The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal presence

Real ID requires you to bring originals or certified copies to your DMV appointment — photocopies and digital images do not work. You will need to show three categories of documents: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country. Some states add a fourth requirement: proof of your Social Security number.

The exact documents accepted vary by state. Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it takes for each category, and you should check there before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed Real ID. The good news is that most people have at least one acceptable document in each category already at home.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residence (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (like a passport or birth certificate).
  • You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and photos on your phone will not be accepted.
  • Some states require a fourth document: proof of your Social Security number, usually your Social Security card or a W-2 form.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents that state accepts in each category, and you should verify before your appointment.
  • If you do not have a required document, you can often get one before your appointment — birth certificates and Social Security cards can be ordered online in most states.

Proof of Identity: What counts and what does not

Proof of identity means a government-issued photo ID or a certified document that shows your full legal name and date of birth. A valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. So do birth certificates, but only if they are certified copies with the state seal — a photocopy of your birth certificate or one you printed from an online genealogy site will not work.

A current out-of-state driver's license is usually accepted as proof of identity, even though you are explore for a Real ID to replace it. Military ID cards work in most states. Some states also accept tribal IDs, consular documents, or permanent resident cards (green cards). School IDs, work IDs, and expired documents do not count.

If you do not have a passport or out-of-state license, order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This takes one to three weeks in most states and costs $10 to $30. You can order online through VitalChek or your state's vital records website.

Proof of Residence: Showing where you actually live

Proof of residence means a document that shows your current name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works in every state. So do a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be recent — most states accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days.

If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, ask the account holder for a copy of their bill with your name written on it, or bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there. Some states accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot get any other document. A few states also accept mail from a government agency, like a tax return or Social Security statement.

Do not bring a cell phone bill, insurance bill, or subscription statement — most states do not accept these. If you just moved and your address has not updated on any documents yet, contact your DMV to ask what they will accept. Some allow a combination of documents (like an old bill plus a lease with your new address) or a temporary affidavit.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence: The citizenship document

Proof of citizenship or legal presence is the document that shows you have the right to be in the United States. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest — it proves both citizenship and identity at once. A certified birth certificate also proves citizenship if you were born in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa.

If you were not born in the U.S., you need a different document. A permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or advance parole document all show lawful presence. A consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of naturalization also work. Temporary visa stamps in your passport do not — you need the actual visa document or a valid passport showing the visa.

If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, you may have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Citizenship. These are harder to replace than a birth certificate, so if you have them, bring them. If you do not have them and cannot get them before your appointment, ask your DMV whether a passport process or a notarized affidavit from your parent will work as a temporary solution.

Proof of Social Security Number: Required in most states

Most states require a fourth document: proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card is the simplest — bring the original. If you do not have it, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document with your full Social Security number works. Some states also accept a pay stub, a bank statement, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

A few states do not require this document at all — check your state's DMV website to see whether it is mandatory where you live. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document, you can order a replacement card from the Social Security Administration online or by mail. It takes about two weeks and is free.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If your name on your proof of identity does not match your current legal name, bring a document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not enough.

If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you were divorced and changed your name back, bring the divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring that order. Some states also accept an adoption decree if your name changed through adoption.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your current driver's license, though you can if you want. You do not need to bring your Social Security card if your state does not require proof of Social Security number. You do not need to bring multiple documents in the same category — one proof of identity, one proof of residence, and one proof of citizenship is enough.

You do not need to bring original documents for your proof of residence — a photocopy of a utility bill or lease is usually fine. But you do need originals or certified copies for identity and citizenship documents. If you are unsure whether a photocopy is acceptable, call your DMV or check their website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents on my phone?

No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. A photo of your birth certificate or a PDF on your phone will not work. The DMV needs to see and handle the actual document to verify it is real.

What if my birth certificate does not have a state seal on it?

It is not a certified copy and will not work. Order a new one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can do this online through VitalChek or your state's website, and it usually takes one to three weeks.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?

Yes, in most states. An expired passport still proves who you are and when you were born. Check your state's DMV website to confirm, since a few states require documents to be current.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name?

Bring a lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill instead. If you live with someone else, ask them for a copy of their utility bill with your name written on it, or bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

Check your state's DMV website. Most states accept either one. If your state requires proof of Social Security number and you have a W-2, that is usually enough — you do not need the card itself.