What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

To get a Real ID, you need to bring four categories of documents to your DMV office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, but the categories themselves are federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You cannot complete a Real ID transaction by mail or online in most states. You must appear in person at a DMV office with original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted. Bring the actual documents, not pictures of them.

Plan to spend 30 to 90 minutes at the DMV, depending on how busy your local office is. Bring all documents at once; if you forget one, you will have to return on another day.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license.
You must show proof of your Social Security number using a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return — a number alone is not enough.
You must bring a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident using a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
Every state accepts the same federal documents, but some states accept additional documents — check your state DMV website before you go.

Proof of Identity Documents

Your proof of identity must be an original document or a certified copy issued by a government agency. A driver's license, passport, or birth certificate all work. If you are renewing a Real ID and your current license is not expired, you can use that license as your proof of identity.

The federal government accepts these documents as proof of identity: U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, tribal ID, state ID card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, visa, and foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Most people bring a passport or birth certificate because they are straightforward to obtain and widely recognized.

If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Birth certificates take one to four weeks to arrive by mail, depending on the state. Passports take four to six weeks through regular processing or two to three weeks through expedited processing, and you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring an original document that shows your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration card itself is the most straightforward option, but you can also use a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or other tax document issued by the IRS that displays your full Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. You must first explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. This process takes two to four weeks and requires proof of identity, age, and citizenship or lawful status. You can explore at your local Social Security office or by mail.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement online through the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Replacements arrive within one to two weeks.

Proof of Current Address

Your proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address. A lease or purchase agreement for your new home counts as proof of your new address even if it is dated before you moved in.

If you live with someone else and have no document in your name, ask the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease to write a signed letter on their own letterhead stating that you live at that address. Bring that letter along with the utility bill or lease. Some states require a notarized affidavit instead — check your state DMV website.

Proof of Lawful Status

You must prove you are either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The documents that prove citizenship are a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. The documents that prove lawful permanent resident status are a permanent resident card (green card) or an employment authorization document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, order a certificate of citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This process takes four to six months and requires an process, proof of identity, and proof of your parents' citizenship or immigration status. You can explore by mail or in person at a USCIS office.

If you are a permanent resident and your green card is expired or about to expire, you can still use it as proof of status for a Real ID. The Real ID itself does not expire at the same time as your green card.

State-Specific Document Variations

Every state accepts the federal documents listed above, but some states accept additional documents that others do not. For example, some states accept a driver's license from another state as proof of identity, while others do not. Some states accept a phone bill as proof of residency, while others require a utility bill specifically.

Before you go to the DMV, check your state's Real ID page on the official DMV website. The page will list all documents your state accepts for each category. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office and ask — staff can tell you whether a specific document meets the requirement.

If your state does not accept a document you have, you may be able to get an acceptable document quickly. For example, if your state does not accept a phone bill but you have one, you can get a utility bill by calling your electric or water company and asking them to mail you a recent statement.

What Happens If You Bring the Wrong Documents

If you arrive at the DMV without all four categories of documents, or if the documents you bring do not meet your state's requirements, the DMV will not issue you a Real ID. You will have to leave, get the correct documents, and return on another day. This is why checking your state's website before you go is essential.

If you are unsure about a document, bring it anyway along with a backup document in the same category. For example, if you are not sure whether your lease counts as proof of residency, bring both your lease and a recent utility bill. The DMV staff will tell you which one they need.

If you do not have time to gather all documents before your visit, schedule an appointment at a different time instead of showing up without them. Many states now allow you to book a DMV appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a picture of my documents instead of the original?

No. The DMV must see the original document or a certified copy issued by a government agency. Photocopies, scans, and pictures on your phone are not accepted. The only exception is if you have a certified copy issued by the agency that created the original — for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the country where you were born to request a birth certificate, or explore for a U.S. passport or certificate of citizenship through the State Department or USCIS.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 that shows your Social Security number is acceptable proof. You do not need to bring the card itself. However, if you have the card, bringing it is simpler and faster.

Can I use my lease as proof of residency if it does not have today's date on it?

Yes, as long as the lease is dated within the last 60 days and shows your current address. The document does not need to be dated today — it just needs to be recent enough to prove you live there now.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address after I moved?

Bring a document showing your old address and a lease or purchase agreement for your new home. If you do not have a lease or purchase agreement, ask the landlord or property owner to write a signed letter stating that you live there. Some states require this letter to be notarized — check your state DMV website.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.