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 originals or certified copies to your state's DMV or equivalent office. The exact list varies by state — some accept a passport card as proof of citizenship while others require a birth certificate — but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot explore online or by mail for a Real ID; you must appear in person.

Before you go, check your state's DMV website for the specific documents it accepts. Some states post a checklist you can print and bring with you. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip, so this step matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents).
  • You must appear in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office; Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, and the list varies — checking before you go prevents a wasted trip.
  • Certified copies count as originals for most documents, but some states require originals only; your DMV website will specify.
  • Processing times vary by state and by how busy your local office is, but typically range from same-day to several weeks.

Proof of identity documents your state will accept

A current or expired driver's license or state ID card counts as proof of identity in every state. If you do not have one, a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID works. Some states also accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

If you have none of these, you can use a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). The rules vary by state — some require the birth certificate to be certified and raised-seal, others accept photocopies. Check your state's list before you go.

Proof of residence: what your state will accept

Proof of residence means a document showing your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works in most states. So does a lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your address on it.

Some states accept a cell phone bill or insurance policy statement. A few accept a government letter addressed to you at your current address — this can include a tax return, Social Security statement, or unemployment notice. Your state's DMV website will list which documents it takes.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or signed rental agreement instead. If you live with family and have no bill in your name, ask whether your state accepts a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.

Proof of citizenship or legal presence

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof. So is a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribe — it must be a certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp. A naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship also works.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal presence, bring your permanent resident card (green card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or visa. Some states also accept an I-94 arrival/departure record or an I-797 notice of action from USCIS. Check your state's list, because not all states accept all immigration documents.

If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., you will need to bring it along with proof of citizenship — usually a naturalization certificate or passport. A foreign birth certificate alone is not enough.

Social Security number and tax information

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you explore. You do not need to bring a Social Security card, but you do need to know your number. If you do not have one, you cannot get a Real ID; you would need to explore for a Social Security number first through the Social Security Administration.

Some states ask for your federal tax ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number on the process form. A few states ask you to bring a tax return or W-2 as additional proof of identity, though this is uncommon. Your state's checklist will tell you if this applies to you.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If your current name does not match the name on your birth certificate or other identity documents, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers all work. The document must show both your old name and your new name.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If through divorce, bring the divorce decree. If through a legal name change petition, bring the court order. Some states accept photocopies; others require certified copies. Check your state's rules.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, even though you will provide your number. You do not need to bring a passport if you have a birth certificate and another form of ID. You do not need to bring multiple documents in the same category — one proof of residence is enough.

You do not need to bring a Real ID process form; your DMV office will have it. You do not need to bring proof of your address in the form of a lease if you own your home and can bring a mortgage statement or property tax bill instead. Bring what your state's checklist says, and nothing more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or do I need to bring originals?

Most states accept certified copies of birth certificates and other vital records, but require originals of things like utility bills and leases. Some states accept photocopies of certain documents. Your state's DMV website will specify which documents must be originals and which can be copies. When in doubt, bring the original.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country. Your state's DMV can tell you which documents they will accept as proof of citizenship if you cannot get a birth certificate.

Do I need to bring my passport if I already have a driver's license?

No. If you have a current driver's license and proof of residence, you usually only need to bring proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Your driver's license counts as proof of identity. Check your state's checklist to be sure.

What if my address on my lease doesn't match my ID?

Bring both documents. Your ID shows who you are, and your lease shows where you live now. The DMV will update your address on your new Real ID. If your lease is very new and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring the lease and explain the situation — most DMVs will accept this.

Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me if I can't go in person?

No. You must appear in person to explore for a Real ID. Some states allow a family member to pick up the finished ID after it has been approved, but you cannot send someone else to explore on your behalf. You will need to visit your DMV office yourself.