The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal presence

You will bring three categories of documents to your DMV appointment: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state — some accept a passport card, others do not; some take a utility bill for residence, others require a lease or mortgage statement. Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts in each category, and you should check that list before you go.

Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a rescheduled appointment. The good news is that most people have what they need already. This guide walks you through what each category requires and what documents typically work.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (usually a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of residence (usually a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship (usually a passport or birth certificate).
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts, and the list is shorter than you think — check it before your appointment.
  • You must bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies and digital images do not count.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport, green card, or visa in addition to your birth certificate.
  • Married women and others who have changed their name must bring a document that shows both their old name and new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of Identity: What counts and what does not

Your state will accept one document that proves your identity — usually your current driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Some states also accept a passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A few states accept a school ID or work ID if it has a photo, but most do not. Your state's DMV website will list the documents it takes.

The document must be current or recently expired (rules vary, but usually within five to ten years). A birth certificate is acceptable even if it is decades old, as long as it is an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp — not a photocopy you made yourself.

If you do not have a driver's license yet, a U.S. passport or passport card works in every state. If you do not have either, you will need an official birth certificate plus a second form of ID — often a school ID, work ID, or Social Security card, depending on your state. Check your state's list before you assume something will not work.

Proof of Residence: Documents that show your current address

You need one document that shows your name and current home address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice and works in every state. A lease or mortgage statement also works everywhere. Some states accept a bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill.

The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days. If you just moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement for your new place instead. If you live with family and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the person whose name is on it to bring that document with you, or bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there (rules vary by state, so call ahead).

A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residence. Neither does a cell phone bill, even if it shows your address. Stick to utilities, leases, mortgages, or bank statements.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence: Birth certificate, passport, or visa

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and counts as both your identity document and your citizenship document — if you bring your passport, you do not need a separate birth certificate. A birth certificate alone is not enough; it only proves you were born, not where.

If you were born in the United States, bring an official certified birth certificate — the kind with a raised seal or embossed stamp, issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or a certified copy from a genealogy website does not count.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport, a green card (Permanent Resident Card), or a visa. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a citizen through the naturalization process. A green card or visa proves you are lawfully present; a passport proves citizenship. Check your state's list to see which documents it accepts.

Name changes: Marriage, divorce, or court order

If your name has changed since you were born — through marriage, divorce, or a court order — you must bring a document that shows both your old name and your new name. A marriage certificate shows your maiden name and married name. A divorce decree shows your married name and the name you returned to. A court order for a legal name change shows both names.

The document must be an official certified copy with a seal or embossed stamp. A photocopy does not count. If you were married in another state or country, bring the certified marriage certificate from that location. If you lost your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were married.

Original documents vs. copies: What the DMV will and will not accept

Bring original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images on your phone — even if they are clear and recent. An original document is the one issued by the government or organization that created it. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that holds the original, with an official seal.

You can get certified copies from the vital records office (for birth certificates), the courthouse (for marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and name change orders), or the DMV (for old driver's licenses in some states). The process usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30 per document. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee.

Bring the originals or certified copies with you to your appointment. The DMV will look at them, verify they are real, and return them to you — they do not keep them. Do not leave them at home thinking you can send them later.

Social Security number and tax ID

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you explore for a Real ID. You do not need to bring a Social Security card — the DMV will verify your number through the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID; you will need a standard state ID instead.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are a lawful resident, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Some states accept an ITIN for Real ID purposes; others do not. Call your state DMV to ask whether an ITIN is acceptable before you make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate on my phone?

No. The DMV requires an original document or a certified copy with an official seal. A photo or PDF on your phone is not acceptable. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Most offices mail them within one to two weeks.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a passport?

A green card or visa counts as proof of lawful presence in every state. If you have neither, you will need to explore for a passport through your country's embassy or consulate before you can get a Real ID. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a U.S. citizen.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The DMV will ask for your Social Security number and verify it through the Social Security Administration. You do not need to bring the card itself. If you do not know your number, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request it.

My name changed after I was born. What document do I bring?

Bring the document that shows both your old name and new name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. It must be an official certified copy with a seal. If you lost it, request a certified copy from the vital records office or courthouse where it was issued.

Can I use a lease if my name is not on it?

Not as your proof of residence. If you live with family and are not on the lease, bring a utility bill in your name, or ask the person on the lease to come with you and bring the lease. Some states also accept a notarized letter from the leaseholder saying you live there — call your DMV to ask.