The documents that count for Real ID

Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. The specific documents that work vary slightly by state, but federal law sets a baseline list. Your state's DMV website shows which documents they accept in each category — some states accept more options than the federal minimum.

You do not need to bring every document listed below. You need one from the identity section, one from the address section, and one from the citizenship section. Bring the originals, not copies, unless your state's DMV specifically says otherwise on their Real ID page.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident — not all three categories at once.
  • A valid passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and citizenship together, so you may need only one additional document for your address.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work for address proof, but they must show your current name and current address.
  • Your state DMV may accept documents beyond the federal list, so check your state's Real ID requirements page before you go to the office.
  • Bring originals of all documents — photocopies are not accepted unless your state DMV explicitly says they are.

Documents that prove your identity

The federal list includes a current or expired passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or state ID. Most people bring an expired driver's license or passport because they already have one at home.

If you do not have any of these, your state may accept a birth certificate, Social Security card, or tribal ID. Some states also accept school IDs, employee IDs, or professional licenses — check your state's list first. The document must show your full legal name and, ideally, a photo, though a photo is not always required.

If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring proof of that change as well. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name change should come with you.

Documents that prove your address

A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name works for most states. The bill or statement must be recent — usually from the last 60 days, though some states accept up to 90 days. It must show your current address, not an old one.

Other documents that work include a property tax statement, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you. Some states accept mail from your employer, a school, or a healthcare provider. A few states accept a utility bill in a spouse's or parent's name if you live there too, but you will need to bring proof of that relationship.

Do not bring a PO box address — Real ID requires a street address where you actually live. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask your DMV what documents they accept instead; some states have workarounds.

Documents that prove citizenship or lawful residency

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you have a passport, you may not need to bring anything else for the citizenship part.

If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate. It must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital copy or a photocopy does not count. You can order one from your state's vital records office online or by mail.

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. 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).

What happens if you do not have the original document

If your birth certificate is lost or damaged, order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on the state. You can often order online and pick it up in person or have it mailed to you.

If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Bring an ID and proof of citizenship or lawful residency. A replacement card usually arrives in one to two weeks.

If your passport expired or was lost, explore for a new one through the State Department. This takes longer than other documents — typically four to six weeks for a standard passport, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. You can explore by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Documents you cannot use for Real ID

A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count as proof of identity on its own, though some states accept them as a secondary document. A PO box address does not count for address proof. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not count unless your state DMV explicitly says it does.

A credit card or debit card is not accepted as proof of identity or address. A screenshot or digital copy of a document is not accepted — you must bring the physical original. A notarized copy of a document sometimes works, but only if your state DMV says so in advance.

How to prepare before you go to the DMV

Check your state's Real ID page on the DMV website. It lists the exact documents your state accepts and whether they want originals or copies. Some states have a checklist you can print and bring with you.

Gather your documents at home first. Make sure your birth certificate is an official copy, not a hospital copy. Make sure your utility bill or lease is recent and shows your current address. If your name has changed, have your marriage certificate or court order ready.

If a document is damaged, faded, or hard to read, order a replacement before your appointment. Bring all your documents in a folder so they do not get lost on the way to the DMV. Arrive early — Real ID appointments often book up weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. You must bring the original official birth certificate from the vital records office. A photocopy, screenshot, or digital file is not accepted. If you only have a digital copy, order an official replacement from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but I live there?

Some states accept a bill in a spouse's or parent's name if you bring proof that you live there together — usually a marriage certificate or lease. Check your state's DMV website first, because not all states allow this. If yours does not, bring a bill in your own name instead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to get Real ID?

Not necessarily. A Social Security card can count as proof of identity, but so can a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. You need one document from the identity list, one from the address list, and one from the citizenship list. A Social Security card alone does not cover all three.

Can I use an expired passport for Real ID?

Yes. An expired passport still counts as proof of both identity and citizenship. You do not need to renew it just to get Real ID. Bring it along with a document showing your current address, and you are set.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate?

Bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship instead. If you are a lawful permanent resident, your green card works. Ask your DMV which documents they prefer if you have more than one option.