Here is what to bring to permit test day in almost every state: an original proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, proof of where you live, the fee, and, if you are under 18, a parent or guardian who signs your application. Many states also ask teens for a driver education or school attendance form. The exact list is set by your state, so check it on the official site the week before.
What to bring to permit test day: the quick answer
| Item | Why it matters | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity and age | Shows who you are and your date of birth | Certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card |
| Social Security number | Many states verify it with federal records | Social Security card, or another proof your state accepts |
| Proof of address | Shows you live in the state | Utility bill, bank statement, lease, school record |
| Parent or guardian | Teens under 18 need consent | The parent in person, a signed consent form, or a notarized form in some states |
| School or driver ed form | Required for teens in many states | Driver ed enrollment or completion certificate, attendance or compliance form |
| Fee and payment | Some offices limit payment types | Check if your office takes cards, cash or checks |
| Glasses or contacts | There is usually a vision screening | Wear them to the test if you drive with them |
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Phone photos of documents are almost never accepted. If your name is different on two documents, for example after a name change, bring the paper that links the names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Checklist: what to bring to permit test under 18
Teens have the longest list because the state also needs a parent's consent and, in many states, proof of school or driver education. Tick these off the night before:
- Original or certified birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport.
- Social Security card or the proof your state accepts.
- Proof of address. Teens often use a parent's utility bill plus proof that the parent lives with them, so ask what your state allows.
- Your parent or legal guardian, with their own photo ID. Some states need the signature made in front of a clerk, and guardians may need court papers.
- Driver education certificate or enrollment form, if your state requires one before the permit.
- School attendance or compliance form, if your state uses one (Kentucky's TC 94-200 and Texas's VOE are examples).
- The permit fee, plus a backup payment method.
- Glasses or contacts, and your appointment confirmation if you booked one.
Order a certified birth certificate early. A missing or uncertified birth certificate is a common reason teens get sent home, and a replacement can take weeks to arrive.
Checklist: what to bring to permit test over 18
Adults usually skip the parent consent and school forms, but the identity rules are the same and sometimes stricter about address proof.
- Original proof of identity and date of birth.
- Social Security number proof.
- One or two proofs of address in your own name, dated recently. How recent they must be varies by state, and a REAL ID needs two in states like New Jersey and Kentucky.
- Proof of any legal name change.
- Any adult course certificate your state requires. Texas, for example, requires a 6-hour adult driver education course for first-time applicants aged 18 to 24.
- The fee, and glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Adults sometimes feel out of place testing next to 16-year-olds. You will not be the only one. The test and the documents work the same way at any age.
State-specific rules
These examples show how much states differ. Each row comes from the agency's own pages, and each agency has an online document guide or checker you should use before you go.
| State | What stands out | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 6 Points of ID system, paper documents only, one proof of address (two for REAL ID) and a Social Security number, ITIN or affidavit | nj.gov/mvc |
| New York | Application MV-44 with proofs of age, identity and residence from form ID-44. A teen's parent or guardian signs form MV-45 in front of a DMV representative | dmv.ny.gov |
| California | Teens 15 and a half to 17 need a driver education certificate of completion or enrollment. Bring a California ID card or proof of identity and residency | dmv.ca.gov |
| Kentucky | Original birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency (two for REAL ID), the TC 94-200 school form for teens, and a parent or guardian | drive.ky.gov |
| Texas | Proof of identity, Texas residency and citizenship or lawful presence. Teens bring a driver education certificate, a VOE or diploma, and a parent | dps.texas.gov |
| Arizona | Original documents, plus a parent or guardian to sign for a teen or a signed, notarized application if they cannot come | azdot.gov |
| Alaska | A primary identity document, proof of address, Social Security number, Form D1 and, for teens, parental consent Form 433. The permit is $15 | dmv.alaska.gov |
What to bring to permit test in California
Under 18, the California DMV asks for your driver education certificate of completion or enrollment, proof of identity and residency (or a California ID card), and a parent or guardian signature on the application. Knowledge tests are not given after 4:30 p.m., so arrive well before then.
What to bring to permit test in NY
The New York DMV has an online pre-screening tool that tells you which proofs of age, identity and residence to bring for application MV-44. Your proofs also decide whether you get a Standard, Enhanced or REAL ID permit. Teens bring a parent or guardian, who must sign form MV-45 at the office, not beforehand.
A note on REAL ID
A permit is about driving, not flying, but many states now issue REAL ID versions of permits and licenses. Choosing REAL ID usually means more paperwork, such as a second proof of address. If you want a card you can later use at the airport, ask for the REAL ID document list when you book.
Before you leave the house
- Open your state's official document list and match each item to a paper in your folder.
- Check that names and dates of birth match on every document.
- Pack the fee, your appointment confirmation and your glasses.
- Make sure your parent or guardian is coming and has their ID.
- Do one last practice test so the rules are fresh.
What to bring to permit test FAQ
What to bring to permit test KY?
Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet asks teens for an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, one proof of Kentucky residency (two for REAL ID), the TC 94-200 High School Compliance Verification Form and a parent or guardian to sign. The permit is $15, or $18 for REAL ID. Check drive.ky.gov before you go.
What to bring to permit test DMV visits in general?
Proof of identity, your Social Security number, proof of address, the fee and your glasses. Teens add a parent or guardian and, in many states, a school or driver education form.
Can I bring photocopies?
Usually not. States ask for originals or certified copies, and New Jersey specifically says documents must be paper, not electronic.
Does my parent have to come with me?
In most states a parent or guardian must sign for a teen, and many require them to be there. Arizona lets you bring a signed, notarized application instead if your parent cannot come.
Do I need to bring anything for the test itself?
No study notes or phones. Bring glasses or contacts for the vision screening and arrive early so you are calm.
Document rules change, so confirm the current list with your state's motor vehicle agency before your visit.
