The Documents You Must Bring

You need four categories of documents to get a Real ID: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of identity, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all of these at once — some states let you submit them in person, others require you to mail copies beforehand. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, so check your DMV website before you go.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and may keep some on file. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation certified by a translator or your country's consulate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must show proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of address (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return).
  • Original documents or certified copies are required; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • Some states require you to mail documents in advance; others let you bring them to your appointment.
  • If your name has changed since your citizenship or identity documents were issued, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
  • Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether your documents need verification.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is the document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The DMV will not issue a Real ID without it. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (issued by a state vital records office, not a hospital), certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or a permanent resident card (green card).

If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must have been issued by the foreign government and certified by that country's consulate or embassy. Hospital birth certificates do not count. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your certificate of naturalization or citizenship — the DMV will photocopy it and return the original.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card. Some states also accept an unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) or a temporary protected status (TPS) document, but this varies. Check your state DMV's website to confirm what it accepts for non-citizens.

Proof of Identity

You need a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card all work. If your current license or ID is expired, most states will still accept it as proof of identity for the Real ID process, though some have a time limit (usually five to ten years past expiration).

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID yet, you can use a passport or passport card instead. Some states also accept a tribal ID, military ID, or a foreign national ID with an English translation. Check your state's list before you go, because not all states accept all of these.

Proof of Your Current Address

You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or benefits letter) all work. A PO box does not count as a current address for Real ID purposes.

If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new home plus a utility bill or bank statement from your old address. Some states will accept an affidavit of residency signed by a notary if you cannot produce a dated document, but this is not standard — call your DMV first.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefits statement from Social Security. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID; you can get a standard state ID instead.

If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment, or you can bring a different document from the list above. The DMV will photocopy the document and return the original.

Name Change Documents

If your name on your citizenship or identity documents does not match your current name, bring the legal document that shows the change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you were married and took your spouse's name but do not have a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. Do not go to your DMV appointment without it — the staff cannot process your process if your names do not match.

Documents You Cannot Use

The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images of documents, even if they are notarized. School IDs, library cards, and credit cards do not count as proof of identity. A PO box, mailbox, or care-of address does not count as proof of current address. Expired documents older than the state's time limit (usually five to ten years) will not be accepted.

Some states do not accept documents issued by certain countries or territories. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands), check your state DMV's website to confirm that it accepts birth certificates from that territory. A few states have additional restrictions on which documents they accept for non-citizens.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

The DMV will examine your documents in person, photocopy or scan them, and keep copies on file. You will receive a receipt showing what was submitted. Processing times vary: some states issue Real IDs the same day, others take two to four weeks. A few states send your documents to a federal verification system, which can add one to two weeks.

If the DMV cannot verify a document (for example, if your birth certificate does not match federal records), it will contact you by mail or phone. You may need to submit additional documents or visit the DMV again. Keep your receipt until you receive your Real ID in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You cannot submit photographs, scans, or PDF files of your documents, even if they are notarized. Bring the physical documents to your appointment.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

It must be certified by that country's consulate or embassy and include an official English translation. A hospital birth certificate or an uncertified copy will not work. Contact your country's consulate to request a certified copy if you do not have one.

Do I need to renew my Social Security card before I get my Real ID?

No. You can show any document that displays your full name and complete Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or benefits statement. You do not need to replace a lost or damaged card before your DMV appointment.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and street address. If you recently moved, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new home plus a utility bill or bank statement from your old address. Some states accept an affidavit of residency signed by a notary, but this is not standard — contact your DMV first.

Can I use an expired driver's license as proof of identity?

Yes, in most states. An expired license usually counts as proof of identity if it expired within the last five to ten years (the time limit varies by state). Check your state DMV's website to confirm the time limit before your appointment.