The Documents You'll Bring to the DMV

To get a Real ID, you need to bring three types of documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DMV office.

Real ID is a federal standard that makes your driver's license or state ID card acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Because it involves citizenship verification, the process is stricter than a standard license renewal. You'll need originals or certified copies of most documents; photocopies alone won't work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving citizenship or legal residency, and one proving your current address — originals or certified copies only.
  • A passport or birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship; a green card or visa serves as proof of legal residency if you're not a U.S. citizen.
  • Your current address can be proven with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must appear in person at your DMV office; you cannot complete a Real ID transaction by mail, phone, or online.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card, as the DMV will verify it during your visit.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, bring one document from this list. The document must be current and not expired (or expired no more than five years ago in most states, though this varies).

Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, passport card, military ID, state-issued ID card, driver's license from another state, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card). If you're explore for your first Real ID and don't have a current driver's license, a passport is the most straightforward choice because it also proves citizenship at the same time.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will want to see how your current legal name connects to the name on your identity document.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present non-citizen. Bring one document from the appropriate category for your status.

If you are a U.S. citizen: Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. A birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an official document issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — a hospital-issued birth certificate or a photocopy is not acceptable. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office if you don't have one.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are lawfully present: Bring your permanent resident card (green card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Advance Parole document, visa, or other USCIS-issued document showing your legal status. The document must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago. If you have a visa, bring your passport as well so the DMV can see both documents together.

Proof of Your Current Address

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card).

The document must show your full name and street address. A PO box is not acceptable as proof of address. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name at your new address yet, call your DMV office before you go — some offices will accept a combination of documents (such as a lease plus a utility bill in a former name) or a signed statement from a landlord or property manager.

If you live with someone else and don't have a document in your name, ask the person whose name is on the bill to write a signed statement on the document saying you live there, or bring a lease or rental agreement that shows you as a tenant.

Your Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number by heart. The DMV will verify your number with the Social Security Administration during your visit. If you don't have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID; you can get a standard state ID card instead, but it will not be acceptable for federal purposes like domestic air travel.

If you've lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit, or you can bring a document that shows your number (such as a tax return or W-2 form). The DMV office itself cannot issue or replace Social Security cards.

Documents You Don't Need (But Might Help)

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card to get a Real ID, though it can speed up the process if you have one. If you're renewing an existing license or ID card, the DMV may have your information on file already.

You do not need to bring a completed process form to most DMV offices — staff will give you one when you arrive, or you may be able to fill it out online before your visit. Check your state's DMV website to see if you can pre-fill your process; this can cut down your time in the office.

You do not need to bring proof of a name change if your current legal name matches the name on your identity document. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change (as described in the Proof of Identity section above).

What Happens at the DMV Office

When you arrive, bring all your documents to the counter. A DMV staff member will review them to make sure they meet the Real ID requirements. They will verify your Social Security number, take a new photo of you, and collect your fingerprints (in most states). The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

If any of your documents are missing or don't meet the requirements, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your Real ID transaction that day if documents are incomplete. Once everything is approved, you'll pay the fee (which varies by state) and receive a receipt. Your Real ID card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. A photocopy, even if notarized, is not acceptable. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office if you don't have the original.

What if my address on my identity document doesn't match my current address?

That's fine. Bring your identity document (which may show an old address) and a separate document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address. The DMV will update your address in their system when you explore for Real ID.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have a green card?

Not necessarily. A green card alone is sufficient proof of legal residency. However, if your green card is expired, bring your passport or another USCIS document as well so the DMV can see you have current legal status.

Can someone else bring my documents to the DMV for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV to get a Real ID. The DMV will take your photo and fingerprints, and you'll need to sign documents. No one can complete this process on your behalf.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. You can get a standard state ID card or driver's license instead, but it will not meet federal requirements for domestic air travel or federal building entry. If you need a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to explore.