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 16th birthday.
Applicants for a Child ID Card must appear in-person at a DMV customer service center (for both originals and replacements).
Required Documents
Each time you apply for a Child ID Card (or on each return visit until your Child ID Card is issued), you must present documents proving your child’s eligibility.
You must show:
- One proof of identity for the child
- One proof of legal presence for the child
- Proof of child’s social security (if the child has been issued one)
- One proof of a parent or legal guardian’s identification and two proofs of Virginia residency from the residency list
- Proof of name change, if the child’s name appears differently on your proof documents
To determine which documents to bring to DMV when you apply, use the interactive Document Guide, or review the DMV publication “Getting a Virginia Driver’s License or Identification (ID) Card” (DMV 141) (en español).
Additional Considerations
- The parent or legal guardian must certify the child’s identity and residency using the Identification Card Applications for Minors (DL 5)
- Proof of the child’s Social Security number is not required if you know the number and DMV is able to electronically verify it.
- The child’s name must appear the same on all proof documents. Nicknames will NOT be accepted. If the child’s name appears differently on your proof documents, you will need to present additional documentation.
- 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.
- If your child’s DMV record already shows that they are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you do not need to provide proof of legal presence when renewing their Child ID Card.
- If your child has a limited-duration REAL ID Child ID Card, any subsequent limited-duration REAL ID Child ID Card must be processed as an original issuance. This means you must provide the required documents again, including proof of 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
- Non-apparent disability
Blood Type Designation
Consider displaying your blood type on your child identification card.
Additional Information
If you are renewing a child identification card that was issued before July 1, 2026, you must appear in person to renew and have a new photograph taken.