The Documents You'll Need Before You Go

You will need to bring three categories of documents to your DMV or state ID office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents that count vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip, so check your state's DMV website before you leave home — it will list exactly which documents they accept.

You cannot get a Real ID without all three categories. The DMV will not issue a temporary document or let you come back later with the missing piece. Bring everything at once.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document from each of three categories: identity, Social Security proof, and address proof — all three are required on the same visit.
  • A birth certificate or passport counts as identity proof; a Social Security card or tax return counts as Social Security proof; a utility bill or lease counts as address proof.
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents they accept, because some states have different rules than others.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos of documents will not work.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID; you can get a standard state ID instead.

Proof of Identity: Birth Certificate, Passport, or License

For identity, you need one document that shows your full legal name and date of birth. A U.S. birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — a photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, a valid U.S. passport works, as does a permanent resident card (green card) or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

If you already have a valid driver's license or state ID from another state, that also counts as identity proof. Some states will accept a military ID or a tribal ID card. Check your state's list before you assume your document will work.

Do not bring a Social Security card as your identity document — it does not show your date of birth, so it will not satisfy this requirement on its own.

Proof of Social Security Number: Card, Tax Return, or W-2

For Social Security proof, you need a document that shows your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the simplest option. If you do not have the card, a recent tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov all count. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. You can still get a standard state ID or driver's license, but it will not meet federal requirements for air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you need a Social Security number, you will have to explore through the Social Security Administration first.

Proof of Address: Utility Bill, Lease, or Bank Statement

For address proof, you need a document showing your current name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued document like a tax return or W-2, or a vehicle registration all work. The document must show your name and the address where you currently live, and it must be recent — most states accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days.

If you recently moved, bring a document with your new address. If you do not have a document yet (because you just moved and the utility company has not sent a bill), some states will accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.

What "Original" and "Certified Copy" Mean

The DMV will ask for originals or certified copies. An original is the actual document issued by the government or organization — your real birth certificate, not a photocopy. A certified copy is a copy made by the issuing office and stamped or sealed to prove it is authentic. You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Photocopies, photos of documents on your phone, and faxes do not count. The DMV needs to see and verify the real document. Some states will make a copy for you at the office, but they still need to examine the original first.

Documents You Cannot Use

School IDs, library cards, and expired documents do not count. A passport that expired more than five years ago will not work. A utility bill from six months ago is too old. A document that shows a different name than your current legal name (like a bill from before you were married) will not work unless you also bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

If your name appears differently on different documents — for example, your birth certificate says "Robert" but your Social Security card says "Bob" — bring all the documents and explain the situation. The DMV may ask you to get a corrected Social Security card or birth certificate before they can issue your Real ID.

Bringing Documents for a Minor

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you. They will need to bring their own identity document and proof of guardianship. A birth certificate showing both parents' names counts as proof of guardianship. If only one parent is listed on the birth certificate, bring that document. If you were adopted or in foster care, bring the court order or adoption papers. Some states also accept a custody order or guardianship papers.

The parent or guardian does not need to bring proof of address — only you do. But they do need to show who they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV must see and examine the original documents. A photo on your phone will not work. You must bring the actual documents to the office.

What if my birth certificate has a different name than I use now?

Bring your birth certificate and a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use your current legal name on your Real ID.

Do I need to bring all three documents if I already have a valid passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport counts as both identity proof and Social Security proof, so you only need to bring the passport and proof of address. Check your state's rules, as a few states have different requirements.

What if I do not have a current utility bill at my new address?

Call your DMV and ask what they accept for recent movers. Many will take a signed lease, a mortgage statement, a letter from your landlord on letterhead, or a bank statement showing your new address. Some states have a grace period for people who just moved.

Can I use my Social Security card as my identity document?

No. A Social Security card shows your number but not your date of birth, so it does not meet the identity requirement. You need a birth certificate, passport, or valid ID from another state for identity proof.