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

Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you have a Social Security number. The exact documents that prove each one vary by state. Some states accept a birth certificate as proof of identity; others require a passport or passport card. Some accept a utility bill for your address; others want a mortgage statement or lease. You'll need to check your state's DMV website to see the specific list it accepts, because what works in one state won't work in another.

The good news is that most people already own the documents they need. The hard part is usually getting them in the right form — an original or certified copy, not a photocopy — and bringing them all at once. If you show up with the wrong documents, you'll have to go back home and return another day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or passport card.
  • You need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts; what works in one state may not work in another.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and bring all documents in one trip to avoid a second visit.

Proof of identity: what your state will accept

Every state requires you to prove who you are with an original or certified copy of a document. The most common options are a birth certificate, passport, passport card, or driver's license from another state. Some states also accept a tribal ID card, a military ID, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card (green card).

A birth certificate must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a hospital copy or a photocopy. If you were born outside the United States, you'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate from that country, plus a passport or travel document that shows you entered the U.S. legally. If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam, you'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate from that territory's vital records office.

If you don't have a birth certificate or can't get one quickly, a U.S. passport or passport card works in every state. A passport is the fastest way to get Real ID if you're starting from scratch, because the passport itself proves identity, citizenship, and legal presence in one document.

Proof of address: documents dated within 60 days

You need a document showing your current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days and be an original or certified copy. The most common documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a car insurance or homeowner's insurance policy.

Some states also accept a government check, a paycheck stub, a W-2, a tax return, a voter registration card, or a letter from a government agency. A few states accept a hotel or motel receipt if you're currently living there. Check your state's DMV website to see the full list, because some states are stricter than others.

If your name on the address document doesn't match your name on your identity document — for example, if you changed your name after marriage or divorce — bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the DMV may reject your address proof.

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

You need to prove your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card. If you don't have it or it's damaged, you can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you don't have a Social Security number because you're not a U.S. citizen, you don't need one for Real ID. Instead, bring proof of your legal status in the U.S., such as a permanent resident card, a visa, an employment authorization document, or a refugee travel document. Your state will issue you a Real ID driver's license or ID card that notes you don't have a Social Security number.

What to bring if you've changed your name

If your name on your identity document doesn't match your name on your address document, or if your name has changed since you got your identity document, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree all work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you've changed your name but don't have a formal document proving it, some states will accept a combination of documents — for example, a utility bill in your new name plus a marriage certificate. Ask your DMV what it will accept before you go in.

Documents you don't need to bring

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or ID card, though it's helpful to have it with you. You do not need to bring a passport if you have a birth certificate and proof of address. You do not need to bring multiple documents proving the same thing — one identity document, one address document, and one Social Security proof is enough.

You do not need to bring documents proving your citizenship status unless you're not a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizens do not need to show a passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate that proves citizenship — the birth certificate alone is enough to prove identity.

How to get documents you don't have

If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states charge $15 to $30 for a certified copy and can mail it to you in one to two weeks. Some offer rush service for an extra fee. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the government office in that country — the process and cost vary widely.

If you need a Social Security card, go to your nearest Social Security office or explore online at ssa.gov. You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal status. A replacement card usually arrives in one to two weeks.

If you need proof of address and don't have a utility bill or lease, ask your bank for a bank statement, contact your insurance company for a policy statement, or ask your employer for a recent paycheck stub. All of these count as long as they're dated within the last 60 days and show your current address.

What happens if a document is missing or wrong

If you show up at the DMV without all the documents you need, or if a document is expired, not certified, or doesn't match your other documents, the DMV will tell you what's missing and send you home. You'll have to get the missing document and come back another day. To avoid this, check your state's DMV website before you go and bring a checklist of what you need.

If a document is rejected because it doesn't meet your state's rules, ask the DMV staff what document would work instead. Sometimes a different type of document — for example, a bank statement instead of a utility bill — will be accepted. The staff can tell you what alternatives exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy?

No. The DMV requires originals or certified copies for all documents. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you have an original document, bring it. If you need a certified copy, contact the office that issued the document — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, your bank for a bank statement, or your employer for a paycheck stub.

What if my address document is older than 60 days?

It won't be accepted. You'll need a newer document dated within the last 60 days. If you can't get one, ask the DMV what alternatives it accepts — some states will accept an older document if you bring a newer one that shows you still live at that address, such as a recent piece of mail.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number are enough. A passport is useful only if you don't have a birth certificate or can't get one quickly. If you have a passport, you can use it instead of a birth certificate, but you don't need both.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You need a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus a passport or travel document showing you entered the U.S. legally. You also need proof of your current address and proof of your Social Security number or legal status. Contact the vital records office in your birth country to order a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Can I use a hotel receipt as proof of address if I'm homeless?

Some states accept a hotel or motel receipt as proof of address if it's dated within the last 60 days. A few states also accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV to ask what documents work if you don't have a permanent address.