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 status
You will need to bring originals or certified copies to your state's DMV or driver's license office. Most states require you to appear in person — you cannot mail in your documents or use a third party. The exact list varies slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.
Start by checking your state's DMV website for the specific documents it accepts, because some states take a passport card but not others, or accept a utility bill for residence but not a phone bill. Bringing the wrong document means a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document to prove citizenship.
- Proof of residence requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — typically dated within the last 60 days.
- A current driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as proof of identity, though some states accept other documents like a military ID.
- You must appear in person at your state DMV with all documents; you cannot mail them in or send someone else.
- Check your state's DMV website before you go, because accepted documents vary by state and bringing the wrong ones means starting over.
Proof of citizenship or legal status
This is the document that separates Real ID from a regular driver's license. You must bring one of these originals or a certified copy:
- A U.S. birth certificate issued by a vital records office (not a hospital record or photocopy)
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A certificate of naturalization
- A certificate of citizenship
- A permanent resident card (Green Card)
- An employment authorization document (EAD) with a photo
- A tribal document (some states accept tribal IDs or enrollment cards)
If you were born outside the U.S., you will need the naturalization or citizenship certificate, not just a Green Card. If you have a passport, that alone satisfies this requirement — you do not need a birth certificate too.
Birth certificates must be official documents from the state or county where you were born. A photocopy, even a certified one from your parents' records, does not work. If you do not have your original, order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.
Proof of identity
You need a document with your photo and signature. Most people bring a current driver's license or state ID card, but if you do not have one, these also work:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A military ID
- A tribal ID with a photo
- A foreign passport (some states accept this)
- A permanent resident card (Green Card)
The document must not be expired, though some states allow an expired document if it was valid when you were explore for Real ID. Check your state's rules — do not assume an expired ID will work.
If you have a passport, you can use it for both proof of identity and proof of citizenship. You do not need to bring two separate documents.
Proof of residence
You must show that you live where you say you do. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days — and in your name. Acceptable documents include:
- A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- A lease or rental agreement
- A mortgage statement or property tax bill
- A bank or credit card statement
- A government-issued mail (tax return, voter registration, benefit statement)
- An insurance policy or insurance bill
- A cell phone bill
The document must show your current address and your name. If you recently moved, bring a document from your new address. If you live with family and your name is not on any bills, ask the person whose name appears on the bill to bring it with you, or bring a notarized letter from them stating you live there.
Some states accept a second form of ID instead of a residence document — for example, a military ID with your address on it. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
What to bring if you are changing your name
If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you want on your Real ID, you must bring proof of the legal name change. This means:
- A marriage certificate (if you took a spouse's name)
- A divorce decree (if you changed your name back)
- A court order for name change
- An adoption decree
The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy does not work. If you lost the original, contact the court or vital records office that issued it and order a certified copy before your DMV appointment.
What to bring if you are a non-citizen
If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal status to be in the country, you can still get a Real ID. Bring your permanent resident card (Green Card) or employment authorization document (EAD) along with your birth certificate or passport from your home country.
Some states also accept a visa or I-94 arrival/departure record, but these do not satisfy the citizenship requirement on their own. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents it accepts for non-citizens, because the rules vary.
If your Green Card or EAD is expired, you may still be able to use it if you have filed for renewal. Bring proof of the renewal process (a receipt or notice from USCIS) along with the expired document.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring a Social Security card, though you will need to provide your Social Security number at the DMV. You do not need to bring your old driver's license if you already have a Real ID or a REAL ID-compliant license in another state.
You do not need to bring original documents if you have certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — it is not the same as a photocopy you made yourself.
You do not need to bring documents proving you paid taxes, own property, or have a job. Proof of residence is all the DMV needs to confirm where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. You must bring the original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself, even if a notary stamped it, does not work. If you lost your original, order a certified copy from the state or county where you were born before you go to the DMV.
What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a Real ID with a name that does not match your legal documents.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your documents. Some states allow a parent or guardian to appear on behalf of a minor, but adults must go themselves. Minors may also need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms.
What if my utility bill is not in my name?
If you live with family and the bill is in someone else's name, ask them to bring it with you and be prepared to explain your living situation. Some states accept a notarized letter from the bill holder stating you live there. Check your state's DMV website to see what it accepts in this situation.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You will provide your Social Security number at the DMV, but you do not need to bring the card itself. Bring your birth certificate or passport instead — those documents prove citizenship and identity.