These days, it is virtually required for anyone over the age of eighteen to have a driver’s license-either to get in to R-rated movies, to write checks, or to even link your bank account to your seller account on Amazon.com. If you do not have a license, however, these doors have not closed; you can still get a state ID. This ID will give you the same privileges of a driver’s license, minus the obvious permission to drive.
There are lots of reasons why you might not have a license. Maybe you are a very busy person and you simply haven’t had time to study for a driver’s exam or go get your permit. Perhaps you cannot afford car insurance right now (a requirement for passing your driver’s exam). There is even the possibility that you have a fear of driving, or cannot drive due to medical reasons. Many people do not have driver’s licenses for these reasons, and they still manage to get by and function in a society that requires a photo ID for everything. Even non-U.S. citizens can get them!
How to do it
If you are interested in getting a state ID, the procedure is simple. Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and fill out an application. You may have to ask for one. You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship and two forms of proof of residency.
What to bring
For U.S. citizens, you can bring your social security card, birth certificate, or passport. Like I said, you will only need to bring one of these. To prove that you are a resident of your state, you can bring a utility bill, tax form, lease agreement, mortgage document, or weapons permit. You will need two of these, and they will, of course, need your name and address on them. Don’t forget to bring ten dollars for the application fee!
If you are not a U.S. citizen
If you aren’t a citizen, you should bring your passport, social security card, BCIS/INS documents, proof that you are employed or in school, and money to cover the application fee (ten dollars). The procedure is the same as above.
Help! I live with my parents and don’t have the proof of residency!
If you live at home and do not have utility bills, and you do not have a job so you do not have tax papers, don’t panic. You can still get your card! You will need to bring your proof of U.S. citizenship, something that shows that you live where you live (such as a magazine subscription with your name and address on it), and you will also have to bring the head of your household. He or she will have to show their driver’s license (or state ID!) and that will be sufficient proof for you to get your card.
