Which documents the TSA and your state will accept

Real ID requires you to prove your identity with documents that fall into specific categories. The TSA does not accept every form of ID — only documents that meet federal standards for security features and verification. Your state DMV will tell you which documents they accept as proof of identity when you explore, and that list is narrower than what you might expect.

The documents that count depend on what you are proving: your legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, your residency, or your lawful status in the United States. Not every document proves every fact. A birth certificate proves your name and date of birth but not your current address. A utility bill proves your address but not your identity. You will need documents from multiple categories.

The federal Real ID Act does not specify which documents states must accept — it sets security standards that documents must meet. Each state decides which documents satisfy those standards. This means a document accepted in California may not be accepted in New York. Before you gather anything, check your state DMV's Real ID document list on their website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV publishes a specific list of acceptable documents for Real ID; that list is the only one that matters for your process.
  • You will need documents from at least three categories: identity, date of birth, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status.
  • A single document rarely proves everything — a passport proves identity and citizenship but not your current address.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • Documents must be current and valid; expired documents are rejected even if they were acceptable when issued.

Documents that prove your identity and legal name

Your state will require at least one document that shows your legal name and a photo. The most common acceptable documents are a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. Some states also accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity in most states, but not in all. If you are moving to a new state, check whether your old license will be accepted before you assume it will. Some states require the out-of-state license to be current; others accept expired licenses if they were valid when you held them.

A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity because it has no photo. You need a photo ID. If you do not have a passport or military ID, your previous state's driver's license is usually your best option. If you have none of these, you will need to obtain a state ID first — a separate process from Real ID that your DMV can walk you through.

Documents that prove your date of birth

Most states accept a birth certificate as proof of date of birth. It must be an original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself. Hospital birth certificates and copies printed from online genealogy websites are not accepted.

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, other documents may work: a passport, a military ID, a permanent resident card, a foreign passport, or a state ID from another state. Some states also accept a school record, a medical record, or a baptism certificate if it includes your date of birth and was issued by an official source. Check your state's list to see which alternatives they recognize.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need a birth certificate from that country or a passport. The document must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Some states require the translation to be certified by a translator; others do not. Your state DMV can tell you what they require.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

The most straightforward proof is your Social Security card itself — the original card issued by the Social Security Administration. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV.

If you do not have your card, other documents may be accepted: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that shows your full Social Security number. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. The document must be original or a certified copy; a photocopy is not enough.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get Real ID. Bring proof of your identity, date of birth, and lawful status to your local Social Security office. This process takes time, so do it early if you know you need it.

Documents that prove your current address

Your state will require at least one document showing your current residential address. The most common acceptable documents are a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be recent — most states require it to be dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days.

A utility bill in your name is the easiest option. It can be for electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone service. If you rent and the lease is in your name, that works too. If you live with someone else and the bills are in their name, ask them for a notarized letter stating that you live there, or bring a lease or rental agreement with your signature.

A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. Neither does a cell phone bill unless it shows your physical address. Some states do not accept PO box addresses; if you use a mailbox service, check your state's rules before you rely on it.

Documents that prove your lawful status in the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen, your birth certificate or passport proves your status. If you were born outside the United States and are a citizen, a naturalization certificate or a passport works. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), your green card is your proof. If you are a refugee or asylee, you will need a refugee travel document or an employment authorization document (EAD) that shows your status.

If you are in the United States on a visa, you will need your passport with a valid visa stamp, or an I-94 arrival/departure record, or an employment authorization document. Some states also accept an I-797 notice of action from USCIS. The document must be current and valid; an expired visa or EAD will not work.

If you do not have lawful status, you cannot get Real ID. Some states offer an alternative ID card for people without lawful status, but it is not Real ID and will not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. Check your state's rules to see what options are available to you.

What original documents and certified copies mean

When your state DMV says you need an "original" document, it means the actual document issued by the government agency — not a photocopy, not a scan, not a photo of the document on your phone. You must bring the physical document to the DMV office. They will examine it, verify it is genuine, and return it to you.

A "certified copy" is a photocopy made by the government agency that issued the original, stamped and signed by an official to confirm it is a true copy. Birth certificates, naturalization certificates, and divorce decrees are usually obtained as certified copies from the vital records office or court. These are acceptable in place of originals.

A photocopy you made yourself, even if notarized, is not a certified copy and will not be accepted. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you need a certified copy of a court document, contact the court clerk. These offices charge a fee — usually between $10 and $30 per copy — and take one to four weeks to mail it to you.

Common mistakes when gathering documents

The most common mistake is bringing documents that are expired. An expired passport, an expired driver's license, or an expired green card will not be accepted, even if it was valid when you held it. Check the expiration date on every document before you go to the DMV. If a document is expired, you will need to renew it first — a separate process that takes time.

Another common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of originals or certified copies. The DMV staff will turn you away if you show up with a photocopy of your birth certificate or a scan of your passport. You must have the original or a certified copy. If you do not have it, contact the issuing agency and request one before you schedule your appointment.

A third mistake is bringing documents that do not match your current legal name. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. Bring that document along with your original birth certificate so the DMV can see both your old name and your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You must bring the physical document to the office. They will examine it in person to verify it is genuine and has not been altered. A photo or digital scan is not acceptable.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

A passport or travel document from your country of birth usually works as proof of identity and date of birth. If you do not have either, contact the vital records office or government agency in your birth country to request a birth certificate. Some countries issue them by mail; others require you to explore in person. Your state DMV can tell you what alternatives they accept if you cannot obtain a birth certificate.

Do I need to bring all my documents to the DMV at once?

Yes. Bring all the documents your state requires in one visit. If you are missing even one, the DMV will not process your process and you will have to come back. Check your state's document checklist before you schedule your appointment and gather everything ahead of time.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use that to connect your old name to your new name. If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents for each change so the DMV can trace your legal name history.

Can my spouse or parent bring my documents for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your original documents. The DMV staff will verify your identity by comparing you to your photo ID and examining your documents in front of you. Someone else cannot do this for you.