Documents required for a Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. The exact documents vary by state, but every state accepts the same broad categories. You cannot use a Real ID process to prove you are who you say you are — you have to walk in with documents that already prove it.

Most people can complete this with documents they already own: a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for your number, a utility bill or lease for where you live, and a green card or passport for lawful status. Some states accept more options than others, so check your state's DMV website before you go — showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring four types of documents: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — one document cannot count toward two categories.
  • A birth certificate or valid passport proves identity; a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return proves your number.
  • A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days proves you live where you say you do.
  • A U.S. passport, green card, employment authorization document, or birth certificate proves lawful status — requirements vary by state.
  • Check your state DMV website for the full list of accepted documents before you visit, because some states accept more options than others.

Identity documents that work

A valid passport — U.S. or foreign — is the easiest proof of identity because it proves both identity and lawful status at once. If you have one, bring it. A birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribe works in every state. It must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features, not a photocopy or a document you printed from an online genealogy site.

Some states also accept a valid driver's license or ID card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport card. A few states accept a school ID or employee ID if it has a photo and signature. Your state DMV website lists what it takes — do not assume your old ID will work as proof of identity for a Real ID.

Social Security number documents

A Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you do not have one or cannot find it, you can bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return (federal or state) works. So does a 1099 form, W-2, or SSA-1099 from Social Security itself.

Some states accept a bank statement or mortgage statement that shows your Social Security number, though this is less common. A few accept a medical record or insurance document with your number on it. The document must show your full nine-digit number — a statement that shows only the last four digits does not count. Check your state's list before you go.

Proof of where you live

A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, internet, or phone — is the standard proof of residency. It must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or rental agreement works if it is signed and current. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also works. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days is accepted in most states.

Some states accept a government check stub, a paycheck, or a letter from your employer showing your address. A few accept a school enrollment letter or a letter from a government agency. What does not work: a cell phone bill (in most states), a credit report, a hotel receipt, or mail addressed to "Current Resident." The document must show your full name and current address, and it must be recent — usually within 60 days.

Lawful status documents

A U.S. passport or passport card proves lawful status. So does a green card (permanent resident card), a birth certificate issued in the U.S., or an employment authorization document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you were born in a U.S. territory — Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands — your birth certificate counts.

Some states accept a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) card, or a Notice of Action from USCIS. A few states accept a valid visa or I-94 arrival/departure record. The rules differ by state, and some states have stricter requirements than others. If you are not a U.S. citizen, check your state DMV website to see which documents it accepts — do not assume your immigration document will work.

What to bring to the DMV

Bring the original documents, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them and may make copies for your file. Bring all four types of documents — identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — even if one document covers more than one category. For example, a passport proves both identity and lawful status, but you still need separate proof of your Social Security number and where you live.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one. Bring your Social Security number written down in case you cannot find your card. If your name has changed since you got your birth certificate — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation.

Documents you cannot use

A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal. A school ID, employee ID, or library card cannot be your only proof of identity. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in most states. A credit report, even if it shows your address, is not accepted. A hotel receipt or mail addressed to "Current Resident" does not prove you live somewhere.

An expired passport can still prove identity and lawful status, but an expired driver's license from another state usually cannot. A temporary ID or a receipt saying you applied for an ID does not work. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call your state DMV or check its website — bringing the wrong documents means another trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring the original certified copy with a raised seal or security features. A printout from an online genealogy site or a photo of your birth certificate on your phone does not count. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring a document that explains the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DMV will use this to verify that you are the same person across all your documents. If your name changed recently and you have not updated all your documents yet, update them before you go to the DMV.

Do I need an original Social Security card or can I use a copy?

An original card is best, but most states accept a copy if it is clear and shows your full number. A tax document like a W-2 or 1099 works just as well and is often easier to find. Check your state DMV website to see what it prefers.

Can I use a lease if it does not have my full name on it?

No. Your proof of residency must show your full name and current address. If your lease lists you as "J. Smith" but your legal name is "John Smith," it may not work — call your DMV to ask. A utility bill or bank statement in your full name is safer.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but I am a citizen?

A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and lawful status. If you do not have a passport, bring a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS. A foreign birth certificate does not count as proof of lawful status.