The Documents You Must Bring

You need four categories of documents to get a Real ID: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents that satisfy each category depend on your state, but the categories themselves are federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You cannot use the same document twice. For example, a passport counts as both citizenship proof and identity proof, but you still need a separate document for your Social Security number and address. Most people bring more documents than the minimum because it is faster than arguing about whether a single document meets two requirements.

Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official translation certified by the issuing agency or a professional translator.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship or legal residency, a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — four separate documents or document categories.
  • A passport or passport card satisfies citizenship and identity at once, but you still need documents for Social Security and address.
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies do not work, and your state DMV will not accept them even if notarized.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts for each category, because some states accept documents others do not.
  • Bring more documents than the minimum if you have them — it prevents delays when staff disagree about whether a document meets the requirement.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is the document that proves you have the right to be in the United States. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest choice because it covers this requirement and identity in one document. If you do not have a passport, you can use a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).

Birth certificates must be certified copies issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — not hospital-issued copies or ones you printed from an online service. The state seal and signature must be visible. If your birth certificate is old or the name on it does not match your current legal name, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that explains the change.

If you were born outside the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring your naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a permanent resident but not yet a citizen, your green card (Form I-551) serves as proof of legal residency. Some states also accept a valid Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) or Advance Parole Document (Form I-131) if you are in the process of obtaining permanent residency.

Government-Issued Photo Identification

You need a document with your photograph, signature, and identifying information issued by a government agency. A passport, passport card, or military ID works. If you do not have one of those, your state DMV accepts a driver's license or ID card from another state, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport.

The photo ID must not be expired, though some states allow IDs that expired within the last year. Check your state's specific rules on the DMV website before you go, because this varies. If your current photo ID is expired and you do not have another one, you may need to bring additional documents — such as a school ID, employee badge, or medical records with your photo — to prove your identity while you wait for your Real ID to arrive.

Proof of Social Security Number

You need a document that shows your full nine-digit Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or it is damaged, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past three years. A paystub with your full SSN also works.

If you have never worked and do not have tax documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter stating your number. The SSA can mail this to you, but it takes two to three weeks. Some states allow you to bring a document from your employer or a bank statement showing your SSN, so check your state's list before you assume you need to contact the SSA.

Proof of Current Address

You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. Insurance documents, property tax statements, and vehicle registration are also accepted in most states.

If you have moved recently and your documents still show an old address, bring the new lease or a utility bill in your name at the new address. If you are homeless or living with someone else and do not have a document in your name, some states allow a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill, stating that you live there. Call your state DMV to ask what they accept before you go, because this rule varies widely.

What Happens If You Are Missing a Document

If you show up without one of the four required documents, the DMV will not issue your Real ID that day. You can still renew your regular driver's license or ID card, but you will not get the Real ID designation. You will have to return with the missing document to upgrade to Real ID later.

Some states allow you to explore for a Real ID online or by mail if you are missing a document, and they will verify it through a third-party service. This takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but it saves you a second trip. Check your state's website to see if this option is available.

State-by-State Differences in Accepted Documents

While the four categories are federal, the specific documents each state accepts vary. For example, some states accept a tribal ID as proof of identity; others do not. Some states accept a utility bill dated within 60 days; others require 30 days. A few states accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot get a utility bill; most do not.

Before you gather your documents, visit your state's DMV website and look for the Real ID document list. It will show exactly which documents satisfy each category in your state. If the list is unclear, call the DMV or visit in person to ask. Bringing the wrong documents wastes your time and the staff's time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or scanned copy of my documents?

No. You must bring originals or certified copies issued by the agency that created the document. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. If you have a certified copy, the state seal and official signature must be visible on the copy itself.

What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?

Bring the document that shows your current name plus the document that shows your old name and the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both to confirm the name change is legitimate.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

You can bring a copy of your Social Security card, but an original is safer because it cannot be disputed. If you bring a copy, bring a second document with your SSN as backup — such as a W-2 or paystub — in case the staff questions whether the copy is legitimate.

What if I was born outside the United States but I am a U.S. citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Citizenship or naturalization certificate as proof of citizenship. If you also have a U.S. passport, bring that instead — it covers both citizenship and identity. A foreign passport alone does not prove citizenship, even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Can I use an expired ID as my proof of identity?

Some states allow an ID that expired within the last year; others do not. Check your state's DMV website. If your ID is older than that and you have no other photo ID, bring additional documents like a school ID, employee badge, or medical records with your photo to help prove your identity.