If someone has an absconding warrant and tries to get an id will they be arrested

Probably not. When a person goes to DMV to get a photo ID they will have to prove their identity, but it is not their normal procedure to check for outstanding warrants or arrest people for them. That is not to say that this cannot happen, just that it would be unusual.

I agree with Mr. Welch - the only thing I can add is that your friend will have to give an address and proof of the address. Probation can use DMV records to find him.

I agree with both the previous answers. Most likely everything will be fine, but watch out for Probation because I have had cases in the past where they used DMV records to locate people.