Which documents count toward Real ID

A Real ID document is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. To get one, you must show documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. The documents themselves don't have to be Real ID—they just have to be the ones your state's DMV accepts as proof of those four things.

Every state has a list of documents it will accept. The lists are similar but not identical, so you need to check your state's DMV website before you go. Most states accept the same core documents: a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease. Some states add others, like a military ID, tribal ID, or school records. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

You will need originals or certified copies—photocopies don't count. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation. Your state DMV can tell you which documents may have access to and whether yours will be accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID requires proof of identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address—four separate pieces of information that may come from different documents.
  • Your state's DMV publishes its own list of accepted documents, and you must check that list before your appointment because states do not all accept the same ones.
  • Documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies and notarized copies are not the same as certified copies and will be rejected.
  • If your document is in another language, bring both the original and an official English translation, not a translation you made yourself.

Identity documents that work for Real ID

To prove who you are, most states accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book. If you don't have a passport, a birth certificate issued by a vital records office (not a hospital) works in all states. Some states also accept a military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card). A few states accept a driver's license or ID from another state, but only if it's not expired.

School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count as identity proof for Real ID. Neither do documents you printed yourself, even if they have an official seal. The document has to come from a government office or have been issued by the government.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the easiest way to prove your number. If you don't have it, most states accept a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the IRS. Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration itself. A few states will accept a pay stub if it shows your full Social Security number, though many DMVs ask you to black out all but the last four digits for privacy.

You cannot use a document you created yourself, even if it lists your Social Security number. The document has to come from a government agency or your employer's official records.

Proof of date of birth

A birth certificate is the standard document for this. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born—not a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus your passport or permanent resident card.

Some states accept a passport, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of date of birth instead. A few accept a school record or adoption papers. Check your state's list to see what it takes in your case.

Proof of current address

A utility bill in your name is the most common proof of address. It can be for electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone service. The bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement works too, as long as it's current and has your name on it.

Some states accept a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail (like a tax notice or voter registration card). A few accept a letter from a landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency. Utility bills are safest because every state accepts them. If you don't have one in your name, ask your state DMV which other documents it will take.

A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address usually works, but it has to be official mail—not a personal letter or a package label. And it has to be recent, usually within 30 to 60 days.

What to bring if you've changed your name

If your name on your identity document doesn't match the name you're using now, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be an official copy from the court or vital records office, not a photocopy.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than your current name, bring both the birth certificate and the document that changed your name. Your DMV will use both to confirm you are who you say you are.

Documents you don't need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have another document that proves your number. You do not need a notarized copy of anything—notarization is not the same as a certified copy, and the DMV will not accept it. You do not need to bring multiple copies of the same document; one original or certified copy is enough.

You do not need to bring documents that prove you live in your state, own property, or have a job. Real ID only requires proof of identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Anything beyond that is extra and will slow you down.

How to get certified copies of documents you're missing

If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can usually order online, by mail, or in person. It takes one to four weeks by mail, though some offices offer rush service for an extra fee. If you need a marriage certificate or divorce decree, contact the court clerk's office in the county where the event was recorded.

If you need a certified copy of a tax return or W-2, contact the IRS or your employer. The IRS can send you a transcript of your tax return, which counts as proof of your Social Security number. Your employer can issue a certified copy of your W-2 or pay stub.

Plan ahead—getting certified copies takes time, and you cannot go to the DMV without them. If you're in a hurry, some vital records offices offer in-person service the same day, but you have to go to their office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or notarized copy instead of a certified copy?

No. A photocopy is not accepted. A notarized copy is not the same as a certified copy—notarization means a notary public watched you sign something, but it does not mean the document is official. You need a certified copy, which comes directly from the government office that issued the original.

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

Bring the document that shows your old name plus the document that proves you changed it—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both to confirm your identity. Make sure both documents are originals or certified copies.

Do I need to bring documents in English?

If your document is in another language, bring the original plus an official English translation. A translation you made yourself or had a friend make does not count. Contact your state's DMV to find out where you can get an official translation.

Can I use a school ID or work ID as proof of identity?

No. School IDs and work IDs are not accepted as identity proof for Real ID. You need a government-issued document like a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID. Check your state's list to see which ones it accepts.

What if I don't have a utility bill in my name?

Most states accept other documents as proof of address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. Call your state's DMV or check its website to see which documents it will take. A utility bill is the safest choice because every state accepts it, but you have other options.