What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The documents you need depend on which category of proof you fall into

Real ID requires you to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. The documents you bring must cover all three. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the DMV staff will examine them in person and may ask follow-up questions if something looks altered or unclear.

The exact list of acceptable documents varies slightly by state, but federal Real ID rules set a floor that every state must meet. Your state DMV website lists what it accepts; if you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local office before you go in.

Key Takeaways

You need one document proving identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one proving your Social Security number (usually a Social Security card or W-2), and one proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Original documents are required for identity and Social Security proof; address proof can usually be a copy, but some states require originals for all three.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Expired documents can prove identity if they expired less than five years ago, but address documents must be current (usually within 60 days of your visit).
If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead — the DMV will not accept a number written on paper.

Documents that prove your identity

You need one document from this list. It must show your full legal name and a photo (except for birth certificates, which do not have photos). The document can be expired if it expired less than five years ago.

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest proof and works in every state. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) works in all states but does not have a photo, so the DMV may ask additional questions. A state ID card or driver's license from another state works if it is still valid or expired less than five years. A military ID (active duty or retired) works in most states. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works in most states. Some states also accept a permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD) if you are not a U.S. citizen.

If you have none of these, ask your DMV whether it accepts a school ID, employee ID, or consular ID — acceptance varies by state. Do not bring a Social Security card, passport number written on paper, or a photo alone; none of these count as identity proof.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

You need one document from this list. The DMV needs to see the actual document, not a number you write down.

A Social Security card (original or certified replacement) is the standard. If you do not have one, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document showing your full name and Social Security number. A Social Security statement (the official letter mailed by the Social Security Administration) also works. Some states accept a 1040 tax return or pay stub showing your Social Security number, though not all do — check your state's list first.

If you have lost your Social Security card and cannot find a tax document, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit. That usually takes one to two weeks. Do not bring a number written on a piece of paper, a screenshot, or a photo of a card — the DMV must see an official document.

Documents that prove your current address

You need one document from this list. It must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days (some states allow up to 90 days — check yours). Most states accept copies, but a few require originals; your state DMV website will say which.

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common proof. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and current address. A bank or credit card statement dated within 60 days works in most states. A government check or benefits statement (Social Security, unemployment, or child support) works if it is recent. A property tax bill or homeowners insurance bill works if dated within the window.

Some states also accept a rental agreement, apartment lease, vehicle registration, or insurance policy if they show your current address and are recent enough. A few states accept a letter from a government agency (such as a court or social services office) dated within 60 days. Do not bring a piece of mail with your address handwritten on it, a screenshot, or a bill addressed to a former address.

What to bring if your name has changed

If your current legal name differs from the name on your identity document, bring proof of the legal change. This is required — you cannot get Real ID under a different name than what your identity document shows without documentation of the change.

A marriage certificate (original or certified copy) proves a name change due to marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution judgment proves a name change due to divorce. A court order for a legal name change proves a court-ordered change. Some states also accept an adoption decree if you were adopted as an adult. Bring the certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself — the DMV will usually want to see the official version.

What to bring if you do not have a birth certificate

If you cannot find your birth certificate and do not have a passport, you will need to use a different identity document. A state ID or driver's license from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID all work as long as they are not expired (or expired less than five years ago).

If you do not have any of those either, you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. That office is usually part of the health department or vital statistics division. The request takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30 depending on the state. You can usually request it online or by mail. Once you have it, bring it to the DMV along with your other documents.

What happens if a document is unclear or damaged

If a document is faded, torn, or hard to read, the DMV may reject it or ask you to bring a replacement. Bring the best copy you have. If the original is damaged beyond reading, request a certified replacement from the issuing agency (the state vital records office for a birth certificate, the Social Security Administration for a Social Security card, your bank for a statement, and so on).

If a document has been altered — a name crossed out and rewritten, a date changed, or anything that looks tampered with — the DMV will not accept it. Do not try to fix or rewrite anything on a document yourself. If your document is genuinely incorrect (for example, your name is misspelled), contact the issuing agency and request a corrected version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or do I need the original?

For identity and Social Security proof, bring originals or certified copies. For address proof, most states accept photocopies, but check your state DMV website first — a few require originals for all three categories. Certified copies (stamped by the issuing agency) count as originals for most purposes.

What if my address on my identity document is old?

That is fine. Your identity document can show an old address. You just need a separate document (utility bill, lease, bank statement) that shows your current address and is dated within the last 60 days. The DMV is checking that you live where you say you do now, not that your ID is up to date.

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

No. A W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement works just as well as the card itself. The DMV needs to see a document with your Social Security number on it; it does not have to be the card.

Can I use an expired passport for identity proof?

Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. After five years, an expired passport no longer counts as identity proof under Real ID rules, and you will need to bring a different document.

What if I do not have any of these documents?

Start by requesting a certified birth certificate from the state or county where you were born — that is the easiest to obtain and works everywhere. If you need a Social Security card, request one from the Social Security Administration. For address proof, a recent utility bill or bank statement is usually fastest. Call your local DMV office; staff can tell you which documents are easiest for your situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.