Documents Required to Get a California Real ID

California requires you to bring specific documents in person to a DMV office to get a Real ID driver's license or identification card. You cannot mail in your process or use an online service — the DMV must verify your identity and documents face-to-face. You will need one document from each of four categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of California residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, California residency, and lawful presence.
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos will not be accepted at the DMV counter.
  • If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be certified by the issuing vital records office, not just notarized.
  • Proof of lawful presence includes your passport, birth certificate, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card.
  • The DMV will keep copies of your documents on file; you will receive your originals back.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, bring one of these documents: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a certified birth certificate, a valid visa, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a tribal enrollment card, a military ID, or a previous California driver's license or ID card. If your birth certificate was issued outside the United States, it must be certified by the vital records office in that country or state — a notarized copy does not meet the requirement.

If you are using a foreign passport, it must be valid and unaltered. If you are using a military ID, it must be current and issued by the U.S. Department of Defense. A tribal enrollment card must be issued by a federally recognized tribe.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring one document that shows your Social Security number. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security, SSI, or SSDI. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID in California. You can get a standard driver's license or ID card instead, but it will not be Real ID compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Proof of California Residency

Bring one document that shows your current California address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, a paycheck stub, or a government benefit statement. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 62 days.

If you have recently moved to California and do not yet have a document dated within the last 62 days, you may bring two documents that together show your name and address, even if one is older. A lease or rental agreement does not need to be dated within 62 days if it is currently in effect and shows your current address.

Proof of Lawful Presence in the United States

Bring one document that proves you are lawfully present in the United States. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid visa, a permanent resident card, an employment authorization document, a tribal enrollment card, a military ID, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a valid foreign passport with an unexpired visa. If you were born in the United States, a certified birth certificate is the most straightforward option.

If you are a permanent resident, your green card serves as proof of both identity and lawful presence. If you have an employment authorization document (EAD), it must be valid and unaltered. If you have a visa, it must be valid and in your passport.

What Happens to Your Documents at the DMV

When you submit your documents at the DMV counter, the staff member will examine each one and make copies for your file. You will receive your original documents back — the DMV does not keep them. The copies go into your DMV record and are used to verify your identity if you renew your license or ID in the future.

Keep your original documents in a safe place. You may need them again if you move out of state, explore for a passport, or need to prove your identity for other government purposes. The DMV will not send you copies of the documents they have on file.

Documents You Cannot Use

The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, photos of documents, or documents that have been altered or damaged. School IDs, library cards, and credit cards are not accepted as proof of identity. A notarized birth certificate is not the same as a certified birth certificate — you must order a certified copy directly from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

If your name has changed since a document was issued, bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both documents together to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a notarized birth certificate instead of a certified one?

No. A notarized copy is not the same as a certified copy. You must order a certified birth certificate directly from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. The office will issue an official certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp.

What if my document is in another language?

You must bring a certified English translation along with the original document. A certified translation is made by a professional translator and includes a statement that the translation is accurate and complete. Notarized translations are not accepted — the translation must be certified.

Do I need to bring all four types of documents if I already have a California driver's license?

Yes. Even if you hold a current California driver's license, you must bring documents from all four categories to convert to a Real ID. The DMV will verify your information again and update your record.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. You can get a standard California driver's license or ID card, but it will not meet Real ID requirements and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel.

Can someone else bring my documents to the DMV for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your original documents. The DMV staff must verify your identity by looking at you and your documents together. You cannot mail in your documents or have someone else submit them on your behalf.