The Documents Real ID Requires You to Bring

Real ID requires you to present one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. You cannot use the same document for both. The acceptable documents are fixed by federal rule, so they are the same across all states — though your state's DMV may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator or consulate.

The documents must be current and valid. An expired passport, for example, will not work. A utility bill dated more than two months ago will not work. If your document is damaged, faded, or unreadable, the DMV will reject it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document for identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and a separate document for your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and must be current and legible.
  • If your name has changed since a document was issued, you must bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with the original document.
  • Your state DMV may require additional documents beyond the federal minimum, so check your state's specific list before you visit.
  • Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Documents That Prove Your Identity

A valid U.S. passport or passport card satisfies the identity requirement on its own. If you have one, bring it. You do not need any other identity document.

If you do not have a passport, you must bring a certified copy of your birth certificate (the long-form version with your parents' names, not the short-form abstract). The birth certificate must be issued by the vital records office of the state or territory where you were born. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy is not acceptable.

If you were born outside the United States, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you hold a valid foreign passport and are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder, that passport counts as your identity document.

Military personnel on active duty may bring a military ID card instead. Tribal members may bring a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

Documents That Prove Your Current Address

A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer, or trash) in your name is the most straightforward proof of address. The bill must be dated within the last two months. A final bill from a utility company counts if it shows your name and current address.

A current lease or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature works if it shows your current address. A mortgage statement or property tax bill dated within the last two months also works. Bank or credit card statements dated within the last two months are acceptable if they show your name and address.

If you receive government benefits, a current benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, TANF, or SNAP) showing your name and address will work. A current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy statement is acceptable. Some states also accept a current vehicle registration or a current student ID from an accredited school or university.

Documents older than two months or showing a different address will be rejected. If you have recently moved and your bills have not yet arrived at your new address, ask your utility company or bank for a printed statement showing your new address, or bring a lease with the landlord's signature.

What to Do If Your Name Has Changed

If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, bring both the original document and proof of the name change. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring your marriage certificate. If you were divorced and changed your name back, bring the divorce decree showing the name change. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order itself.

Some states require the name-change document to be certified by the court or vital records office. Check your state's requirements before you visit the DMV.

Documents for Non-Citizens and Visa Holders

If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as your identity document. You still need a separate document proving your current address.

If you hold a valid visa, bring your passport showing the visa stamp or your I-94 arrival/departure record along with a valid foreign passport. Some states also accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Advance Parole document. Check your state's list to confirm what it accepts.

If you are in the United States on a visa but do not yet have a Green Card, you cannot obtain a Real ID. You may be able to renew a standard driver's license or state ID instead. Contact your state DMV to confirm what documents it will accept for a non-Real ID license.

Documents You Cannot Use

Photocopies, even if notarized, are not accepted. Faxes are not accepted. Photos of documents sent by email or text are not accepted. You must bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it.

Expired documents are not accepted for address proof. An expired passport will not work as identity proof. An expired utility bill will not work as address proof. If your document has expired, renew it before you visit the DMV or bring a different document that is current.

Documents that have been altered, whited out, or show signs of tampering will be rejected. If a document is damaged or the text is faded or unreadable, bring a replacement or certified copy.

A Social Security card alone does not count as identity proof. A school ID from a non-accredited school does not count as address proof. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count as address proof.

How to Get Certified Copies of Documents You Need

If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. You can usually request it online, by mail, or in person. The office will charge a fee (typically $10 to $30) and mail the certified copy to you. Processing time varies by state but usually takes one to three weeks.

If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, contact the court clerk's office in the county where the document was issued. You can usually request it by mail or in person. The clerk will charge a fee and provide a certified copy with the court seal.

If you need a certified copy of a naturalization certificate or other immigration document, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can request it online through the USCIS website or by mail. Processing time is typically four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital or mobile version of my documents?

No. You must bring physical originals or certified paper copies. Digital images, screenshots, or documents on your phone are not accepted, even if they are notarized or certified electronically.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship instead. If you cannot obtain any of these, ask your DMV what alternative documents it may accept.

Can I use a recent lease if I just moved?

Yes, if the lease is signed by both you and the landlord and shows your current address. A lease dated within the last two months is acceptable even if you moved in very recently. If your lease is older than two months, bring a utility bill, bank statement, or other document dated within the last two months.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. A Social Security card is not an acceptable identity document for Real ID. You must bring a passport, birth certificate, or other document from the federal list. However, you will need to provide your Social Security number at the DMV, so bring your card if you need to verify the number.

What if my address on my documents doesn't match my current address?

Bring a document that shows your current address and is dated within the last two months. If all your documents show an old address, contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and request a current statement or letter showing your new address before you visit the DMV.