The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you will bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent office. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but they fall into three categories: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. You cannot explore online or by mail — you must go in person and bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

This guide covers the documents most states accept. Your state DMV website will list what it specifically requires, because some states accept different documents than others, and some require additional items. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to confirm what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of where you live (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or tax return).
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted.
  • You must appear in person at your state DMV; Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online.
  • If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents your state accepts, because requirements vary.

Proof of Identity: What counts as your primary document

Your proof of identity is the document that shows who you are. Most states accept one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid state ID or driver's license from another state, a valid passport card, or a valid military ID. Some states also accept a tribal ID card or a permanent resident card (green card).

The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy from your parents' files. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen (your passport, naturalization papers, or a Certificate of Citizenship).

If your name on your identity document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, you must bring a second document that shows the name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.

Proof of Residency: Showing where you live

Your proof of residency shows your state address. Most states accept recent utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your current address. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days.

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, some states will accept a letter from your landlord on letterhead, a mortgage statement, or a bill addressed to you at your new address. A few states accept a government benefit statement (like unemployment or SNAP) if it shows your address. Check your state DMV website to see what it accepts if you cannot provide a typical utility bill.

Post office boxes do not count as proof of residency. You must show a physical street address where you actually live.

Proof of Social Security Number: Your SSN documentation

You must bring one document that shows your Social Security number. The easiest is your Social Security card itself — bring the original. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a benefit statement from Social Security. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of these documents, you will need to request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks. You can request one online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Documents you bring if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These must be originals or certified copies.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you married and then divorced and took back your maiden name, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree.

What to bring if you were born outside the United States

If you were born outside the U.S., you need your certified foreign birth certificate plus proof of U.S. citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be your U.S. passport, your Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-550), your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-570), or your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). Bring the original or a certified copy.

If your birth certificate is in another language, some states require a certified English translation. Check your state DMV website to see if this applies to you. The translation must be done by a certified translator, not by you or a friend.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or state ID if you already have one — though you can bring it if you want. You do not need to bring your voter registration card, passport photos, or proof of citizenship unless you were born outside the U.S. You do not need to bring your immigration documents unless you are a permanent resident or have a visa.

Do not bring photocopies of anything. The DMV will make copies for you if needed. Bring originals or certified copies only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone as proof of identity?

No. You must bring an official government-issued document like a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Photos on your phone are not accepted.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. You can request one by mail, online, or in person. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office.

Can my spouse or parent bring my documents for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your own documents. Real ID requires you to be present and to sign the process yourself.

Do I need to bring my green card if I am a permanent resident?

Yes, if you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) as proof of identity. You will also need proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency, the same as any other applicant.

What if my address on my lease does not match my utility bill?

Bring both documents. As long as they both show your current address, most states will accept them together as proof of residency. If the addresses do not match, call your state DMV to ask what to do before you go in.