The Documents You Must Bring

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your state residency — all at the same time, in person, to your state's DMV or driver's license office. You cannot mail these in or submit them online. Each state accepts slightly different documents, but the categories are the same everywhere.

The documents themselves do not have to be originals in most cases — certified copies or photocopies work — but you should call your state DMV before you go to confirm what form each document needs to be in. Some states require originals for certain items like birth certificates; others accept copies. Bringing both an original and a copy is the safest approach if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at your state DMV with all four types of documents: identity, Social Security number, current address, and state residency proof.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and residency proof, so it reduces the number of documents you need to bring.
  • Your Social Security card itself is not required — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement works instead.
  • Your current address must be recent (usually within 30 to 90 days), so a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within that window is necessary.
  • Call your state DMV before your appointment to confirm which specific documents they accept, because rules vary by state.

Proof of Identity Documents

For identity, your state DMV will accept a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. Some states also accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. A driver's license or state ID you already have does not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes — it is what you are trying to upgrade.

If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself. Hospital birth certificates do not count. If your birth certificate has your maiden name and you have since married, you will also need to bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — depending on which name you want on your Real ID.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself. Instead, bring one of these: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement (which you can order free from ssa.gov), or a paystub with your full Social Security number on it. If you are self-employed or do not have recent tax documents, a Social Security statement is the easiest option and arrives by mail within two weeks of you requesting it online.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first at your local Social Security office before you can get a Real ID. Bring your birth certificate and proof of identity to that appointment. Once you have a number, you can then go to the DMV with the documents listed above.

Proof of Your Current Address

Your address proof must be recent — usually dated within the last 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and your current street address.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new name, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. Some DMVs will accept this temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them stating that you live there, plus the bill itself.

Proof of State Residency

State residency proof overlaps with address proof in most cases. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your state address satisfies this requirement. However, if you have a U.S. passport or passport card, that document alone proves both your identity and your state residency, so you can skip bringing a separate residency document.

If you are a member of the military stationed in a state where you do not live, or if you are a student living in a dorm, your state DMV has different rules. Call ahead to ask what documents they need in your situation, because military orders or a student ID letter from your school may be required instead of a standard address proof.

Documents You Do Not Need

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or state ID — the DMV already has that on file. You do not need a Real ID process form filled out beforehand; the DMV will give you one to complete in person. You do not need to bring your passport itself unless you want to use it as your identity proof (in which case you can leave it with the DMV or take it home, depending on your state's policy).

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or a green card unless you are not a U.S. citizen. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, bring your green card or visa document, and ask the DMV whether you can get a Real ID or whether you will receive a standard ID instead. Rules for non-citizens vary by state.

What Happens at Your DMV Appointment

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you are upgrading to a Real ID. They will ask you to sign a statement confirming that the information you are providing is true. They will scan or photocopy your documents, check them against your current file, and then issue you a Real ID driver's license or ID card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state.

You will pay a fee for the Real ID — this varies by state, usually between $20 and $50 — and you may also pay for a new photo if your current one is too old. Some states charge extra for a Real ID upgrade; others include it in the standard license renewal fee. Ask about the total cost when you schedule your appointment so you know how much cash or which payment methods to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

Most states require a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp on it. Call your state DMV to confirm, because a few states do accept photocopies if they are notarized. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from the vital records office in the county where you were born — it usually costs $10 to $25 and arrives in one to two weeks.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these to confirm that you are the same person and will put your current legal name on your Real ID. If you have changed your name multiple times, bring all the documents in order.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. A W-2, tax return, Social Security statement, or paystub with your full Social Security number works instead. If you do not have any of these, order a free Social Security statement online at ssa.gov — it takes about two weeks to arrive by mail and shows your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill or lease?

Ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a letter on their official letterhead confirming your address and the date you moved in. Some DMVs will accept this temporary proof. You can also use a bank or credit card statement, homeowner's insurance policy, or property tax bill if any of those are recent and show your current address.

Can I get a Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your state and your immigration status. Permanent residents (green card holders) can get a Real ID in most states. People on temporary visas usually cannot. Bring your green card or visa document to the DMV and ask whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you will receive a standard ID instead, which works for most purposes but not for federal buildings or flights.