Bring These Documents to Your Real ID Appointment
You need one document that proves your identity, one that proves your Social Security number, and one that proves your address. Most people bring a passport, a Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or lease. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the three-category rule holds everywhere: identity, Social Security, address. Your state DMV website lists the specific documents it will accept in each category.
Do not assume your old driver's license counts as proof of identity for Real ID purposes — many states require a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or tribal ID instead. Bring the original documents, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and return them to you; they do not keep them on file.
If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement instead. If you do not have a utility bill, a bank statement, mortgage statement, or lease agreement works. The point is to show your name and current address together.
Key Takeaways
- Bring an original identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), an original Social Security document (card or tax form), and an original address document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- Your old driver's license usually does not count as proof of identity for Real ID; check your state's accepted list before your appointment.
- Bring originals, not copies — the DMV will examine them and return them to you.
- If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all documents in a folder so you can locate them quickly when called.
Identity Documents the DMV Will Accept
A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest identity document and works in every state. A certified birth certificate (the long-form version with a raised seal, not a photocopy) also works everywhere. Some states accept a state ID card if it is not expired, though this varies — check before you go.
Tribal IDs, military IDs, and permanent resident cards (green cards) are accepted in most states. A few states also accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. Your state DMV website will list exactly which documents it takes; do not guess.
Documents must be unexpired or, in some cases, expired no more than five years ago. A birth certificate has no expiration date. If your passport expired more than five years ago, bring it anyway — some states still accept it, and the DMV staff can tell you on the spot.
Social Security Documents You Can Bring
Your Social Security card is the easiest proof. If you do not have it or cannot find it, bring one of these instead: a W-2 form from your employer, a 1040 tax return, a Social Security statement (which you can request free from ssa.gov), a 1099 form, or a benefit statement from Social Security, SSI, or railroad retirement.
The document must show your full name and Social Security number. A photocopy is acceptable for Social Security documents in most states, though bringing the original is safer. If you have never had a Social Security number, tell the DMV staff before your appointment — you will need to explore for one first, which adds time to the process.
Address Documents and What Works
A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the standard proof of address. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works just as well. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days also counts. Some states accept a property tax bill, insurance bill, or government mail addressed to you.
The document must show your current name and current address. If you moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage document for your new place instead. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address on its own.
If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there, plus their ID. Some states accept a residential lease even if it is not yet in your name, as long as it is signed and dated.
Documents for Minors and Guardians
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of guardianship if they are not a biological parent. A birth certificate showing both names, a custody order, or an adoption decree counts as proof of guardianship.
Some states require both parents to appear or sign a consent form if custody is shared. Check your state's rules before your appointment — this is one area where requirements differ significantly.
Minors still need their own Social Security document and address proof, just like adults. The guardian's address document can serve as proof of the minor's address if they live together.
What to Bring for Your Appointment: The Checklist
| Category | What to Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, birth certificate, or state ID (original) | Must be unexpired or expired less than 5 years. Check your state's list. |
| Social Security | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or SSA statement (original or copy) | Must show your full name and number. |
| Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement (original or copy) | Must be dated within 60 days and show your current address. |
| If under 18 | Parent or guardian with their ID and proof of guardianship | Some states require both parents or a signed consent form. |
| Payment | Cash, debit card, or credit card (check your state's options) | Real ID fees range by state; some DMVs do not accept all payment types. |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Appointment
Bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the original is the most common mistake. The DMV needs to see the raised seal. Bringing an expired passport that expired more than five years ago is another — check the expiration date before you leave home.
Bringing an address document dated more than 60 days old, or one that shows an old address, will send you home to get a newer one. If you moved recently, bring a lease or mortgage document for your new place, not a utility bill that has not caught up yet.
Forgetting your Social Security card and not bringing a backup document (W-2, tax return, or SSA statement) is also common. If you do not have any of these, you will need to request a Social Security statement before your appointment — that takes a few days.
If you are under 18 and come alone, the DMV will turn you away. A parent or guardian must be present. If you are over 18 but your address document is in someone else's name, bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there — without it, you cannot prove your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old driver's license as proof of identity?
Not for Real ID. Most states require a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID instead. Your old driver's license proves you once had a license, not that you are who you say you are. Check your state DMV website to see which documents it accepts.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
Bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement instead. You can request a free statement from ssa.gov; it takes about two weeks to arrive. If you have never had a Social Security number, you must explore for one before your Real ID appointment.
My utility bill is in my roommate's name. Can I still use it?
No, the bill must show your name. Bring a lease agreement or mortgage document in your name instead. If neither is available, bring a notarized letter from your roommate saying you live there, plus their ID.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement works just as well. The DMV only needs one document that shows your Social Security number.
What if my documents are expired?
Identity documents can be expired up to five years and still work in most states. Social Security and address documents do not have expiration dates, though address documents must be dated within 60 days. Check your state's rules if your identity document is older than five years.