The Documents You Must Bring

To get a Real ID, you need to bring three categories of documents to your DMV or state licensing office: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. You cannot get a Real ID without all three. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You will hand these documents to the DMV staff when you explore. They will check them against federal databases to verify they are real. If any document fails verification, your process will be delayed or denied, so bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

Plan to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the DMV for a Real ID process, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents verify on the first try. Bring all three categories even if you think one might not be necessary — the staff cannot issue a Real ID without seeing all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Originals and certified copies are accepted; photocopies are not, because the DMV verifies documents against federal records.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need an immigration document such as a green card, visa, or employment authorization card in addition to your birth certificate or passport.
  • Your proof of address must show your name and current street address and cannot be more than 90 days old at the time you explore.
  • If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Proof of Identity: What the DMV Will Accept

A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) is the easiest proof of identity because it serves double duty — it proves both who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. If you have a passport, bring it and you have already covered two of the three document categories.

If you do not have a passport, bring a certified birth certificate. This must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or a hospital record. You can order a certified birth certificate online or by mail from your state's vital records office; the process takes one to three weeks.

Other documents that work for identity include a state ID card, a driver's license from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign national ID. If you are using one of these, you will still need separate proof of citizenship or residency.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

If you are a U.S. citizen, a valid U.S. passport covers this requirement. A certified birth certificate also proves citizenship. If you have either of these, you do not need a second document for this category.

If you were born outside the United States and are now a citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. You can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you have lost yours.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you are in the United States on a visa, bring your valid visa plus your passport. If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), that also works. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your Refugee Travel Document or Advance Parole Document.

Proof of Your Current Address

Your proof of address must show your full name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank or credit card statements also work. The document cannot be more than 90 days old on the day you explore.

If you recently moved and have not yet received a bill at your new address, ask your utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your new address and service start date. Many utilities will email or print this for free. A government-issued letter addressed to you at your current address — such as a tax return, voter registration confirmation, or court document — also counts.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, that document will not work. You will need a document in your own name. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask your DMV office what documents they accept in your situation; some states allow a shelter letter or a statement from a social services agency.

What to Do If Your Name Has Changed

If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you use now, bring the legal document that changed your name. This can be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order for name change, or an adoption decree. The document must be an official copy, not a photocopy.

If you have been married more than once, bring all marriage and divorce certificates in order. The DMV staff will use these to trace your name changes from your birth certificate to your current name. If you lost a certificate, you can order a replacement from the county clerk's office or vital records office where the event was recorded.

Documents You Cannot Use and Common Mistakes

Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents will not be accepted, even if they are clear and complete. The DMV must see the original or a certified copy because staff verify documents against federal databases in real time. A certified copy is an official copy issued by the government office that holds the original — for example, a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office.

Social Security cards, library cards, school IDs, and expired documents do not count as proof of identity or address. Expired passports do not work either, even if they are otherwise valid. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it before your Real ID appointment, or bring a different identity document.

A PO box address does not count as proof of your current address because it is not a street address. If you use a PO box for mail, bring a document showing your actual residential street address instead.

How to Prepare Before You Go to the DMV

Gather all three categories of documents at least one week before your appointment. Check that each document is an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. If any document is expired, order a replacement now — certified birth certificates take one to three weeks, and passport renewals take four to six weeks.

Visit your state DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "REAL ID requirements." Most states post a list of accepted documents specific to that state. Some states accept a few documents others do not, so checking your state's list will save you a trip back home.

If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office and describe it. Staff can tell you over the phone whether it meets the requirement. Bring your Social Security number and your current address as well — you will need both to complete the process form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV must see the original documents or certified copies because staff verify them against federal databases during your appointment. Photos, photocopies, and faxes are not accepted.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can do this online or by mail; it usually takes one to three weeks. If you cannot locate your birth certificate, the vital records office can help you search their records.

Does my proof of address have to be in my name?

Yes. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, that document will not work. You need a document showing your name and your current street address. If you do not have one, ask your utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your service at that address.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?

No. Your passport must be valid (not expired) to count as proof of identity or citizenship. If your passport expired, renew it before your Real ID appointment, or bring a different identity document such as a certified birth certificate.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport or a certified birth certificate for identity, and bring an immigration document such as a green card, visa, or naturalization certificate for proof of citizenship or residency. If you are a U.S. citizen, a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship will cover both categories.