How to Apply for a Driving License
US driver's licenses are issued by a DMV (department of motor vehicles), DPS (department of public safety) or BMV (bureau of motor vehicles). If under 18, you can apply for a provisional driver's license. If over 18--or are moving to a new state--you need a new driver's license and will be asked to show proof of all things required of a first-time driver, but you will not be required to retake the written or road exams.
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Things You'll Need
- Identification
- Proof of SSN
- State Vehicle Registration
- Liability Insurance
- Parental/guardian authorization (if underage)
- Proof of driver's education (if underage and required by state)
- Learner's permit
- Proof of residency (state dependent)
Instructions
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Locate your state's DMV (most common), BMV or DPS. This is as easy as an Internet search with: Your State Name + DMV, BMV or DPS. If you are unsure which to try, try the DMV first, then DPS. The odds are that the right one will still come up in the search with DMV. Look at the Website address to make sure you are accessing the official government site. (See example links below.) You might also try: State Name + drivers + license. Most government sites will include a "Contact Us" link where you can email your question if you cannot find the answer on the Website.
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Meet the required minimum age. (This varies widely from state to state. Some states have programs enabling teenagers as young as 14 to begin driving; but most states will require age 15 to 16.) Proof of age, such as with a birth certificate, is usually required. Have parental or guardian's authorization if you are a minor. Provide valid identification. This can be one primary form of identification (primary meaning the document contains your photo, full name and date of birth) or a secondary form of identification (which includes your name and DOB), plus two supporting documents of identification. You may be required to show proof of residency. Some states required proof you have a social security number. This proof can be a card, a printout from the Social Security office, a military ID, health insurance covered by a government agency, a current college transcript or a peace officer or pilot license.
Some states will also require proof you are currently enrolled in school and may even have a grade point average requirement. For your license, you will have your photograph taken. In some states--in California and Texas, for example--you will also have your thumbprint taken.
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Fill out the required driver's application form. The actual form name/number is different with every state. However, you can find the correct form at your closest DMV (BMV or DPS). And the name of the form will be listed on your state's DMV Website. Actual forms are also generally available at your local courthouse.
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Show proof of having taken driver's education if required by your state. Expect these variations, depending on your state: Parent taught "driver's education" may be permitted. In states where it is permitted, there may be additional requirements and forms your parent must submit in order to qualify.
You made be required to have a driver's education certificate or a pre-licensing course certificate from state approved schools before you can even make an appointment to take the road test. In some states, completing an approved driver education course and having a Student Certificate of Completion, may exempt you from the written exam.
Some states require both proof of driver's education and driver's training either as separate courses or as an integrated course. You might also be required to drive with a permit for a specified amount of time before being able to apply for a driver's license.
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Pay the application fee. This usually covers all the required exams--a vision exam, a written exam and a road (or driving) exam. In general, the fee covers the exams at least once. If you fail, taking a retest may cost an additional fee.
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Show proof of vehicle registration and liability insurance. Take the written exam (if required) and get your learner's permit. Practice driving with another licensed driver in the front for whatever time period may be specified.
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Make an appointment (if required) to take the road test. Pass the road test in order to get your driver's license. You'll receive a temporary one that day if you pass, and the final one will likely come in the mail. Make an appointment (if required) to take the road test. Pass the road test in order to get your driver's license. You'll receive a temporary one that day if you pass, and the final one will likely come in the mail.
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