The documents you'll need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, and proof of your current address
Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent agency — you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere: you need to prove who you are, that you're a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country, and where you live right now.
This is not an online process. You will visit your state's DMV in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents, and the staff will verify them before issuing your Real ID. Some states let you check what documents they accept before you go; others post a list on their website. Calling ahead or checking online saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or current driver's license.
- You need proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country, which usually means a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa.
- You must show proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents they accept; some states are stricter than others about which documents may have access to.
- You bring originals or certified copies to the DMV in person — Real ID cannot be obtained by mail.
Proof of identity: what counts
Your state DMV will accept one document that proves who you are. Common documents include a current or expired passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a current driver's license or state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. Some states also accept a school ID, employee ID, or passport card, but this varies.
The document must be original or certified. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work unless it is a certified copy — meaning it came from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, and it has an official seal or stamp. If you have a passport, bring that; it counts as both identity and citizenship proof, which saves you a step.
If your current license or ID is expired, you can still use it to prove identity, but check your state's rules first. Some states accept expired documents; others do not. Your state DMV website will say which documents they take.
Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
You need one document showing you are a U.S. citizen or that you are lawfully present in the country. For U.S. citizens, this is usually a passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Military discharge papers (a DD-214) also work in most states.
If you are not a U.S. citizen but are lawfully present, you will need a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This could be a valid visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a green card, or an I-94 arrival/departure record. The document must be current and valid; expired documents do not count.
A passport serves double duty — it proves both identity and citizenship. If you have one, bring it and you have covered two of the three requirements. If you do not have a passport and need to prove citizenship, order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on the state.
Proof of current address
You need one document showing where you live right now. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or tax return, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration.
The document must show your name and your current address. A bill addressed to a former address will not work. If you recently moved and your bills have not caught up, ask your utility company for a recent statement, or use a lease or rental agreement if you have one. Some states also accept a letter from a government agency or a notarized statement from a landlord if you cannot produce a utility bill.
Do not bring a cell phone bill or a credit card statement from an online-only bank unless your state specifically says it accepts them. Call your DMV or check their website to confirm what counts as proof of address in your state.
Documents organized by what you're proving
| What You're Proving | Documents That Work | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, birth certificate (certified), current driver's license, military ID, tribal ID | Must be original or certified copy. Expired documents may work in some states. |
| Citizenship or Lawful Presence | Passport, birth certificate (certified), naturalization certificate, green card, valid visa, EAD, I-94 | For non-citizens, document must be current and valid. Passport covers both identity and citizenship. |
| Current Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, tax return, insurance policy, vehicle registration | Must be dated within last 60 days and show your name and current address. |
How to prepare before you go to the DMV
Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of documents they accept. Some states are more flexible than others. Write down which documents you have and which you need to get. If you are missing something, order it now — a certified birth certificate can take one to three weeks, and you do not want to make a second trip to the DMV.
Gather your documents and make copies of everything, even though you will bring originals. Keep the copies at home in case you need to reorder documents later. Check that your documents are not damaged, torn, or faded; the DMV scanner may reject them if they are hard to read.
Look up your local DMV office online and check their hours and whether they take walk-ins or require an appointment. Some DMVs are appointment-only now. If you need an appointment, book it as soon as possible — some offices have a wait of several weeks. Bring all your documents in a folder so they do not get lost on the way.
What happens if a document is rejected
If the DMV staff say a document does not meet their standards, ask why. Sometimes a document is rejected because it is damaged, not certified, or not dated correctly. If you can fix the problem on the spot — for example, if your address proof is dated just outside the 60-day window but you have another bill that is not — you may be able to use a different document.
If you cannot fix it that day, the DMV will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without a clear list of what is missing and what will work. Some DMVs give you a written list; others do not. Ask for one, or take a photo of the staff member's notes so you know exactly what to get.
You will have to return to the DMV with the correct documents. There is no way around this — Real ID requires original documents or certified copies, and the DMV cannot issue a Real ID without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No, unless it is a certified copy. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the vital records office where you were born. A regular photocopy will be rejected. Order a certified copy from your county or state vital records office; it usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.
Do I need both a passport and a birth certificate?
No. A passport proves both identity and citizenship, so if you have one, bring it and you have covered two of the three requirements. You still need proof of your current address. If you do not have a passport, you need separate documents for identity and citizenship.
What if I do not have a current address because I am homeless?
Contact your state's DMV directly. Many states allow homeless people to use a shelter address, a mail drop address, or a letter from a social services agency as proof of address. The rules vary by state, so call ahead and ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Can I use my lease as proof of both identity and address?
No. A lease proves your address but not your identity. You need a separate document that shows who you are, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver's license. The lease and the identity document must both have your name on them.
How long do I have to bring my documents after I request a Real ID?
You do not request a Real ID in advance. You straightforward show up at the DMV with your documents and ask for a Real ID instead of a standard driver's license or ID card. The staff will check your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, you pay the fee and they issue your Real ID.