Documents you need to bring to the DMV for Real ID

You need to bring four types of documents to your DMV office: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents that work vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot complete a Real ID process online or by mail — you must appear in person with originals or certified copies.

Bring more than the minimum if you have them. If one document is unclear, damaged, or raises a question, having a backup saves you a trip back home. The DMV staff will tell you on the spot whether a document works; if it doesn't, you'll need to leave, get the right one, and return.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos of documents do not count.
  • Proof of citizenship requires a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers; a state ID or driver's license alone is not enough.
  • Your current address must be proven with a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — a credit card statement usually does not work.
  • If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Some states accept documents from other states; others require documents issued in that state — call your DMV before you go.

Proof of citizenship documents

A U.S. passport (book or card) counts as proof of citizenship and identity at the same time, so if you have one, bring it. You do not need anything else in this category. A passport is the fastest single document you can bring.

If you don't have a passport, bring a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or a birth certificate from a genealogy website does not work. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office — search "[your state] vital records" to find the office and the cost, which usually runs $15 to $30.

Other documents that work in most states include a Certificate of Naturalization (if you became a U.S. citizen), a Certificate of Citizenship, or a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, the Consular Report is what you need.

Proof of identity documents

An unexpired passport works here too. If you don't have one, bring a document with your photo, name, and date of birth. Most states accept a current or expired driver's license or state ID from any U.S. state, though some states require it to be from their own state — call ahead if you're using an out-of-state ID.

Other documents that usually work include a military ID, a tribal ID, a school ID with a photo (though some DMVs reject this), or a passport card. A few states accept a permanent resident card (green card) or a visa with a photo. Do not bring a Social Security card, credit card, or birth certificate — these do not count as identity documents.

Proof of Social Security number

The easiest document is your Social Security card itself. If you don't have it or it's damaged, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document from the past two years that shows your full Social Security number. A 1040 tax return works if it's signed.

If you don't have tax documents, some states accept a benefit statement from Social Security (you can request one online at ssa.gov), a Medicare or Medicaid card, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead that includes your Social Security number. A few states accept a bank statement that shows your Social Security number. Call your DMV to confirm which of these your state accepts before you gather them.

Proof of current address

Your address document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works if you own your home. A lease or rental agreement works if you rent, though some DMVs want a recent utility bill in addition.

Government mail counts if it shows your name and address — examples include a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document. A bank or credit card statement does not work in most states. A insurance bill (auto, home, or renters) works in some states but not others. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask your DMV what documents they accept — some allow a notarized letter from the person whose address you're using.

Name change documents

If your name on your citizenship or identity document doesn't match the name you want on your Real ID, bring the legal document that shows the change. A marriage certificate is the most common — it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy or a document from the wedding.

A divorce decree works if your name changed as part of the divorce. A court order for name change (issued by a judge) works if you legally changed your name outside of marriage or divorce. Some states also accept a domestic partnership certificate or a civil union certificate if your name changed as a result. If you've changed your name multiple times, bring all the documents in order.

What to do if you don't have an original document

If you cannot get an original, ask the DMV whether they accept a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — it's not the same as a photocopy you make yourself. You can request certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records from the office that issued them, usually for $10 to $30.

Some documents, like a passport or driver's license, cannot be certified by another office — you either have the original or you don't. If you've lost your passport, you'll need to explore for a replacement from the State Department before you can use it for Real ID. If you've lost your birth certificate, order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before your DMV appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?

No. The DMV must see the original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone or a photocopy you made at home does not count. If you're worried about losing originals, bring them in a folder and ask the DMV staff to handle them carefully.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your birth certificate along with proof that you became a U.S. citizen — a naturalization certificate, passport, or green card. Some states require the foreign birth certificate to be translated into English by a certified translator. Call your DMV to ask whether translation is required before you go.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a tax return?

No, you only need one document that shows your Social Security number. A tax return, W-2, or benefit statement is enough. If you have your card, bring it anyway — it's the fastest option and takes up no extra space.

Can I use a utility bill from a roommate's name to prove my address?

Only if the bill shows both your name and address, or if you bring a notarized letter from the roommate saying you live there. A bill in someone else's name alone does not work. If you're on the lease or mortgage, bring that instead — it's clearer proof.

What if my driver's license is expired?

An expired driver's license still counts as proof of identity. The DMV accepts it as long as it has your photo, name, and date of birth. You do not need to renew it before your Real ID appointment.