In the US, usually a driver’s license can be used to verify your identity and access services, but if you don’t have one and you don’t drive at all, you can get a non-driver ID which serves the same purpose. To apply for a non-driver ID, you need to make sure you don’t have warrants. This article will walk you through the process of getting a non-driver ID with and without a warrant.
What is a non-driver ID?
A non-driver ID is a state-issued identification card for those who don’t have a valid driver’s license but still need proof of identification.
Here are the key points of understanding a non-driver ID:
- Proof of identity
The non-driver ID is a legal and official document that proves your identity. You can apply for a non-driver ID at any age.
- Extensive use
Although a non-driver ID doesn’t allow you to drive, it provides access to various activities such as opening a bank account, voting, boarding flights within the United States, etc.
- Non-driving individuals
Not everybody is able to drive. For minors, disabled, senior citizens, and people who are not willing to drive, it is necessary for them to get a non-driver ID. In addition, for people whose driver’s licenses are suspended, they can downgrade their license to a non-driver ID until their suspension is resolved.
Can you get a non-driver ID with a warrant?
The short answer is No. A non-driver ID should be applied at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), which is a government department for citizens to deal with licenses, permits, and IDs. The DMV will not issue you an ID if you have a warrant.
When you go get your identification card, most DMV offices will run your information and check if you have warrants. If you go to a DMV office with a warrant, they have the right to arrest you or deny your services based on the nature of the warrant. There are specific procedures for handling this situation, but how strictly they follow the rules may vary in different cities.
How to get a non-driver ID if I have a warrant
If you have a warrant and you need to get a non-driver ID, the following steps are what you should do:
Deal with your warrant before Applying for an Identification
As mentioned above, no ID can be issued by DMV offices unless your warrant is lifted. Warrants do not expire or disappear when you go across state lines. However, having a warrant doesn’t mean you have committed a serious crime. They are also issued for common legal issues such as traffic violations, unpaid traffic tickets, driving with a suspended license and so on. All you have to do is turn yourself in at the DMV.
To deal with your warrant, you may need to pay fines and attend to court to speak with a judge. You can decide whether or not to hire an attorney for legal advice, who can help you with the fines and clearing the warrant. Furthermore, if you have a felony warrant, you should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney because you may be facing serious criminal charges.
Check your eligibility
After your warrant is cleared, you are eligible to apply for a non-driver ID under the below circumstances:
- You do not have a driver’s license
- Your driver’s license has been suspended
- You are willing to exchange your current driver’s license for a non-driver ID
Gather necessary documents
Documents should be completed and gathered before you make your way to the DMV office. Here are what you need to prepare:
- Application form
Visit a DMV official website of your state and download an application form online. Complete the application form which requires detailed personal information.
- Birth certificate and social security card
Only US citizens and US-documented residents can apply for a non-driver ID. Both of these documents are proof of your legal residential status.
- Secondary proof
In some states, additional documents that prove your identity are required. For example, a university ID card, certificate of marriage and utility bill may be required by the New York DMV as proof of identity. Some states may require even more documents based on your condition.
- Parent/guardian consent form
For minors under the age of 16, their parents need to fill out a “parent/guardian consent” form as permission for their children to apply for a non-driver ID. They also need to accompany their minors when they go to the DMV office.
Requirements for documents may vary from state to state. Make sure you check the details on the official DMV website of the state you live in.
Make a DMV appointment
To apply for a non-driver ID, you need to schedule an in-person appointment. Visit a DMV office in your neighborhood and make an appointment with your valid e-mail address or phone number.
If you are not familiar with the locations, access a DMV website to search for the nearest one. All DMV offices will provide services by appointment only and appointments are only valid for the service that you selected.
Get your non-driver ID in the mail
After you go through the application procedure with the DMV, usually your non-driver ID will be delivered by mail to your address within 20 working days. The processing time may vary in different states. You can track the delivery status of your ID online after the application process. If you don’t receive the mail in the time agreed, please contact the DMV office where you applied.
How much is a non-driver ID
The application cost varies by state and it depends on the duration of the non-driver ID, the age of the applicant, and other conditions.
Here are some examples of non-driver ID fees in different states:
| State/Applicant Age | Under age 59 | Over age 60 | Other condition |
| Texas | $16 | $6 | individuals registered chapter 62, ccp(TX Sex Offender Registration Program) will pay $21 for the ID which expires in 1 year |
| State/Applicant Age | Under age 62 | Over age 62 | Reduced-fee ID | Other condition |
| California | $39 | $0 | $11 | a no fee-ID card is availble if you are a “homeless person” |
Fees for non-driver ID in the state of New York are based on both age and valid duration.
| Applicant Age | Valid Duration | Fee |
| Under age 62, your next birthday is within 6 months | 4 years | $9.50 |
| Under age 62, your next birthday is more than 6 months away | 4 years | $10 |
| Under age 62, your next birthday is within 6 months | 8 years | $13.50 |
| Under age 62, your next birthday is more than 6 months away | 8 years | $14 |
| Under 62 and receive SSI (Supplement Security Income) | 10 years | $6.50 |
| Age over 62 | 10 years | $6.50 |
| Age over 62 and receive SSI | 10 years | $0 |
| Any age and receive temporary assistance | 4 years | $0 |
In the state of Florida, additional fees are required when residents want to add designations to their IDs, such as deaf/hard of hearing, developmentally disabled, lifetime hunting and/or fishing permits, etc.
| State/Applicant Age | All Age | Additional Fees |
| Florida | $25 | $1-$3 |
| State/Applicant Age | Under age 18 | Age between18-65 | Over age 65 | Other condition |
| Illinois | $10 | $20 | $0 | free for the homeless, the disabled and people who had been in prison |
Application fees can be very different in different states. Make sure you go over the DMV official websites and check for the fee required in your state.
FAQ
- Does the DMV check for warrants in Texas?
Yes. Normally Texas DMV doesn’t check your warrants when you arrive at the door, but they will run your information before they provide any services. If you have a warrant, they will definitely find out.
- Can I be arrested at the DMV if I have a warrant for my arrest?
Yes, but it depends on the state. Technically, police can arrest you in any place if you have a warrant. DMV is public property, which means the police have every right to arrest you on the spot in any state throughout the US. However, whether the DMV staff will call law enforcement upon your warrant depends on the office’s policy. Some DMV with a police officer on site will arrest you immediately whereas some may not follow the rules strictly.
- Can I renew my ID with a warrant?
No. Your warrant should be dealt with before you renew your ID. It is the only solution. You can either turn yourself in or wait for an arrest made by the police.
Conclusion
A non-driver ID is a valuable document and it is an important alternative to a driver’s license. It serves multiple purposes from being a proof of identity to being an access to government services. However, applying for a non-driver ID can be tricky when you have a warrant. Hope this article makes it easier for you to deal with your warrant and go through the application process.
Dolores Xiao