The Documents Real ID Requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring three categories of documents to your state's DMV or licensing office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary slightly by state, but the categories themselves are federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online in most states — you must appear in person at a DMV office with your documents. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work. If any document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proving your Social Security number (usually a Social Security card or tax return), and one showing your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count, and your state DMV will not accept them.
  • You must explore in person at a DMV office; Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or through an online process.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts for each category, because some states accept additional documents beyond the federal minimum.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, your state will accept at least one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a birth certificate, a passport card, a permanent resident card, a tribal ID card, or a military ID. Some states also accept a driver's license from another state, a state ID card, or a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state.

Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself, and not a hospital birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, the document must be an official record from that country's government.

If you have a passport, bringing it is often the simplest route because it serves as proof of identity and citizenship in one document. If your passport is expired, it still counts as proof of identity for Real ID purposes.

Proof of Social Security Number

To prove your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security card is the most straightforward option if you have it.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, or you can bring a tax document instead. A W-2 or 1099 from your employer, or a copy of your most recent tax return, will work just as well.

Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration.

Proof of Current Address

For proof of your current address, bring one document dated within the last 30 to 60 days (the exact timeframe varies by state). Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your name and address.

The document must show your full name and your current street address. A PO box does not count as a current address for Real ID purposes. If you recently moved and have not yet received a utility bill at your new address, bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord, or a mortgage statement from your lender.

Some states accept an affidavit of residence — a signed statement from someone else who lives at your address — if you cannot produce a document in your name. Check your state DMV's website to see whether this option is available where you live.

Documents You Bring for Name Changes

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — bring a document proving the change. This might be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order, or an adoption decree.

The name-change document must be an official certified copy from the court or government office that issued it. If you were married outside the United States, bring an official marriage certificate from that country along with an official English translation.

If your name appears differently on different documents (for example, a middle name on your birth certificate but not on your Social Security card), bring all the documents showing each version. The DMV will use them to verify that all versions refer to the same person.

What to Bring If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

If you are a permanent resident, bring your permanent resident card (green card) along with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. If you are a temporary resident with a visa, bring your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival/departure record along with your other documents.

If you are a citizen of a Compact of Free Association state (the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau), bring your passport and proof of Social Security number. Some states have different rules for COFA citizens, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

Real ID is not available to people who are in the United States without legal status. If you are undocumented, your state may offer a state ID card that does not meet Real ID standards but can still be used for some purposes.

How to Prepare Before You Go to the DMV

Before you visit the DMV, go to your state's DMV website and read or print the list of acceptable documents for your state. The federal requirements are the same everywhere, but some states accept additional documents or have slightly different rules about how recent an address document must be.

Gather all your documents and check that each one is an original or certified copy. If any document is damaged, faded, or hard to read, request a replacement from the issuing office before you explore. Bring more documents than you think you need — if one is rejected for any reason, you will have a backup.

Check whether your state requires you to make an appointment or whether you can walk in. Many DMV offices now require appointments, and walk-in service may have long wait times. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others require you to call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an official certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. The DMV will not accept a photocopy you made yourself, even if it is notarized. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from the vital records office before you go to the DMV.

What if my address document is older than 60 days?

Most states require your address document to be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. If yours is older, request a new statement from your utility company, bank, or insurance company. Many companies will issue a current statement for free if you ask. Alternatively, bring a lease or mortgage document that shows your current address.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license?

You do not need to bring your old license if you already have the three required documents (proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address). However, bringing it can speed up the process because the DMV already has some of your information on file. If you are renewing rather than explore for the first time, check your state's rules — some states require you to bring your old license.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your official birth certificate from the country where you were born, along with an official English translation if the original is not in English. If you also have a U.S. passport, bringing it is helpful because it proves both your identity and your citizenship. You will still need proof of your Social Security number and current address.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV to get a Real ID. Some states allow a parent or guardian to explore on behalf of a minor, but the minor must still be present. Check your state's rules if you are explore for a minor or if you have a question about your specific situation.