The Documents You Must Bring

You need four categories of documents to get a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, but the categories themselves are federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You cannot mix and match documents freely. Each document serves a specific purpose, and some documents count toward multiple categories. For example, a passport proves both identity and lawful status, but it does not prove residency. A utility bill proves residency but not identity. You must bring at least one document from each of the four categories, though most people bring more than the minimum to avoid a rejected process.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine the documents in person and will not accept a photocopy as proof of anything. If you have lost a document, you will need to obtain a replacement from the issuing agency before you go to the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring documents from four separate categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — you cannot use one document to cover all four.
  • A passport or passport card covers both identity and lawful status, which means you need only two additional documents (Social Security proof and residency proof) if you have a passport.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work for residency, but they must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required; photocopies will be rejected at the counter.
  • Your state DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts for each category, and that list is the only one that matters for your process.

Proof of Identity Documents

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. The most common documents are a current or expired passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID card. Some states also accept a permanent resident card (green card) or a foreign passport with a valid visa.

The document does not have to be current. An expired passport or an expired military ID will work. However, the name on the document must match the name you are using for the Real ID process. If you have changed your name since the document was issued, you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, your state DMV may accept a certified birth certificate as proof of identity, though this varies by state. Check your state's specific list before you go to the DMV, because some states do not accept birth certificates for this purpose.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring a document that shows your Social Security number. The most straightforward option is your Social Security card itself. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

The document does not have to be recent. A tax return from three years ago will work. However, the name on the document must match the name on your identity document. If the names do not match, bring a name-change document as well.

If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number. This process takes several weeks, so do not wait until the last moment to start it.

Proof of Residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your current name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement all work. Some states also accept a cell phone bill, an insurance bill, or a letter from your employer.

The address on the document must match the address you are providing on your Real ID process. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a new bill or a different document that shows your new address. If you cannot get a document dated within the last 60 days, some states will accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement confirming your address, but this varies by state.

If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, that bill will not work as proof of your residency. You will need a document in your own name, or a letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some states require this letter to be notarized.

Proof of Lawful Status

Proof of lawful status means a document showing that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card (green card) all work. A military ID also works. If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory counts as proof of citizenship.

If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands), bring a certified copy of your birth certificate from that territory. A regular photocopy will not work.

If you are a lawful permanent resident but not a citizen, your green card is your proof of lawful status. Bring the card itself, not a photocopy. If you have lost your green card, you will need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a replacement before you explore for a Real ID.

Documents You Bring for Name Changes

If the name on your identity document does not match the name on your Social Security card or residency document, bring a document proving the name change. A marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order, or an adoption decree all work. The document must be an original or a certified copy.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed your name, then divorced and changed your name again, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree.

Some states require that a name-change document be certified by the court or agency that issued it. Check your state's requirements before you go to the DMV.

What Happens If a Document Is Missing or Expired

If you arrive at the DMV without one of the four required categories of documents, your process will be rejected. You will not be able to get a Real ID that day. You will need to obtain the missing document and return to the DMV.

Obtaining a replacement document takes time. A new birth certificate from your state vital records office usually takes one to four weeks. A replacement Social Security card takes one to two weeks. A new green card from USCIS takes several months. Plan ahead and request replacement documents as soon as you know you will need them.

If a document is expired, it may still work. An expired passport, an expired military ID, and an expired state ID from another state are all acceptable for proving identity. However, an expired residency document does not work — the document must be dated within the last 60 days.

State-Specific Document Lists

Each state DMV maintains its own list of acceptable documents for each category. These lists are not identical. For example, some states accept a cell phone bill as proof of residency, while others do not. Some states accept a tribal ID as proof of identity, while others require a passport or state ID.

Before you go to the DMV, visit your state's DMV website and find the Real ID document requirements page. Print the list or take a screenshot. Bring the list with you to the DMV so you can confirm that each document you bring is on the approved list. This step prevents you from being turned away because a document your state does not accept.

If your state's website does not clearly list acceptable documents, call the DMV directly. The staff can tell you whether a specific document will work for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my passport instead of the original?

No. The DMV must examine the original document in person. Photocopies are not accepted. If you have lost your passport, contact the U.S. State Department to request a replacement before you go to the DMV.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will use the name-change document to confirm that the two names belong to the same person.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?

Either works. A pay stub, a tax return, or a W-2 form all prove your Social Security number. You do not have to bring the card itself. However, the name on whichever document you bring must match the name on your identity document.

Is a lease agreement dated 90 days ago acceptable for proof of residency?

No. Most states require the residency document to be dated within the last 60 days. A lease from 90 days ago will not work. Bring a more recent document, such as a current utility bill or a recent bank statement showing your address.

What if I live in an apartment and the utility bill is in my roommate's name?

The bill will not work as proof of your residency because it does not show your name. Bring a document in your own name, such as a bank statement or an insurance bill. If you cannot get a document in your own name, some states will accept a notarized letter from your roommate confirming that you live there, but check your state's rules first.