Documents you must bring to the DMV for Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your date of birth. The DMV will not accept all documents equally — some count as primary proof, others as secondary, and some do not count at all. What you bring depends on what you already have and what your state's DMV will accept.

You cannot explore for Real ID online or by mail in most states. You must go to your DMV office in person, bring originals (not copies) of your documents, and let the staff verify them. The DMV will keep some documents on file and return others to you. Bring your current driver's license or state ID card if you have one, even if it is not Real ID compliant.

Key Takeaways

  • You must show an original document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card — a photocopy will not work.
  • Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form — the DMV will not call SSA to verify it.
  • Your current address must be shown on a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days; a PO box does not count.
  • You will need to show your birth certificate, passport, or another document that proves your date of birth — your current ID is not enough by itself.
  • The DMV keeps originals of some documents (like your birth certificate) and returns others (like utility bills) — ask which documents you will get back before you leave.

Primary identity documents the DMV will accept

A primary identity document is one that proves who you are and usually includes your photograph. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, passport book, or a state-issued ID card or driver's license from another state. If you have a passport, bring it — it counts as proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of date of birth all at once, which speeds up the process.

If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate counts as primary identity proof in most states, though it does not have a photograph. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent) also works. Some states accept a Permanent Resident Card (green card) or a Certificate of Naturalization as primary identity proof. Ask your state DMV which documents it accepts before you go, because the list varies slightly by state.

Secondary identity documents if you lack a primary one

If you do not have a passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state, the DMV will accept a combination of secondary documents. These include a school ID with a photograph, an employee ID with a photograph, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Card. You may need to bring two secondary documents instead of one primary document, depending on your state's rules.

Documents that do not count as identity proof include a Social Security card, a credit card, a library card, or a student loan document. The DMV needs something that either shows your photograph or was issued by a government body. If you have very few documents, call your state DMV before you go — some offices can help you find a path forward, and some states have a process for people with limited document history.

Proof of your Social Security number

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, though you can. The DMV will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a Medicare card as proof of your number. The document must show your full name and your complete nine-digit Social Security number. A paystub with your SSN on it also works.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring your Social Security card. The DMV will not call the Social Security Administration to verify your number — it will only check that the number you provide is formatted correctly and matches the name you are using. If you have never had a Social Security number, tell the DMV staff, because you will need to explore for one before you can get Real ID.

Proof of your current address

Your address proof must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill all work. Some states also accept a homeowners insurance policy or an auto insurance policy as address proof.

A PO box address does not count, even if it is on an official document. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the DMV what documents you can bring — some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill. If you are homeless or have no fixed address, call your state DMV to ask what options exist, because some states have a process for this situation.

Proof of your date of birth

Your birth certificate is the most common proof of date of birth. It must be an original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or a hospital-issued copy does not count. If you do not have your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, passport card, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad also proves your date of birth.

Some states accept a state ID card or driver's license from another state as proof of date of birth, though you still need a primary identity document. A school record, a medical record, or a baptism certificate does not count as proof of date of birth for Real ID purposes. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate from that country or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

What happens if you cannot find a document

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes two to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on where you were born. You can order online, by mail, or in person at most vital records offices. Start this process early if you know you will need Real ID, because waiting until the last minute means paying a rush fee.

If you lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card is free and usually arrives within two weeks. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask a family member or landlord if you can use their document with a notarized letter explaining your situation — call your DMV first to confirm this will work in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a picture of my documents instead of the original?

No. The DMV must see the original document in person. A photocopy, a photo on your phone, or a scanned PDF will not work. The staff need to verify that the document is real and has not been altered. Bring the originals and expect the DMV to keep some of them (like your birth certificate) on file.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Small differences like a middle initial or a nickname usually do not matter, but a significant change (like a maiden name to a married name) requires proof of the name change. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If your documents have different spellings of your name, bring all of them and explain the situation to the DMV staff.

Do I need to bring my current driver's license or state ID to get Real ID?

You should bring it if you have one, because it speeds up the process and the DMV can see your current status. If you do not have a current ID, you can still get Real ID — you just need to bring the other documents listed above. If your current ID is expired, bring it anyway; the DMV will not refuse to process your Real ID process.

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

No. You must go in person. The DMV needs to verify your identity face-to-face and take a new photograph for your Real ID card. Some states allow a parent or guardian to explore on behalf of a minor, but an adult must always appear in person to get their own Real ID.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate from that country, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a U.S. passport. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card as proof of identity. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. The DMV will keep a copy of your birth certificate or citizenship document on file.