Step-by-step guides

How to Get Your Driver's License in Every State

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated

Every US state has slightly different requirements, fees, ages, and processes for getting a driver's license. We've researched all 50 — pick your state below for a complete step-by-step guide. Each guide covers eligibility, required documents, fees, the written and road tests, and common reasons drivers fail.

Choose your state

Alabama Permit at 15 · 30q test Alaska Permit at 14 · 20q test Arizona Permit at 15.5 · 30q test Arkansas Permit at 14 · 25q test California Permit at 15.5 · 46q test Colorado Permit at 15 · 25q test Connecticut Permit at 16 · 25q test Delaware Permit at 16 · 30q test Florida Permit at 15 · 50q test Georgia Permit at 15 · 40q test Hawaii Permit at 15.5 · 30q test Idaho Permit at 14.5 · 40q test Illinois Permit at 15 (with driver ed) · 35q test Indiana Permit at 15 · 50q test Iowa Permit at 14 · 35q test Kansas Permit at 14 (farm permit) / 15 (regular) · 25q test Kentucky Permit at 16 · 40q test Louisiana Permit at 15 · 40q test Maine Permit at 15 · 30q test Maryland Permit at 15 years 9 months · 25q test Massachusetts Permit at 16 · 25q test Michigan Permit at 14 years 9 months (Level 1) · 50q test Minnesota Permit at 15 · 40q test Mississippi Permit at 15 · 30q test Missouri Permit at 15 · 25q test Montana Permit at 14.5 (with driver ed) / 15 (without) · 33q test Nebraska Permit at 14 (school permit) / 15 (LPD) · 25q test Nevada Permit at 15.5 · 25q test New Hampshire Permit at 15.5 · 40q test New Jersey Permit at 16 · 50q test New Mexico Permit at 15 · 25q test New York Permit at 16 · 20q test North Carolina Permit at 15 · 25q test North Dakota Permit at 14 · 25q test Ohio Permit at 15.5 · 40q test Oklahoma Permit at 15.5 · 25q test Oregon Permit at 15 · 35q test Pennsylvania Permit at 16 · 18q test Rhode Island Permit at 16 · 40q test South Carolina Permit at 15 · 30q test South Dakota Permit at 14 · 25q test Tennessee Permit at 15 · 30q test Texas Permit at 15 · 30q test Utah Permit at 15 · 50q test Vermont Permit at 15 · 20q test Virginia Permit at 15.5 · 35q test Washington Permit at 15 (with driver ed) / 15.5 · 40q test West Virginia Permit at 15 · 25q test Wisconsin Permit at 15.5 · 50q test Wyoming Permit at 15 · 25q test

Universal first steps

Most states follow the same basic structure:

  1. 1. Apply for a learner's permit (typically ages 14–16)
  2. 2. Pass the written knowledge test
  3. 3. Complete supervised driving hours
  4. 4. Pass the road skills test
  5. 5. Receive your driver's license

Documents you'll always need

  • Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card
  • Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN
  • Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage)
  • Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization

Key DMV terms explained

The licensing process uses three core terms that mean different things in different states. Definitions linked below.

See the full DMV Glossary.