The documents the DMV actually requires

Before you walk into the DMV, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but every state requires something from each of these three categories. Showing up without them means a wasted trip — the DMV will not process your process without all three.

Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts. Some states are strict about which documents work; others give you options. For example, a passport works as proof of identity in every state, but a school ID does not work in any state. A utility bill works as proof of residency in most states, but a cell phone bill does not. Knowing the difference before you go saves hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the DMV will not process your process without all three.
  • A passport, birth certificate, or state ID counts as proof of identity; a school ID or work badge does not.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of residency; a cell phone bill or credit card statement does not.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return counts as proof of your Social Security number; a driver's license or state ID does not.
  • Check your state's DMV website before you go, because accepted documents vary by state and change occasionally.

Proof of identity documents

Proof of identity means a government-issued document with your photo and signature. A passport (U.S. or foreign), birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID all work in every state. Some states also accept a tribal ID or consular ID if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Documents that do not work include school IDs, work badges, library cards, and expired documents. Some states accept an expired passport or expired state ID; others do not. If your document is expired, check your state's rules before you assume it will not work.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy does not work. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.

Proof of residency documents

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work in most states. The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days in most states — check your state's rules for the exact timeframe.

Documents that do not work include cell phone bills, credit card statements, bank statements, and insurance policies, even though they show your address. Some states accept a bank statement or insurance policy; most do not. If you live with family and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the DMV what documents work for your situation — some states accept a notarized letter from the homeowner.

If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new bill or a letter from your utility company showing the address change. If you have not received a bill at your new address yet, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.

Proof of your Social Security number

Proof of your Social Security number means a document showing your nine-digit number. Your Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the IRS works in most states. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works in many states.

Documents that do not work include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate — even though they may have your Social Security number printed on them. The DMV wants a document issued by the Social Security Administration or the IRS, not another government agency.

If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a W-2 or tax return, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes one to two weeks by mail. Some DMV offices will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number; call ahead to ask.

Documents for name changes or corrections

If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you want on your license, bring a document showing the legal change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change all work. The document must be an original or a certified copy from the court or vital records office.

If there is a typo on your birth certificate — your name is spelled wrong, or your date of birth is wrong — bring the original birth certificate and a certified correction from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The DMV cannot correct errors on your birth certificate; only the vital records office can do that.

Documents if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you are a temporary resident with work authorization, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or your visa and passport. Some states also issue licenses to people without work authorization; check your state's rules.

Your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number requirements are the same as for U.S. citizens. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.

What to bring on the day you go

Bring the originals of all documents, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate, passport, or lease, even if it is notarized. Bring one document from each of the three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order as well.

Bring your completed process form if your state allows you to fill it out ahead of time. Some states have the form on their website; others hand it out at the DMV. Bring your learner's permit if you already have one. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily — for example, do not bring your only copy of a birth certificate if you do not have a certified copy at home. The DMV will not lose your documents, but it is safer to have a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office. A photocopy, even if it is notarized, does not work. If you do not have your original, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy.

What if my address on my lease does not match my address on my utility bill?

Bring both documents. The DMV will see that you live at the address on both, even if one is slightly different. If the addresses are very different, the DMV may ask for a third document or a letter explaining the discrepancy.

Can I use my passport as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship?

Yes. A passport proves both your identity and your citizenship, so you do not need a separate birth certificate. You still need proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2?

Contact the Social Security Administration and request a replacement card — it takes one to two weeks by mail. Some DMV offices accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number instead. Call your local DMV ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

Do I need to bring my learner's permit to get my driver's license?

Yes, if you already have one. Bring it along with your other documents. If you do not have a learner's permit yet, you will need to get one first before you can take the road test for a driver's license.