The Documents You Must Bring

You need four things to get a Real ID: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a government-issued photo ID. Most states require you to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. You cannot mail these in; you must appear in person at your state's DMV or driver's license office.

The specific documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts for each category, and you should check that list before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving citizenship, Social Security number, current address, and identity — photocopies are not accepted.
  • Each state's DMV maintains its own list of approved documents, so you must check your state's website before your appointment to avoid rejection.
  • If you were born outside the United States, a passport or certificate of naturalization works for citizenship; a birth certificate works if you were born in a U.S. state or territory.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — a driver's license alone does not count.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 or tax return.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

If you were born in the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. The certificate must show your full name and date of birth. Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies do not work.

If you were born outside the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring your U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice. Some states also accept an I-94 arrival/departure record or an employment authorization document (EAD) if you are a temporary resident.

If your birth certificate has your maiden name and you have since married, you will also need to bring your marriage certificate to show the name change. Divorce decrees work the same way if you changed your name after divorce.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

The easiest document is your original Social Security card. If you do not have it, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 from your employer. Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number, which you can request online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

A paystub with your full Social Security number also works at most DMVs. If none of these are available, ask your state's DMV which other documents it accepts — the rules vary.

Proof of Your Current Address

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. Government mail — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document — also counts if it is recent enough.

A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of address, even if your address is on it. A PO box address does not work either; you must provide a physical street address. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement for your new place instead.

Government-Issued Photo ID

You must bring a current government-issued photo ID. This can be your current driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If your ID has expired, most states still accept it as long as it expired within the last five years, though some states have stricter rules — check your state's DMV website.

If you do not have any of these, some states accept a tribal ID, a foreign passport, or a permanent resident card (green card). A school ID, work ID, or library card does not work, even if it has your photo.

Name Changes and Documents

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. Your state's DMV will use these to verify that all your documents match or can be connected to your current legal name.

If you have changed your name multiple times, bring all the documents in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed it, then divorced and changed it again, bring your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree.

What Happens If Documents Are Missing or Damaged

If your birth certificate is damaged or illegible, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born and request a certified replacement. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30. You cannot proceed with your Real ID appointment until you have it.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Replacement cards are free and usually arrive within two weeks. In the meantime, a W-2 or tax return will work at your DMV appointment.

If your proof of address is expired or does not show your current address, get a new utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement before your appointment. These documents are usually available online through your provider's website or by calling customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or scanned copy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office. Photocopies and scans are not accepted. If you only have a photocopy, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born and request a certified copy.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Bring all documents that show your name changes — marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. The DMV will use these to verify that the different names belong to the same person. Minor differences like a middle initial or nickname usually do not cause problems, but ask your state's DMV if you are unsure.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your card. A W-2, tax return, 1099, paystub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration all work. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents it accepts.

Can I use my passport instead of a birth certificate?

If you have a U.S. passport, it proves both citizenship and identity, so you may not need a separate birth certificate. However, check your state's DMV website — some states require a birth certificate even if you have a passport.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

You must have a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and street address. If you have just moved, a lease or mortgage statement for your new place works. If you cannot get one, ask your state's DMV what alternatives it accepts — some allow a notarized letter from a landlord or a recent bank statement.