Parents can obtain ID cards for their children under age 15 at any DMV customer service center. The cost of a child ID card is $2 per year (minimum $10; maximum $16).
In addition to serving as an identity document, the child’s photograph is stored in DMV’s database. If the child becomes missing, DMV can retrieve the image from the database and transmit it to law enforcement anywhere in the U. S.
Child ID cards will expire on the last day of the customer’s month of birth in a year when they reach an age divisible by 5 (such as 5, 10, 15,) unless the child is authorized to be in the US for a limited duration period. Child ID cards issued to children age 13 or 14 will expire on their 16 birthday.
Applicants for a Child ID Card must appear in-person at a DMV customer service center (for both originals and replacements).
Getting a Child ID Card
Child ID cards:
- Require one identity document for the child, such as a birth certificate or unexpired U.S. passport, along with proof of the child’s social security number, if one has been issued.
- Use the interactive Document Guide to determine which documents you will need to bring to DMV, or refer to "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card" (DMV 141). En español
- The parent must certify the child's identity and residency using the Identification Card Application for Minors (DL5).
- If the child's name appears on the parent's legal presence document, that document governs the expiration date of the child's legal presence.
To find out more about the requirements and the application process for an ID card, refer to Get an Identification Card.
What Is Displayed on a Child ID Card
The child ID card contains the following:
- Customer number
- Date of birth, height and sex
- Expiration date and issue date
- Full legal name and address
- Full-face photograph
- Statement "Not a license to operate a motor vehicle"
- Statement "Organ donor information"
Medical Indicators on Child ID Cards
A parent or legal guardian submitting a signed physician statement may voluntarily request indicators be placed on their child’s ID card as a means of identifying their condition/impairment to law enforcement personnel. A “9” will display in the restriction field on the face of the ID card and will be decoded on the back as follows:
- Insulin-dependent diabetic
- Speech impairment
- Intellectual disability (IntD will display)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD will display)
- Blind or vision impaired
Blood Type Designation
Consider displaying your blood type on your child identification card.