What Is the Easiest ID I Can Get? Fast, Cheap, and Legit

Why you might need an easy ID — and fast

Let’s be honest — life throws curveballs. Sometimes you need an ID right now, and your passport’s expired, your license got lost in a move, or maybe… you never had one in the first place.
That was me after college — no license, no passport, and suddenly I needed proof of ID to open a bank account. I was like:

“Wait... what even counts as ID?”

And that’s how I fell down the rabbit hole of figuring out what's the easiest legal ID to get — without a week-long DMV nightmare.

Easiest forms of legal ID in the U.S.

1. State-issued non-driver ID

This is probably your best bet.

Every U.S. state offers a non-driver identification card. It looks like a driver’s license but it doesn’t require you to drive. Perfect for students, seniors, or anyone who just… doesn’t drive.

• Where to get it: local DMV

• What you need: usually a birth certificate or passport, proof of address (like a utility bill), and sometimes your Social Security number

• Cost: usually around $10–30

• How long: same-day in many states, or mailed in 7–14 days

I helped my cousin get one in New York, and the entire process — including the wait — took under two hours. He walked out with a temporary ID that same day.

2. Library card (no, really — kind of)

Okay, technically not a government-issued ID, but hear me out.

A library card can work for things like:

• Proof of address

• Secondary ID when combined with something else (like a school ID or credit card)

Most libraries only need proof of address (like a lease or bill), and some even let you register online and pick it up later.
Just don’t expect to use this to get on a plane. Obviously.

But if you need anything with your name and a barcode, this one’s surprisingly handy.

3. Student ID or school-issued ID

If you’re in school — even part-time — you can usually get a student ID within days.

Some colleges issue them instantly after registration. And while it’s not valid for all federal purposes (like voting or flying), it can get you into buildings, discounted services, and sometimes banking.

Pro tip: My friend Jessie used hers to apply for a travel pass and open a student checking account with just that and a bill in her name. Totally worked.

What if you don’t have proof of address?

Use a relative or friend's address (with permission)

Some DMVs accept a signed letter + utility bill from someone you live with. I know a guy who used his roommate’s water bill and a handwritten note to get his non-driver ID approved. No joke.

Homeless or transient? There's a workaround.

In many states, you can still get an ID by using a shelter address, or with a signed form from a social worker. If you’re in that situation, I promise: you still have options. Reach out to a local shelter or legal aid clinic. They’ve done this before.

IDs that take longer or are harder to get

Just so you know what you’re not looking for:

• Passport – reliable, but takes weeks unless you pay for an expedited version (and costs $$$)

• Driver’s license – great ID, but involves tests, appointments, and fees

• Real ID-compliant IDs – more secure, but require extra paperwork

If you need something fast, simple, and cheap, those aren’t it.

What I learned the hard way

So yeah. Back in the day, I waited way too long to sort this out. I thought “I’ll just use my school ID” for everything — but then I got asked for a government-issued ID at a notary’s office and felt like an idiot. Ended up rushing to the DMV the next morning.

Now I always keep at least one backup ID in a drawer (and a photo of it on my phone… just in case).

Final answer: What’s the easiest ID you can get?

A state-issued non-driver ID is by far the easiest official, widely accepted form of ID.
If you don’t need something that official, library cards or student IDs can do the trick for lighter needs.

Bottom line? Don’t wait till you're stuck to get an ID. It’s a 1-hour chore that saves you so much hassle down the line. And trust me — you never know when someone’s gonna say:

“I just need to see some ID…”
And that’s not the time to be like, “uhh…”

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