The Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

You need four categories of documents to get a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. The DMV will not issue a Real ID without all four. You cannot substitute one for another, and you cannot come back later with missing documents — you will have to start the appointment process over.

The specific documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Some states accept more options than others, and a few states have stricter rules about how recent a document must be. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because bringing the wrong thing wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring documents from all four categories — identity, Social Security, residency, and lawful status — or the DMV will not issue a Real ID.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and lawful status, so it can reduce the number of documents you need to bring.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, so utility bills and lease agreements work but old documents do not.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts, because some states allow options that others do not.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies — the DMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport.

Proof of Identity Documents

Proof of identity is a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. The most common options are a current or expired passport, a passport card, a state ID, or a driver's license from another state. Some states also accept a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card).

The document does not have to be current — an expired passport or expired state ID usually works. However, if your document is more than 10 years old, some states will not accept it. Check your state's rules before you go. If you do not have any of these documents, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school ID or employee badge, but this varies by state and takes longer to process.

Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The DMV staff will examine it and may make a copy for your file, but they need to see the real thing to verify the security features and confirm it is genuine.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must show a document that displays your Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that shows your Social Security number.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not acceptable. If you bring a tax return or W-2, it must be an official copy from the IRS or your employer, not a printout you made yourself. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number, which you can request online or by phone.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any other document with your number on it, you will need to request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks.

Proof of Residency

Proof of residency is a document that shows your current address. The most common options are a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states allow up to 90 days. Check your state's rule before you go.

If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring a document dated after your move. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them on their letterhead stating that you live there, plus the utility bill. Some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member if you cannot produce a bill in your name.

Do not bring a photocopy. Bring the original document or a certified copy. Some states will accept a printed statement from an online account if it shows your name, address, and account number, but call ahead to confirm.

Proof of Lawful Status

Proof of lawful status means you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). If you are a U.S. citizen, you can use a passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you are a permanent resident, you must bring your green card.

A birth certificate must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or a hospital record. If you were born outside the United States, a consular report of birth abroad or a passport is the easiest option. If you were naturalized as a U.S. citizen, bring your certificate of naturalization.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a birth certificate from your state's vital records office. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30. Some states allow you to order it online.

What Happens If You Are Missing a Document

If you arrive at the DMV without one of the four required categories, the staff will turn you away. You cannot get a Real ID without all four. You will have to schedule another appointment and bring the missing document.

The most common missing document is proof of residency, because people forget that it must be dated within the last 60 days. The second most common is a certified copy of a birth certificate, because people bring a photocopy or a hospital record instead. Before you go, lay out all four documents and check them against your state's DMV website.

If you are missing a document and do not have time to get it before your appointment, cancel the appointment and reschedule for later. Showing up without everything wastes your time and the DMV's time.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a W-2, tax return, or pay stub with your number on it. You do not need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate if you have a passport. You do not need to bring a separate proof of residency if your driver's license from another state shows your current address, though most states still require a recent utility bill or lease.

You do not need to bring a letter from your employer, a school ID, or a library card as proof of identity. These documents do not have enough security features for the DMV to verify them. You also do not need to bring your old driver's license or state ID — the DMV will look it up in the system.

Some people bring extra documents thinking it will speed up the process. It will not. Bring only what is required, and bring originals or certified copies.

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 is not acceptable. If you have lost your original, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks.

Does my proof of residency have to be in my name?

It should be, but if it is not, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill stating that you live there. Some states also accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement in your name as an alternative. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport still counts as proof of identity and proof of lawful status, so you can use it for a Real ID. However, if you want to travel by air, you will need to renew your passport separately — a Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel.

Can I bring a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You cannot show a photo or a PDF on your phone. Print out digital documents or bring the originals.

How long do I have to get a Real ID after my current license expires?

That depends on your state. Most states allow you to renew your license online or by mail if you do not need a Real ID, but if you want a Real ID, you must go to the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website for the important date in your state.