What Documents You Need to Get Your Real ID

The Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

You need four categories of documents to get a Real ID: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a valid form of identification. The DMV will not issue a Real ID without all four. You cannot substitute one document for another, and you cannot mail in most of these documents — you must present originals or certified copies in person.

The specific documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Some states accept more options than others, so check your state DMV website before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed Real ID.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document to prove citizenship or legal residency.
Your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return serves as proof of your Social Security number — the DMV will not accept a number written on paper.
A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name proves your current address and must show your name and address together.
A current driver's license, passport, or military ID counts as your identity document, and you will need to surrender your old license if you already have one.
Some states require additional documents like marriage certificates or divorce decrees if your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is the document that establishes who you are as a legal person in the United States. The DMV accepts an original or certified copy of one of these:

U.S. birth certificate (issued by the state or territory where you were born)
U.S. passport or passport card
Certificate of naturalization
Certificate of citizenship
Permanent resident card (Green Card)
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a photograph
Tribal document (if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe)

If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization document yet, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Real ID. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

If your name on this document does not match your current legal name, bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a Real ID if your name does not match across all your documents.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

The DMV must verify that the Social Security number you provide is real and belongs to you. You cannot straightforward write a number on an process form. Bring one of these original documents:

Social Security card
W-2 form (from your employer)
1099 form (if you are self-employed)
Tax return (federal or state)
SSA-1042S form (if you receive income from a U.S. source but are not a citizen)
Letter from the Social Security Administration

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. You must first explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, some states will issue a Real ID using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — check your state's rules.

The document must show your full name and your complete Social Security number. If the number is partially redacted or hidden, the DMV will reject it. Bring the original; photocopies are not accepted for this category.

Proof of Your Current Address

The DMV must confirm that you actually live where you say you do. Bring one of these documents dated within the last 60 days (some states allow up to 90 days — check your state):

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Bank or credit card statement
Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
Pay stub from your employer

The document must show both your name and your current address on the same page. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, that document will not work. If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your new address yet, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your address, or bring a lease with your name on it.

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, some states allow you to use a shelter letter or a letter from a social service agency instead. Call your state DMV to ask what documents they accept in your situation.

Your Current Form of Identification

You need to prove who you are right now. Bring one of these:

Current driver's license or state ID card
U.S. passport or passport card
Military ID (active duty or retired)
Tribal ID (if issued by a federally recognized tribe)
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a photograph

If you already have a driver's license or state ID, you must bring it to the DMV. You will surrender it when you receive your Real ID. If your current ID is expired, most states will still accept it as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired longer ago than that, bring a second form of ID from the list above.

If you do not have any form of ID yet, you can still get a Real ID, but the process is longer. You will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity — usually a birth certificate plus two other documents that show your name and address. Ask your state DMV what documents they require if you have no current ID.

Name Changes and Additional Documents

If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, you must bring proof of that change. The DMV will not issue a Real ID if your name does not match across all documents. Bring one of these:

Marriage certificate (if you changed your name when you married)
Divorce decree or dissolution order (if you changed your name after divorce)
Court order for name change
Adoption papers (if your name changed through adoption)

These documents must be originals or certified copies. If you were married or divorced outside the United States, bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. Some states require additional proof that the translation is accurate.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed it, then divorced and changed it again, bring the birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree.

What Happens If You Bring the Wrong Documents

The DMV will not issue a Real ID if any of your documents are missing, expired, or do not match the requirements. If you bring photocopies instead of originals for citizenship or Social Security documents, you will be turned away. If your address document is older than 60 days, it will not be accepted. If your name does not match across documents, you will need to go home and get the missing name-change document.

Before you go to the DMV, check your state's specific requirements on its official website. Some states have slightly different rules about which documents they accept, and some require documents to be certified or notarized. Calling ahead or checking online takes 10 minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

Only if it is certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from your state's vital records office — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.

What if my Social Security card is lost or damaged?

You can use a W-2, tax return, or other document from the list instead. If you do not have any of those documents, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license?

Yes. If you already have a driver's license or state ID, you must bring it to the DMV. You will surrender it when you receive your Real ID. If you have lost it, tell the DMV when you arrive — they will issue a replacement Real ID instead.

Can I use an electric bill that is in my roommate's name?

No. The address document must show your name and your address on the same page. If the bill is in your roommate's name, it will not work. Bring a lease with your name on it, or ask your utility company to issue a letter confirming your address.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a passport?

You will need to obtain a passport or certificate of naturalization before you can get a Real ID. If you are a permanent resident, your Green Card counts as proof of legal residency. Contact the U.S. State Department or your country's consulate to begin the passport process — this can take several weeks.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.