The documents you need depend on which category of ID you're explore for

Real ID requires you to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. You will need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Most states also accept documents issued by foreign governments if they are unexpired and you can prove lawful status in the United States.

The DMV will not accept every document for every category. A birth certificate proves identity and citizenship, but a utility bill does not — it only proves address. A Social Security card proves your number but not your identity. You need to bring documents from at least two different categories to walk out with a Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving citizenship or lawful status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
  • You must bring an original document proving your identity with a photo, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state.
  • You must bring an original document proving your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must bring your Social Security card or a document the DMV accepts as proof of your number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
  • Every state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts in each category, and some states have stricter rules than others.

Documents that prove citizenship or lawful status

This is the category that changed with Real ID. You must bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work, even if you have it certified by a notary — the DMV requires a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born.

The documents that work in this category are: a U.S. birth certificate (certified copy only), a U.S. passport or passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a passport from a foreign country paired with proof of lawful status. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Green Card or naturalization certificate, you will need to bring your foreign passport and a document proving you are allowed to live and work in the U.S., such as an I-94 arrival record or an employment authorization letter.

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot obtain one, some states allow you to bring a combination of other documents — such as a baptism record, a school enrollment record, and a medical record — all showing your name and date of birth. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of alternatives, because this varies significantly.

Documents that prove your identity with a photo

You need an original document with your photograph, signature, and identifying information. An expired document is usually acceptable as long as it was not expired for more than five years at the time you explore, though some states have stricter rules. A document that is currently valid is always safer.

Documents that work in this category include: a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID (active duty, reserve, National Guard, or retired), a state ID or driver's license from another state, a tribal ID card, a U.S. government employee ID, a school ID (some states accept this, others do not), or a passport from a foreign country. If you have a passport, bring it — it satisfies both the citizenship requirement and the identity requirement, so you will need only one more document to complete your process.

A Social Security card, even if it has your photo on it, does not work for this category because it does not have a signature. A credit card does not work. A work ID without a photo does not work. If you do not have any of the documents listed above, ask the DMV what alternatives your state accepts before you make an appointment, because some states have additional options and others do not.

Documents that prove your current address

You need an original document showing your name and current address, dated within the last 60 days. The document must be in your name — a utility bill in a roommate's name will not work, even if you live at the same address. If you recently moved and have not yet received a bill at your new address, bring a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance bill instead.

Documents that work in this category include: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance bill, a bank statement, a credit card statement, a phone bill, a paystub, or a letter from a government agency. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot obtain any of these documents — ask your DMV whether this is an option.

A document dated more than 60 days before your appointment will not work, even if it shows your current address. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a bill in your name at the new address, call the DMV and ask what documents they will accept. Some will take a lease or a letter from your landlord. Others will take a utility bill from your old address paired with a lease at your new address.

Your Social Security number and card

You must bring proof of your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, a bank statement, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Real ID. You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number, even if you have a Green Card or work authorization. Contact the Social Security Administration to start an process, which usually takes two to four weeks.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies. Bring all four categories of documents: citizenship, identity with photo, current address, and Social Security number. Bring your completed process form, which you can usually fill out online before your appointment or pick up at the DMV. Bring your current driver's license or ID if you have one. Bring payment for the fee, which varies by state but is usually between $50 and $150 for a Real ID.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. If you are explore for someone under 18, bring the minor's documents plus a parent or guardian's ID and proof of custody if applicable.

Common mistakes that delay your process

Bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of a certified copy is the most common reason applications are rejected. The DMV will not accept a copy you made yourself, even if you had it notarized. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born — this usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

Bringing an address document dated more than 60 days before your appointment is the second most common mistake. If you have moved recently, do not bring a utility bill from your old address unless you also bring a lease or other document showing your new address. Bringing a document in someone else's name, even if you live at that address, will not work — the DMV requires the document to be in your name.

Bringing an expired passport or ID that expired more than five years ago will not work in most states. Check your state's specific rules before your appointment. If your passport or ID is close to the five-year mark, bring it anyway and ask the DMV staff whether they will accept it — policies sometimes vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID as proof of identity?

Some states accept school IDs, but many do not. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm. If your state does not accept a school ID, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state instead.

What if I don't have a birth certificate and can't get one?

Some states allow you to bring a combination of documents such as a baptism record, school enrollment record, and medical record, all showing your name and date of birth. Contact your state's DMV to ask what alternatives are available in your state.

Can I bring a utility bill in my spouse's name if we live together?

No. The address document must be in your name. If you live with a spouse or family member and the bills are in their name, bring a lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name instead.

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

No. A W-2, tax return, paystub, or other document showing your Social Security number works just as well as the card itself. Bring whichever you have available.

What if my address document is dated exactly 60 days before my appointment?

It should work. The rule is "within the last 60 days," which means 60 days or fewer. If you are uncertain, bring a second address document as backup, or call the DMV to confirm before your appointment.