The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're starting with

Every state accepts the same core documents — proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address — but the specific papers that count as proof vary slightly by state. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for their number, and a utility bill or lease for their address. Some states accept fewer options; a few accept more. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they take, and you should check before you go.

You'll also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it's expired. If you don't have one, you'll need an extra identity document instead. And if you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you'll need the document that shows that change.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three categories of documents: proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of current address (utility bill or lease).
  • Your current driver's license or ID card counts as one of your identity documents, so bring it even if it's expired.
  • If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change.
  • Each state's DMV accepts slightly different documents, so check your state's specific list before your appointment.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with your birth certificate or naturalization papers.

Proof of identity: birth certificate, passport, or current ID

For identity, the DMV wants an original document or a certified copy — not a photocopy you made yourself. A birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a hospital birth certificate. You can order one online or by mail from your state's vital records office, and it usually arrives in one to two weeks.

A U.S. passport or passport card works just as well and often arrives faster if you already have one. If you were born outside the United States, your passport from your birth country counts, as does a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a citizen through that process. Your current driver's license or state ID card also counts as identity proof, so if you already have one, you're halfway there — just bring it along with your other documents.

Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for people born to U.S. citizens overseas) or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Check your state's list to see if any of these explore to you.

Proof of Social Security number: card, tax return, or W-2

The DMV needs to verify your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself — an original or certified copy. If you don't have it or it's lost, a recent tax return (federal or state) with your full Social Security number printed on it works. A W-2 form from your employer also counts, as does a 1099 form if you're self-employed.

If you've never had a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Real ID. That process takes about two weeks. If you have a number but no documents to prove it, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card; they can mail it to you or you can pick it up at a local office.

Proof of current address: utility bill, lease, or bank statement

The DMV wants to see that you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the standard choice. It must be recent, usually from the last 60 days. A lease or rental agreement with your name and current address also works, as does a mortgage statement or property tax bill.

If you don't have any of those, some states accept a bank or credit card statement, a car insurance or homeowners insurance policy, or a government benefit statement (like unemployment or Social Security). A few states accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement from someone who lives with you. Check your state's list, because this category has the most variation between states.

The document must show your current address — the one you're putting on your Real ID. If you've moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a second document that shows your new address, or ask the utility company for a recent bill with the updated address.

Name change documents: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

If your name on your birth certificate doesn't match the name you want on your Real ID, bring the document that explains why. A marriage certificate is the most common — bring the original or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back or to a new name after divorce. A court order for name change is needed if you changed your name through the court system.

Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if your name changed when you became a citizen. If you've had multiple name changes, bring all the documents in order — for example, a marriage certificate and then a divorce decree if you married and then divorced.

Documents for people born outside the United States

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport from your birth country along with your birth certificate. If you became a U.S. citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you have a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), bring that too — it shows your immigration status and Social Security number.

If you have a visa or travel document like an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), bring that as well. The DMV uses these to confirm your identity and your right to be in the country. Some states require additional documents for non-citizens; check your state's requirements before your appointment.

What to bring to your appointment: the full checklist

Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies. Here's what to have with you:

  • One identity document (birth certificate, passport, or current ID)
  • One Social Security document (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2)
  • One proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
  • Your current driver's license or state ID card, even if expired
  • Any name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
  • Your passport or travel document if you were born outside the U.S.
  • A completed process form (usually available on your state's DMV website or at the office)
  • Payment for the fee (varies by state, usually $15 to $30)

Bring more than you think you'll need. If a document is unclear or the DMV questions it, having a backup saves you a second trip. Call your state's DMV ahead of time if you're unsure whether a specific document will work — they can tell you on the phone whether to bring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original or a certified copy from the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself won't work. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office, and it usually arrives in one to two weeks.

What if my name on my birth certificate doesn't match my current name?

Bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name change. If you've had multiple name changes, bring all of them in order. The DMV will update your name on your Real ID to match your current legal name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I use a tax return instead?

Either one works. A tax return or W-2 is fine if you don't have your card or it's lost. If you've never had a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Real ID.

Can I use a cell phone bill as proof of address?

Most states don't accept cell phone bills because they don't prove you live at an address — they just show a billing address. Stick with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Check your state's specific list to see what counts.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport from your birth country along with your birth certificate. If you're a U.S. citizen, also bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you have a Green Card, bring that too. Some states require extra documents for non-citizens, so check your state's requirements first.