The documents Missouri asks for when you explore for Real ID

Missouri requires four categories of documents when you explore for a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. You bring originals or certified copies to the Missouri Department of Revenue office — photocopies alone will not work. The staff will examine each document, make copies for your file, and return the originals to you.

The specific documents that satisfy each category vary. You do not need to bring every option listed below — you need one document from each category. Bring more than one if you have them, because it speeds up the process if your first choice has an issue.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, Missouri residency, and lawful status — photocopies are not accepted.
  • A current or expired passport, a certified birth certificate, or a Missouri driver's license counts as proof of identity; a Social Security card or W-2 form counts as proof of your Social Security number.
  • Proof of Missouri residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of lawful status includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa — the document you use must match your identity document.
  • Bring your current Missouri driver's license or ID card to the appointment, even though you are replacing it.

Proof of identity documents Missouri accepts

Missouri will accept a current or expired U.S. passport as proof of identity. You may also bring a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital-issued birth certificate or a photocopy does not count. If you already have a valid Missouri driver's license or ID card, that also serves as proof of identity.

Other acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you are under 18, a school ID issued by a public or private school in Missouri is acceptable. The document must show your name and either a photograph or a date of birth.

Proof of Social Security number

The easiest document to bring is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or cannot find it, Missouri accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and your complete Social Security number.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your Real ID appointment, but it is not required — any of the other documents listed above will work. The Social Security office has a locator tool on its website to find the office nearest you.

Proof of Missouri residency

Missouri requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current Missouri address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all count. The document must be an original or certified copy — a screenshot or photograph of a bill is not acceptable.

If you have recently moved to Missouri and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you may bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address and can verify that you live there. The affidavit must include the witness's name, address, and signature, and it must be notarized by a notary public. Some Missouri Department of Revenue offices have a template available on request.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

A U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate showing you were born in the United States both count as proof of lawful status. If you are a permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you have work authorization, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are in the U.S. on a visa, bring the visa itself along with your passport.

The document you use to prove lawful status must match the identity document you brought. For example, if your birth certificate shows a different name than your passport, you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If the documents do not match, the Department of Revenue staff will ask you to clarify before processing your process.

What to bring to your Real ID appointment

Gather all four categories of documents before you go to the office. Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies. Bring your current Missouri driver's license or ID card, even though you are explore to replace it; the staff will need it to look up your existing record. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID.

Bring more than one document from each category if you have them. If your first choice has a problem — a utility bill with an address that does not match, for instance — having a second option means you will not have to reschedule. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, but bring extra time in case the office is busy.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring proof of your current address if you are renewing a Real ID and your address has not changed — the Department of Revenue already has that information on file. You do not need to bring a letter from your employer, a school transcript, or a rental agreement that is not notarized unless you are using it as your proof of residency (in which case it must be dated within 60 days and show your name and address).

You do not need to bring documents proving you paid taxes, own property, or have a bank account. You do not need to bring documents related to your immigration case or your visa process — only the final document (the visa itself, the EAD, or the green card) counts as proof of lawful status. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital-issued birth certificate instead of a certified one?

No. Missouri requires a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A hospital-issued birth certificate or a photocopy of a certified copy will not work. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from the vital records office; most states process orders within one to two weeks.

What if my utility bill shows a different address than where I actually live?

Bring a second document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone at your address will work instead.

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

No. Either one counts as proof of your Social Security number. Bring whichever you have. If you bring a W-2, it must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

Can I bring a photograph of my documents instead of the originals?

No. Missouri requires originals or certified copies. Photographs, screenshots, and photocopies are not accepted. The staff will make copies for your file and return your originals to you.

What happens if my documents do not match each other?

If your birth certificate shows a different name than your passport, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The Department of Revenue staff will review the documents and ask you to clarify before processing your process. Having the matching document ready speeds up the process.