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 · 35q 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 · 50q 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 · 25q 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.

Glossary

Permit vs License

The fundamental difference between learner's permit and driver's license — and how you get from one to the other.
Glossary

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

The three-stage system most states use to license new drivers. NHTSA credits GDL with ~30% fewer teen fatal crashes.
Glossary

Provisional License

The middle stage: solo driving with passenger limits, night curfew, and zero-tolerance BAC. Lifts at 18.

See the full DMV Glossary.