What Documents and Information You Need for a Real ID

The documents you need to bring to get a Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful status, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You must also bring your current driver's license or state ID card. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. You must appear in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents. Some states allow you to upload documents before your appointment through their online portal, but you will still need to bring the physical originals to verify.

Real ID is not a separate card in most states. It is a marking on your existing driver's license or state ID — usually a star or gold circle in the upper right corner. When you renew your license or get a new one, you can request the Real ID version at that time. If your current license does not have the marking, you will need to visit the DMV to add it, even if your license is not yet due for renewal.

Key Takeaways

You must bring original documents proving your identity, citizenship or lawful status, Social Security number, and current address — photocopies do not work.
Your current driver's license or state ID card is required, and you must appear in person; no online or mail-in process exists for Real ID.
Real ID is a marking on your existing license, not a separate card, and you can request it when you renew or visit the DMV specifically to add it.
Processing times vary by state but typically take two to six weeks, and some states charge a small fee while others include it in your renewal cost.

Proof of identity documents that the DMV will accept

Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born is the most common choice. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. passport, you will need your original birth certificate from that country plus a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship showing you became a U.S. citizen. A green card alone does not prove citizenship and will not work for Real ID purposes.

Secondary identity documents — such as a school ID, employee ID, or military ID — cannot be your only proof of identity. They can support a primary document if the DMV asks, but you must have one of the documents listed above.

Proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status

If your birth certificate already shows you were born in the United States, it serves as both your identity document and your proof of citizenship. You do not need a separate citizenship document.

If you were born outside the U.S., you need a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These are the only documents that prove you are a U.S. citizen. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) but not yet a citizen, you can get a Real ID using your green card as proof of lawful status, though some states may have additional requirements. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your immigration status qualifies.

Refugees and asylees can use their I-131 or I-797 documents as proof of lawful status. If you are in the U.S. on a visa but not a permanent resident or citizen, you generally cannot get a Real ID at this time.

Proof of your Social Security number

The DMV needs to verify your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the easiest document to bring. If you do not have your card, you can use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub showing your full Social Security number, or a tax return. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Real ID. You can explore at your local Social Security office or by mail using Form SS-5. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you are in this situation.

Proof of your current address

The DMV needs a document showing your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some states accept a government-issued document such as a property tax bill or vehicle registration. A few states accept mail from a government agency addressed to you at your current address.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring what you have and ask the DMV what they will accept. Some states allow you to use an older document plus a letter from your landlord or a recent lease. Post office change-of-address confirmations do not count as proof of address on their own.

What happens if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing a document, do not go to the DMV yet. Contact your state's DMV office first — by phone, email, or their website — and ask what alternatives they accept. Many states have flexibility for people who cannot obtain certain documents, such as those born in countries that no longer issue birth certificates or people who lost documents in a disaster.

Some states offer a process called "reasonable impediment" for people who cannot obtain a required document through no fault of their own. You may be able to sign a statement explaining why you cannot get the document and bring supporting evidence instead. This process varies widely by state, so ask your DMV what options exist before you make a trip.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a Real ID. You can continue to use a standard driver's license or state ID for most purposes, though you will not be able to use it for federal building access or domestic air travel after the important date in your state.

Processing time and fees

After you submit your documents at the DMV, processing typically takes two to six weeks. Some states are faster; others slower. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25. Check your state DMV's website to see if expedited service is available and whether it is worth the cost for your timeline.

Real ID itself does not have a separate fee in most states — it is included in your regular driver's license renewal cost. A few states charge $5 to $15 extra for the Real ID marking. If you are adding Real ID to a license that is not yet due for renewal, you may pay a smaller fee for the replacement card. Fees vary by state, so check before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or digital image of my documents?

No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies, photos on your phone, or PDF files. The only exception is if your state's DMV allows you to upload documents before your appointment for pre-verification — but you still must bring the originals to your appointment.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

You can use a foreign birth certificate as your identity document if it is an official certified copy. You will also need a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship to prove you are a U.S. citizen. If your birth certificate is in another language, some states require a certified English translation; ask your DMV first.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or visit federal buildings?

Real ID is not required for driving or most everyday activities. You only need it if you plan to fly domestically, enter a federal building, or board a military base after your state's important date. Your current standard driver's license remains valid for driving and most other uses. Check your state's important date to see when the change takes effect.

Can I get a Real ID if I am a permanent resident but not a citizen?

Many states allow permanent residents to get a Real ID using their green card as proof of lawful status. However, some states have different rules. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your green card qualifies before you gather other documents and make a trip.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring a W-2, 1099, recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. If none of these are available, you can request a replacement Social Security card from your local Social Security office before your DMV appointment.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.