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Temporary License

When you apply for a Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification, you will be given a temporary paper license or temporary paper non-driver identification. The temporary license/identification card is valid for 45 days; the permanent card will be mailed to your Vermont mailing address within 7-10 business days. The temporary license/identification card is paper with a black and white digital image.

Use of Temporary License for Identification Purposes

Your temporary Driver's License is valid for driving purposes as a stand-alone document. If you intend to use your temporary license for any other identification purpose, you may have to provide a secondary form of identification. If you are unsure whether another business or organization will accept your temporary license or non-driver identification for identification purposes, you should contact them directly. If you have applied for a REAL ID compliant Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification card, please know that your paper temporary will NOT be compliant. Only the permanent license or non-driver identification card that is mailed to you will be REAL ID compliant. If you have applied for an Enhanced Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification card, please know that your paper temporary can NOT be used for border crossing. Only the permanent license or non-driver identification card that is mailed to you will be fully Real ID or EDL compliant.

Mailing Address

You must have a current, valid mailing address to receive your permanent Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification. You will not receive your permanent license/identification card if you have one of the following issues with your address:

  • Your address on file at the DMV is not your current address.
  • Your mail is forwarded to a different address; DMV mail will not be forwarded.
  • You have registered as "temporarily away" at the Post Office.

If your address on file at the DMV is incorrect, you must submit an address change.

Note: We offer a special mailing option to have your license/ID mailed to a temporary address. 

Tracking Your License

As long as your address is correct, you should receive your permanent Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification in the mail in about 7-10 business days after you apply. If you applied for a license/identification card longer than 20 days ago and you have not received your permanent card, please get in touch with us.

FAQs.

Is my temporary License valid in other states?

Yes, your temporary Driver's License is valid in every US State.

What information is contained on the Temporary License/ID?

The Temporary License/ID contains a black and white image, demographic information (name, address, etc.), and credential information (endorsements, restrictions, etc.). The Temporary License/ID also contains the expiration date of the temporary document as well as a website to track the status of your permanent card.

Can I board a plane with a Temporary License/ID?

TSA will NOT accept a Temporary License/ID as a standalone document. It will accept the expiring or expired card with the Temporary License/ID as proof of the renewal. Customers should visit TSA’s website which contains detailed information on the identity documents they will accept: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification