Drivers License and ID

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Overview

Regardless of which state you call home, you'll need to hold a valid drivers' license in order to legally drive on its roads or highways. Each state decides the criteria to qualify for and keep your driver's license, but all have residency, age, driving knowledge and driving skill requirements that you must meet.

If you've never held a driver's license and want to apply for one, you'll need to decide what kind of license you need. All states offer regular driver's licenses, commercial driver's license (CDL), and motorcycle licenses.

If you are a teen or adult novice driver, you will need to apply of a driver's permit so you can legally practice driving. Most states have also enacted some form of Graduated Drivers License (GDLs) that restricts the times new drivers can drive, and the age and number of passengers a new driver can carry. Studying the Drivers Handbook, also referred to as a Drivers Manual, will help teach you the driving rules for your state.

Another good study tool is a practice test. Practice tests will show you if you are ready to apply for your license or permit, and will teach you safe driving techniques. The practice tests are also available for motorcycle riders and CDL applicants; road sign tests are important to study as well.

In addition to taking some practice tests, most states also require new drivers to fulfill a number of hours in a classroom or online driver's education course, as well as a minimum hour of hours behind the wheel in a driver's training situation.

If, however, you have held a driver's license in another state, and just moved to a new state, the process of getting a driver's license is much easier. In most states, as long as your current driver's license is still valid, it is just a matter of making application, showing proof of new residence and qualifying identification, and passing the vision exam. Before long, you will have a new driver's license—from your new home state.

If you need a new driver's license because yours has been lost or stolen, there will be some paperwork and likely a fee to order a replacement. In the case of it being stolen, you may need to file a police report; in any event, you should do all you can to protect your important documents to cut down on the possibility of identity theft.

At regular intervals (varies by state and type of license you hold), you will need to renew your driver's license to keep it valid. Many states now allow for online or by mail renewals. Just be sure to keep your address current so the DMV can notify you.

Unfortunately, if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you will not be able to renew or replace your driver's license until you get it resolved. Reinstatement usually includes waiting the mandated length of time, filing the papers for reinstatement, and paying all fees and associated fines.

You'll need to be in good standing in order to apply for a commercial driver's license (CDL). Besides passing and knowledge and skills test (and paying the state and federal fees for different types of endorsements), and clearing a medical exam, you'll need to have a fingerprint check and background clearance before you can obtain a hazmat endorsement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you have no desire to drive a big rig, or any kind of vehicle for that matter, you may still need to have proof of your identity for business such as cashing checks or providing travel ID. State-issued identification cards may fit your needs. For a nominal fee you can apply for a state ID card to prove identification. Many states issue ID cards to people too young to drive or to elders who no longer feel confident in their driving skills.

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