Oregon Real ID documents: what to bring and where to get them

To get a Real ID driver's license or ID card in Oregon, you need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Oregon residency. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a specific list of acceptable documents — you cannot use just any ID or proof of address. Most people can gather what they need from documents already at home, but some documents take time to order, so planning ahead matters.

You will need one document from each of three categories: identity, Social Security, and residency. Some documents count toward more than one category, which can reduce the total number of papers you bring. ODOT accepts both originals and certified copies for most documents, but not photocopies.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents proving identity, Social Security number, and Oregon residency — one from each category, though some documents count for multiple categories.
  • A valid passport or birth certificate counts as identity proof; a Social Security card or tax return counts for your SSN; and a utility bill or lease counts for residency.
  • ODOT accepts originals and certified copies but not photocopies, and will return your documents to you after your appointment.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Oregon Health Authority Vital Records office, which takes one to two weeks by mail.
  • Changing your name on your Real ID requires a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — a photocopy will not work.

Identity documents ODOT will accept

ODOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or expired passport as proof of identity. You can also use a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a valid foreign passport works, along with a Permanent Resident Card (green card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you have a current or expired Oregon driver's license or ID card, you can use that as identity proof. Military ID cards, both active and retired, are also accepted. If none of these explore to you, ODOT will accept a certified copy of a court order showing your legal name.

You cannot use a photocopy of any of these documents. ODOT will return your original documents to you after your appointment, so you do not lose them by bringing them in.

Social Security number documents

The easiest way to prove your Social Security number is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card, ODOT accepts a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax return document that shows your full Social Security number. You can also use a document from the Social Security Administration, such as a benefit statement or earnings record.

If you have a current or expired Oregon driver's license or ID card, that counts as proof of your Social Security number and saves you from bringing a second document. The same is true for a military ID card.

Oregon residency documents

ODOT accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement as proof that you live in Oregon. The document must show your name and a current Oregon address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A recent property tax statement, homeowner's insurance policy, or renter's insurance policy also works.

If you receive mail from a government agency at an Oregon address — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or benefit statement — that counts as residency proof. Bank statements and credit card statements with your name and Oregon address are accepted as well.

You cannot use a photocopy. If you do not have a document in your name, ODOT may accept a document in a spouse's or parent's name if you live at the same address, but you should call your local ODOT office ahead of time to confirm.

Getting a birth certificate if you do not have one

If you were born in Oregon, you can order a certified copy from the Oregon Health Authority Vital Records office. You can order online at oregon.gov/deq/aq/vr, by mail, or by phone at 1-844-503-7233. The cost is $20 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail and is faster if you pay for expedited service.

If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Each state has its own website and fee structure. You can find links to all state vital records offices through the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your valid foreign passport or green card instead. You do not need a birth certificate.

Changing your name on your Real ID

If you want your Real ID to show a different name than your current driver's license, you need to bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy will not work — it must be a certified copy from the court or vital records office.

If you were married, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree that shows your new legal name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified copy of that order.

You can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate from the county clerk in the county where you were married. A divorce decree comes from the court that issued it. Processing times vary by county, so call ahead to ask how long it will take.

What to do before your ODOT appointment

Gather all your documents at least a week before your appointment. Check that each document is an original or certified copy, not a photocopy, and that it shows your current name and address. If you are changing your name, make sure you have the certified copy of the document that changed it.

If you are missing any documents, order them now. Birth certificates take one to two weeks, and certified copies from courts can take longer depending on the county. You can schedule your ODOT appointment online at oregon.gov/odot or by calling your local ODOT office.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. ODOT will return them to you after your appointment, so you will have them back the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate or marriage certificate?

No. ODOT requires originals or certified copies only. A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office or court. You can order certified copies from the Oregon Health Authority or the county clerk's office.

What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?

Bring the certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ODOT will use that to update your name on your Real ID. If your documents show different names, call your local ODOT office before your appointment to ask what else you may need.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I use a tax return instead?

Either one works. A W-2, 1099, or other tax return showing your full Social Security number is just as acceptable as the card itself. If you do not have either, a benefit statement from the Social Security Administration also counts.

What counts as proof of Oregon residency if I just moved here?

A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a recent bank statement or credit card statement with your Oregon address counts. A voter registration card or tax notice from Oregon also works.

How long does it take to get a certified copy of my birth certificate from Oregon?

The Oregon Health Authority processes birth certificate orders in one to two weeks by mail. You can pay extra for expedited service, which is faster. You can order online at oregon.gov/deq/aq/vr, by mail, or by phone at 1-844-503-7233.