State motor vehicle and ID verification laws determine the documentation, forms and classes required to a get driving permit. DMV laws focus on making sure you understand the rules of the road. ID verification works to prevent identity theft, illegal immigration and terrorism. States follow federal Real ID Act identification guidelines and have similar requirements for teenagers and adult applicants.
Identification verification documents needed to get a driving permit are the same for most states. These are:
Some states distinguish between new drivers under and over 18 years of age. In states that do, the main difference is that teenage drivers usually must complete a state-approved driver’s education training course. Other requirements are usually the same. These are:
The minimum age to apply for a driving permit is usually 15 ½ years of age.
Teenage drivers usually need proof of enrollment or a completion certificate from a state-approved training course. Training must include a certain number of hours of classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training and in-car observation.
Most teens also need to submit a state-supplied driving log that meets supervised driving practice requirements. For example, Indiana teens must get at least 50 hours of driving practice, 10 hours of which must be nighttime driving
Adult driver’s may not need to complete formal driver training, but usually must submit proof of attendance at a state-approved driver’s safety course.
The driver’s license application and fee requirements for the permit and knowledge test are available on your state’s DMV website.
Verify acceptable forms of payment in advance, as some may not accept debit or credit cards.
