The documents California requires for Real ID
California requires you to bring six categories of documents to the DMV to get a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of California residency, proof of legal presence, a completed process, and your current driver's license or ID card. You cannot complete the transaction without all six, and the DMV will not accept expired documents for most of these categories.
The specific documents that work in each category vary. For example, a U.S. passport counts as proof of identity, legal presence, and residency all at once — but a birth certificate counts only as proof of identity and legal presence, so you would still need a separate residency document. Knowing which documents satisfy which categories saves you a trip back home.
Real ID is not optional if you want to use your California driver's license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you do not get Real ID, your current license will still work for driving and state purposes, but the federal government will not accept it for air travel after May 7, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring documents from all six categories — identity, Social Security number, residency, legal presence, process, and current license — or the DMV will not issue Real ID.
- Some documents like a U.S. passport count toward multiple categories at once, so you may need fewer total documents than the six categories suggest.
- The DMV does not accept expired documents for proof of identity, Social Security number, or legal presence, but some residency documents can be older.
- You can check the DMV's official document list before you go to confirm your specific documents will work and avoid a wasted trip.
Proof of identity documents California accepts
Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and a photo or physical description. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, military ID, tribal ID, or an expired California driver's license or ID card. If you are using an expired license or ID, it cannot be more than five years past expiration.
If you do not have any of those, you can use a certified birth certificate, but only if you also bring a second identity document that has your photo — such as a school ID, employee ID, or military dependent ID. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes.
Documents must not be expired, except for a California driver's license or ID card, which can be expired by up to five years. Foreign documents must be valid and not expired.
Proof of Social Security number
You need a document that shows your full Social Security number. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, or a tax return. The document must be current — the DMV does not accept expired Social Security cards or outdated tax documents.
If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot get a replacement quickly, a recent pay stub or tax return usually works. The document must show your full nine-digit number, not a partial one.
Proof of California residency
Proof of residency means a document showing your name and a California address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a document from a government agency with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days, except for property tax bills, which can be from the current or prior tax year.
If you recently moved to California, you may not have a 60-day-old document yet. In that case, bring two documents together — for example, a lease agreement and a utility bill in your name, even if one is older. The DMV may also accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent mail from a government agency.
A California driver's license or ID card already on file counts as proof of residency, so you do not need a separate document if you are renewing or upgrading an existing license.
Proof of legal presence in the United States
Legal presence means you have the right to live and work in the United States. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa. Your document must not be expired.
If you are a permanent resident, your green card must be valid and not expired. If you have an EAD, it must show that you are authorized to work in the United States and must not be expired. If you are using a foreign passport, the U.S. visa must be valid and visible in the passport.
If you are a non-citizen national or have a specific immigration status, the DMV website lists which documents prove your legal presence. Some statuses require documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
process and current license or ID
You must complete the Real ID process form before you go to the DMV. California uses form DL 44 for a new driver's license or ID, or form DL 43 if you are renewing or upgrading an existing license. You can fill out the form online through the DMV website, print it, and bring it with you, or you can fill it out at the DMV office. Filling it out ahead of time usually speeds up your appointment.
You must also bring your current California driver's license or ID card if you have one. If you do not have one, bring your out-of-state license or ID instead. The DMV will take your current document and issue your Real ID in its place.
What to bring: a checklist by document type
| Category | Examples of documents that work | Expiration rules |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate + photo ID, expired CA license (under 5 years old) | Must not be expired, except CA license (up to 5 years old OK) |
| Proof of Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, pay stub, tax return | Must not be expired or outdated |
| Proof of residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy | Must be dated within 60 days (property tax bill: current or prior year) |
| Proof of legal presence | U.S. passport, birth certificate, green card, EAD, foreign passport with valid U.S. visa | Must not be expired |
| process | Form DL 44 (new) or DL 43 (renewal/upgrade) | Must be completed and signed |
| Current license or ID | California driver's license or ID card, or out-of-state license if new to CA | No expiration limit |
How to verify your documents before you go
The California DMV website has an official document list organized by category. You can search for each document you plan to bring and confirm it meets the requirements. This step takes 10 minutes and prevents you from arriving at the DMV only to learn a document does not work.
If you are unsure whether a specific document counts — for example, if you have a bank statement instead of a utility bill for residency — call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local DMV office to ask before your appointment. Some documents work in some situations but not others, and staff can tell you whether yours will be accepted.
If you are missing a document and cannot get it before your appointment, ask the DMV what alternatives exist. For example, if you do not have a utility bill for residency, you may be able to bring two other documents instead. Planning ahead means you can gather what you need without multiple trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a birth certificate if it is more than 10 years old?
Yes. A birth certificate does not expire, so age does not matter. However, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy. If you are using it as your only proof of identity, you must also bring a second document with your photo, such as a school or employee ID.
What if my residency document is older than 60 days?
Bring a second residency document along with it. Two documents together — even if one is older — usually work. For example, a lease agreement and an older utility bill in your name both count. If you cannot find two, ask the DMV whether a notarized letter from your landlord or recent mail from a government agency will work.
Do I need to bring originals or can I bring copies?
The DMV requires original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. The only exception is a birth certificate, which must be a certified copy with the state seal. Bring the actual document, not a scan or photocopy.
Can I use my passport card instead of my full passport?
Yes. A U.S. passport card counts as proof of identity, legal presence, and residency all at once, just like a full passport. It is smaller and easier to carry, and the DMV accepts it for Real ID.
What happens if I show up without one of the six categories?
The DMV will not issue Real ID. You will need to reschedule your appointment and bring the missing document. This is why checking the document list ahead of time saves time and frustration.