What You Need to Bring to the DMV for Real ID

You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and proof of citizenship or lawful status. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone — bring originals or certified copies. If a document is not in English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

The specific documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Your state DMV website lists which documents in each category it accepts; some states are stricter than others about what counts as proof of address or identity.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, current address, and citizenship or lawful status.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and phone images will be rejected at the counter.
  • If you do not have a document in a required category, you may be able to use an alternative that your state DMV accepts, but you should check your state's list before you go.
  • The citizenship or lawful status category is the most restrictive; a passport or birth certificate works in all states, but other documents vary widely by state.
  • Bring more documents than you think you need, because the DMV may reject one and you will want a backup on the spot.

Proof of Identity Documents

A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) works in every state. A passport card also works. If you do not have a passport, your state will accept one document from a list that usually includes an expired driver's license or ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a state-issued ID from another state.

Some states also accept a school ID, employee ID, or professional license as proof of identity, but not all do. Check your state DMV's document list before you go. If your only ID is expired, bring it anyway — most states accept expired identity documents for Real ID purposes, as long as the expiration is recent (usually within five to ten years).

Do not bring a Social Security card as proof of identity. It is only used to prove your Social Security number, and the DMV will not count it toward the identity requirement.

Proof of Social Security Number

An original or certified Social Security card is the most straightforward document. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past year with your full name and Social Security number printed on it. A Social Security statement (which you can order from ssa.gov) also works.

Some states accept a birth certificate as proof of Social Security number if it shows your number, though this is rare. If you have none of these, call your state DMV before you go — a few states have workarounds, but they are uncommon and usually require extra steps.

Proof of Current Address

A utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement in your name with your current address is the standard. The document must be dated within the past 60 days (some states allow up to 90 days). A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works in most states.

Do not bring a cell phone bill or credit card statement — many states do not accept them. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some states also accept an affidavit of residency signed by a notary public.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new address, bring the most recent document you have (even if it shows your old address) plus a signed lease or purchase agreement for the new place, or a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member confirming your new address.

Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Status

This is the most restrictive category. A U.S. passport or passport card works in every state and is the easiest option if you have one. A certified birth certificate (not a photocopy from a website) also works everywhere — order it from your state vital records office, not from a third-party website.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or another federal document proving lawful status. The exact documents accepted vary by state. Check your state DMV's list; some states accept more documents than others.

A driver's license from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a school ID do not count as proof of citizenship or lawful status. A naturalization certificate works in some states but not all — call your state DMV to confirm before you bring it.

Documents You Cannot Use (Common Mistakes)

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office. A printout from an ancestry website or a photo on your phone will be rejected. Do not bring a Social Security card as proof of identity — it only counts toward the Social Security number requirement.

Do not bring a credit card bill, cell phone bill, or insurance bill as proof of address unless your state DMV specifically lists it. Do not bring a school ID, employee ID, or professional license as proof of citizenship — these do not work in any state for that purpose. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state DMV or check its website before you go; showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

What to Do If You Are Missing a Document

If you do not have a document in one of the four categories, you have a few options. First, check your state DMV's alternative document list — most states accept multiple documents in each category, and you may have something that works even if it is not your first choice.

Second, if you are missing a birth certificate or Social Security card, you can order them before your DMV appointment. A birth certificate takes one to two weeks from your state vital records office; a Social Security card replacement takes two to four weeks. Plan ahead if you need either one.

Third, some states allow you to bring a notarized affidavit or letter in place of a missing document, but this is uncommon and usually requires extra paperwork. Call your state DMV to ask whether this is an option and what form you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photo or screenshot on your phone will be rejected. If you cannot carry originals, bring certified copies from the issuing agency.

Do I need to bring documents for my children if I am renewing my own Real ID?

No. Each person needs their own set of documents. If you are getting Real ID for your child, bring their documents, not yours. Children need the same four categories of documents as adults.

What if my name has changed since I got my birth certificate?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your current name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both to verify your identity and current legal name.

Can I use a foreign passport as proof of identity and citizenship?

A foreign passport works as proof of identity in every state. For citizenship or lawful status, it depends on your situation. If you are a U.S. citizen, bring a U.S. passport or birth certificate instead. If you are a lawful permanent resident or have another lawful status, a foreign passport alone is not enough — bring your Green Card, EAD, or other federal status document.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a separate proof of current address document, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID even if your old ID shows a different one. You do not need to change your old ID first.