The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and proof of your current address

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you walk into your state's DMV or equivalent office with specific documents. The exact list varies by state — some accept a passport card, others do not; some accept a utility bill for address proof, others require a lease or mortgage statement. You cannot explore online or by mail in most states, and you cannot use a Real ID process to renew an expired license in most places.

This guide covers what documents fall into each category, what counts as proof in most states, and what to bring when you go to the DMV. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If you are unsure whether your specific documents will work in your state, call your DMV before you go — they can tell you in five minutes whether you need to gather anything else.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one proving you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and one showing your current address.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so bringing one cuts your document list in half.
  • For address proof, most states accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must appear in person at the DMV with original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images do not work.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts; calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Identity documents that work for Real ID

You need one document that proves who you are. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest choice because it counts as both identity and citizenship proof. If you have one, bring it and you are halfway done.

If you do not have a passport, bring a birth certificate (original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born). Some states also accept a state ID card you already hold, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A few states accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. Driver's licenses from other states count as identity proof but not as proof of citizenship, so you would still need a second document.

School IDs, work IDs, and credit cards do not count. Neither do expired documents, unless your state specifically allows an expired passport or ID card.

Citizenship and legal presence documents

You need one document proving you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. If you brought a U.S. passport or passport card, you are done — they prove citizenship. If you brought a birth certificate instead, you need a second document from this list.

For U.S. citizens, the DMV accepts a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization (issued by USCIS if you became a citizen through naturalization), or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (issued by USCIS if you were born abroad to U.S. parents). Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad (Form FS-240 or DS-1350).

For legal residents who are not citizens, bring your permanent resident card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766), a Temporary Protected Status document (Form I-94 with TPS notation), or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals approval notice (DACA). A few states accept other USCIS documents — check your state's list before you go.

Do not bring expired citizenship documents. If your green card or EAD is expired, call your DMV to ask whether it still works for Real ID purposes; some states accept them, others do not.

Proof of current address

You need one document showing where you live now. It must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days. The document must have your name and full street address on it.

Most states accept a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, or a bank or credit card statement. Some states also accept a insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's), a paycheck stub, a government benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, SNAP), or a letter from your employer on company letterhead with your name and address.

A few states accept a lease agreement even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it is still current. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states accept it if you bring a second document with your name, such as a paycheck stub or letter from your employer. Call your DMV to ask before you go.

Do not bring a printed bank statement from your online account unless it shows your mailing address. A screenshot or email does not count. Post office mail forwarding notices do not work either.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If your name on your identity document does not match the name on your birth certificate or citizenship document, bring proof of the legal name change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you changed your name but have not yet updated your Social Security card, the DMV will still issue your Real ID. However, you may want to update your Social Security record first — it takes a few weeks and makes future document updates easier. You can explore at your local Social Security office with your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, though the DMV will ask for your number. You do not need to bring a completed process form — most DMVs hand you one when you arrive, or you can fill it out online beforehand. You do not need to bring proof of residency beyond the single address document listed above.

You do not need to bring your old driver's license or ID card, though it can speed up the process if you do. You do not need to bring a second form of ID if your first document already covers both identity and citizenship (like a passport).

You do not need to bring documents proving you paid taxes, own property, or have a job. The DMV does not care about your financial history or employment status.

How to prepare your documents before you go to the DMV

Check your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "REAL ID requirements." Most state DMVs have a checklist you can print or view on your phone. Call the DMV if the website does not list your state's exact rules, or if you are unsure whether one of your documents will work.

Gather your documents and lay them out. Make sure your name is spelled the same way on all of them — if it is not, bring proof of the name change. Make sure your address document is dated within the last 60 days. Make sure all documents are originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

If any of your documents are from another country, bring the original and a certified English translation. Some DMVs accept translations from any certified translator; others require a translation from a specific service. Ask your DMV which translators they accept before you pay for a translation.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way to the DMV. Arrive early — Real ID appointments often book up weeks in advance, and walk-in wait times can be long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents instead of the original?

No. The DMV must see the original document or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it. A photocopy, screenshot, or photo on your phone does not work. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office — it usually arrives in one to two weeks.

What if my address document is in someone else's name?

Some states allow it if you bring a second document with your name on it, such as a paycheck stub or letter from your employer. Other states do not. Call your DMV and describe your situation — they can tell you whether it will work before you make the trip.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No, but you will need to know your Social Security number. The DMV will ask you to write it on the process form. If you do not know your number, you can look it up on a past tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement, or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of citizenship?

Yes, in most states. An expired passport still proves citizenship. However, if your passport is more than a few years old, check your state's DMV website to confirm, because rules vary.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, contact the government office in that country. If you were born in the U.S. but lost your certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born — most states have an online ordering system and charge $10 to $30 per copy.