The documents you must bring to the DMV for Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring four categories of documents to your DMV office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The DMV will not issue a Real ID without all four. You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must appear in person with originals or certified copies.

The specific documents that satisfy each category vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID Act sets the baseline. Some states accept more documents than others, and a few states have their own additional requirements. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's DMV website to see the exact list your state accepts, because bringing the wrong document wastes a trip.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. The DMV uses this to look up your existing record and confirm your signature.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — the DMV will not accept photocopies or photos of documents.
  • A passport or passport card satisfies both identity and lawful status requirements at the same time, which can reduce the number of documents you need to carry.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states; utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts in each category, because not all states accept the same documents.
  • You must appear in person with your documents; the DMV will not process a Real ID process by mail or online.

Proof of identity documents

The DMV accepts a limited set of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, you can use a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545 or DS-1350).

Some states also accept a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). A few states accept a Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. Your state's DMV website will tell you which documents it recognizes.

School IDs, work IDs, library cards, and expired documents do not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have a raised seal or official stamp), the DMV will reject it.

Proof of Social Security number

You need a document that shows your Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself — bring the original. If you have lost your card or it is damaged, you can use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that displays your full Social Security number.

Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV — the DMV cannot issue a Real ID without proof of your number.

The document must show your full nine-digit Social Security number. Redacted or partial numbers do not satisfy this requirement.

Proof of residency

You must prove that you live at the address you are listing on your Real ID process. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. A few states use a 90-day window instead, so check your state's rules.

Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) work in all states. A lease agreement or mortgage statement with your name and address also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents (auto, home, or renters) are accepted by most states. Some states accept a letter from your employer or a government agency confirming your address.

Post office change-of-address forms, voter registration cards, and documents that show only a P.O. box do not count as proof of residency. If you recently moved and your name is not yet on a utility bill or lease, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your residency.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

This is the category that trips up the most people. You must prove that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport or passport card proves both citizenship and identity at the same time, so if you have one, bring it and you satisfy two categories with one document.

If you do not have a passport, you can use a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) proves lawful status if you are not a citizen. An Enhanced Driver's License from another state also works.

Some states accept a Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe as proof of lawful status. A few states accept a foreign passport paired with a valid U.S. visa, though this is less common. Your state's DMV website will specify which documents it accepts for this category.

A Social Security card, a work permit, a visa, or a travel document does not prove lawful status for Real ID purposes. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Green Card, you cannot get a Real ID — you can get a standard state driver's license instead.

Documents you must bring in original or certified form

The DMV will not accept photocopies, photos of documents, or documents you have scanned and printed. You must bring originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the issuing agency to confirm it is a true copy of the original.

If your birth certificate is the original issued by the vital records office in your state, bring that. If you have a certified copy from the vital records office, that works too. If you have a photocopy you made yourself, it will not work — you will need to order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

The same rule applies to naturalization certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and any other document the DMV asks for. Bring the original or a certified copy. The DMV staff will examine the documents in person to confirm they are genuine.

State-by-state differences in accepted documents

While the federal Real ID Act sets minimum standards, each state's DMV has some flexibility in which documents it accepts. For example, some states accept a foreign passport with a U.S. visa as proof of lawful status; others do not. Some states accept a letter from an employer as proof of residency; others require a utility bill or lease.

A few states have added their own requirements on top of the federal standard. You must check your state's DMV website before you go, because showing up with documents that work in another state but not yours will delay your process.

If you are moving to a new state and already have a Real ID from your old state, you can use that Real ID to get a Real ID in your new state — you will not need to re-prove your identity or lawful status. You will still need to prove your new residency and bring your old Real ID to the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV requires originals or certified copies. You must bring physical documents to your appointment. Digital photos or scanned copies will not be accepted, even if they are clear and legible.

What if I was born outside the United States but I am a U.S. citizen?

You will need a certificate of citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad to prove your citizenship. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you do not have any of these, you can request a certificate of citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return with my number on it?

No. A tax return, W-2, 1099, pay stub, or bank statement showing your full Social Security number all satisfy this requirement. You do not need to bring your card itself, though it is the easiest option if you have it.

What counts as proof of residency if I just moved and my name is not on any bills yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a letter on company letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some states also accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement. Check your state's DMV website to see what it will accept in your situation.

Can I use my passport as proof of both identity and lawful status?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies both the identity requirement and the lawful status requirement. If you have a passport, you still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency, but you can skip separate documents for identity and citizenship.