you need, the tests involved, and the fee.
Common to every state
- • Every US state issues its own driver's license through its own licensing agency; there is no single national license. You apply in the state where you live.
- • All states issue licenses under the federal REAL ID Act standard. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license — marked with a star in the upper corner — or another federally accepted ID is required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
- • You can choose a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license still lets you drive legally, but it is not accepted as federal identification at airport security.
- • First-time applicants generally apply in person and must show proof of identity, a Social Security number (or proof you are not eligible for one), and proof that you live in the state.
- • If you are moving from another state or from abroad, you usually must transfer to your new state's license within a set period after you become a resident.
Choose your state
Getting a Driver's License in the United States is administered by each state, so the exact steps, documents, and fees depend on where you live. Pick your state to see its guide.
3 sources cited last accessed 2026-05-29
T1 official portal · T2 embassy/consulate · T3 news · T4 community — higher tier wins on conflict. methodology →
- T1USA.gov (U.S. General Services Administration) 2026-05-29
Driver's licensing in the United States is administered by each state's own motor vehicle agency; USA.gov maintains the directory of every state and territory motor vehicle agency, confirming there is no single national licensing body.
usa.gov - T1U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2026-05-29
The REAL ID Act sets uniform federal security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards; a REAL ID-compliant credential is marked with a star.
dhs.gov - T1Transportation Security Administration 2026-05-29
Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
tsa.gov