Bring These Documents to Your Real ID Appointment

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal status — all originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. You must also bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired.

The exact documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. A document that proves one thing (like your name and birth date) will not substitute for a document that proves another thing (like where you live). The DMV staff will tell you on the spot if a document does not meet their standard, so bringing extras in each category gives you a backup if one is rejected.

Bring originals whenever possible. If you cannot get an original, bring a certified copy — a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency. A notarized copy is not the same as a certified copy and will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired, plus one document from each of the four proof categories: identity, residency, Social Security number, and citizenship.
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies, photos of documents, and notarized copies will not be accepted.
  • Different documents work in different states, so check your state DMV website before your appointment to see which specific documents your state accepts in each category.
  • Bring a second document in at least one category as a backup in case the DMV rejects your first choice.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization; if you were born in a U.S. territory, bring your birth certificate plus proof of citizenship status.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, bring a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a passport, a state-issued ID card from another state, a tribal ID, or a school or work ID with a photo may work depending on your state's rules.

Some states accept a birth certificate as proof of identity if you also bring a photo ID from a non-government source — like a school photo ID or employee badge. Check your state DMV website to see whether a birth certificate alone will work or whether you need to pair it with something else.

Proof of Residency Documents

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days (rules vary slightly by state, so confirm the timeframe with your DMV).

If you have moved recently and your utility bill or lease is not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or utility company on letterhead stating your name and current address. Some states also accept a bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail as proof of residency. Do not bring a PO box address — the DMV needs a physical street address.

Proof of Social Security Number

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have your card and cannot get a pay stub or tax form, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

You can request this letter online through your Social Security account at ssa.gov, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a replacement card or a verification letter. The letter arrives by mail and takes one to two weeks. If you are in a hurry, bring whatever document you have and ask the DMV whether it will work; some states are flexible about this category.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status

For proof of citizenship or legal status, the document you bring depends on where you were born. If you were born in the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. The birth certificate must be a long-form certificate (the kind with your parents' names on it), not a short-form or abstract version.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your U.S. passport or passport card. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card. If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, bring your birth certificate plus a document proving you are a U.S. citizen — usually a passport or a Certificate of Citizenship.

What to Do If You Cannot Find a Document

If you cannot find one of the four required documents, contact your state DMV before your appointment and ask what alternatives they accept. Many states have workarounds. For example, if you cannot get a birth certificate, some states will accept a passport or a baptism record plus other identity documents. If you cannot get your Social Security card, a pay stub or tax form usually works.

Order missing documents as soon as you know you need them. Birth certificates take one to three weeks to arrive by mail. Social Security cards take one to two weeks. Passport cards take four to six weeks. If your appointment is coming up and you do not have time to order, call the DMV and ask whether you can reschedule or whether they will let you come in with what you have and submit the missing document later.

Bring These Items Too

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. Bring your Social Security number written down in case you need to reference it. Bring a pen to fill out forms. Bring your phone or a printed copy of your appointment confirmation showing the date and time.

If you have changed your name since your current ID was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the court order or marriage certificate proving the change. The DMV will not issue a Real ID in a new name without proof that the name change was legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?

No. The DMV must see the original documents or certified copies. Photos of documents, screenshots, and photocopies will not be accepted. If you cannot bring an original, contact the issuing agency and request a certified copy.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will update your address on your Real ID. You do not need to change your address before the appointment.

Do I need to bring my green card if I am a permanent resident?

Yes. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card as proof of legal status. Permanent residents can get a Real ID, but the process is the same — you still need the four proof categories, and your green card covers the citizenship/legal status requirement.

What if I was born in another country but do not have a passport?

You will need to get a passport or Certificate of Naturalization before your appointment. If you are a naturalized citizen, you can request a replacement Certificate from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you are not yet a citizen, you will need to complete the citizenship process first.

Can I bring a notarized copy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. A notarized copy is not the same as a certified copy. A certified copy is stamped and signed by the government agency that issued the document (usually the vital records office in your birth state). You can order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office.