What documents you need to bring

To get a Real ID, you must bring proof of five things: your identity, your Social Security number, your date of birth, your address, and your lawful status in the United States. Most people bring one document for each category, though some documents count for more than one.

The exact documents your state accepts vary slightly, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. You cannot use a document that expired more than five years ago, and you cannot use a document that is not in English or does not have an English translation certified by the issuing agency.

Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will look at the originals and return them to you. If you bring a copy, they will turn you away and you will have to come back.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring five separate proofs: identity, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and lawful status in the US.
  • A birth certificate or passport covers identity and date of birth; a Social Security card covers your number; a utility bill or lease covers your address.
  • Expired documents are accepted only if they expired within the last five years, and all documents must be originals, not copies.
  • Proof of lawful status means a US passport, birth certificate, green card, visa, employment authorization document, or state-issued ID — the rules depend on your citizenship status.
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts; calling ahead or checking online saves a trip if your document is unusual.

Proof of identity

A valid passport (US or foreign) is the strongest proof of identity and covers your date of birth at the same time. A birth certificate (certified copy from the vital records office, not a hospital record) also covers both. A driver's license or state ID from another state works if it is not expired or expired within the last five years.

If you do not have any of those, some states accept a military ID, tribal ID, school ID (with a photo), or work ID (with a photo). A few states accept a passport card or NEXUS card. The list varies by state, so check your DMV website before you go.

Documents in a language other than English must come with a certified English translation from the issuing agency. A translation you make yourself or pay a private translator to make will not be accepted.

Proof of your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card — the physical card itself. If you have lost it or never received one, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return that shows your number. A Social Security Administration letter (which you can order online at ssa.gov) also works.

Bank statements, pay stubs, and medical records that show your Social Security number are not accepted on their own. If you bring a pay stub or bank statement, the DMV will ask for one of the documents listed above as well.

Proof of your date of birth

A birth certificate, passport, or passport card covers this. If you are using one of those for identity, you do not need a second document for date of birth — one document can count for both.

If you are using a different identity document (like a military ID or school ID), bring a birth certificate or passport as your second proof. A driver's license from another state also counts as proof of date of birth.

Proof of your current address

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, insurance bill, or government check stub.

The document must be in your name. If you recently moved and the bill is still in your old address, it will not work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask if your state accepts a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Rules vary by state.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states allow you to use a shelter address, a trusted person's address, or a general delivery address at the post office. Call your DMV to ask what they accept.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

This is where the rules split depending on whether you are a US citizen or not. If you are a citizen, bring one of these: a US birth certificate, US passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or state-issued ID that was issued after you proved citizenship to get it.

If you are not a US citizen but have legal status, bring your green card, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, deferred action document, or tribal ID. Some states also accept a valid foreign passport with a US visa stamp.

If you have a visa, it must be valid (not expired). If you have an EAD or TPS document, it must not be expired. A green card can be expired, but you must also bring proof that you have applied to renew it or that your renewal is pending.

Real ID is not available to people without lawful status. If you do not have one of the documents above, you cannot get a Real ID, though you may be able to get a standard state ID or driver's license.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing a document, do not go to the DMV yet. Order what you need first. A birth certificate takes one to four weeks from your state's vital records office. A Social Security card takes one to two weeks from the Social Security Administration. A replacement green card takes several months from USCIS.

Some DMVs will let you come in with what you have and sign a form saying you will bring the missing document within a certain time — usually 30 to 60 days. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask if they do this. If they do not, you will have to wait until you have everything.

If a document is in a language other than English, order a certified English translation from the issuing agency at the same time you order the document. Do not wait until you have the original to ask for the translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport that expired more than five years ago?

No. The federal Real ID rule says documents cannot be expired for more than five years. A passport that expired six years ago will not be accepted. However, an expired passport can still be used to renew your passport itself — that is a different rule.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will keep a copy of the name-change document but will return your birth certificate to you.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No, a W-2 or tax return is enough on its own. However, if you bring a W-2 and it is old or hard to read, the DMV may ask you to bring a Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration instead. Bringing the card saves time.

Can my spouse's utility bill count as proof of my address?

Not usually. The bill must be in your name. Some states allow a notarized letter from your spouse saying you live at that address, but you have to ask your DMV first. Do not assume it will work.

What if I have a green card that expired?

An expired green card can still count as proof of lawful status for Real ID, but you must also bring proof that you have filed for renewal or that your renewal is pending. Bring a receipt notice from USCIS or a letter showing your case number.