Can you get an ID card with a suspended driver’s license?
Yes—you do not need to have a driver’s license in order to have state-issued photo identification. While driver’s licenses are usually the main form of photo ID used in the U.S., not everyone has one, and people still need official photo identification for various purposes. A non-driver state ID will still include your photo, date of birth, and usually even your driver’s license number—the ID just won’t grant you permission to drive.
In fact, if your license has been suspended, it is usually recommended that you apply for a non-driver state ID card as soon as possible. You will likely need to pay a fee for this new card, and when your license is reinstated, you may need to turn in your non-driver ID card for another new driver’s license.
How to apply for a state ID card
Most of the time, you’ll have to submit an application for a state identification card. You’ll need to fill out a form and provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof that you’re a U.S. citizen or a “lawfully present non-U.S. citizen.”
You’ll likely also need to provide your Social Security Number and contact information, have your picture taken, and pay a fee for the physical ID card. The price usually ranges from $10 to $50, depending on your state, although this fee can sometimes be waived in necessary circumstances.
What are the reinstatement requirements for a suspended license?
The hardest thing will likely be the waiting. You won’t be able to reinstate your license until the end of the court-ordered suspension period. In some cases, this could be a year or longer, but it may only be a number of weeks. And don’t forget, you’ll probably need to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back once the suspension period is over.
While you can often reinstate a driver’s license after a suspension, a license revocation is usually more serious. You may not be able to get your driver’s license back at all, or you might be required to go through a more complicated reapplication process.
If you had a commercial driver license (CDL), it might be much harder to get your commercial driving privileges back after a serious traffic violation.
