Bring These Documents to Pass Your Real ID Appointment

You need to bring one document that proves your identity, one that proves your Social Security number, and one that proves your current address. Most people bring a passport, a Social Security card, and a recent utility bill. The DMV will not accept expired documents for identity proof, though some states accept an expired passport if it was issued when you were an adult. If you do not have all three categories, you will be turned away and have to reschedule.

The exact documents the DMV will accept vary slightly by state, but the three-category rule holds everywhere. Some states are stricter about what counts as address proof — for example, a credit card statement may work in one state but not another. Before you go, check your state DMV's Real ID document list on their official website. Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and will not process your process without them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address — copies will not be accepted.
  • An expired passport works for identity proof in most states if it was issued when you were an adult, but an expired driver's license does not.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for address proof in most states, but some states reject certain documents — check your state DMV website before your appointment.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you must bring your birth certificate or passport plus a document showing when you became a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID card even if it is expired, because the DMV uses it to look up your existing record.

Identity Documents the DMV Will Accept

A valid or expired passport is the strongest identity document. If your passport is expired, it must have been issued when you were at least 16 years old and cannot have been expired for more than five years (this rule varies by state, so check). A passport card works the same way as a passport book.

A birth certificate counts as identity proof only if it is a certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp — a photocopy or a plain printout will not work. The birth certificate must be from a U.S. state, territory, or tribal nation. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Permanent Residence instead.

A military ID, whether active or retired, works as identity proof. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe also works. A permanent resident card (green card) works if you are a permanent resident explore for a Real ID. An expired driver's license or state ID from another state does not count as identity proof for Real ID purposes, even if it is still valid for other uses.

Social Security Number Documents

An original Social Security card is the easiest proof. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. The document must be from within the last 12 months. A tax return works if it shows your full Social Security number and is dated within the last 12 months.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before your Real ID appointment. Contact the Social Security Administration directly — the DMV cannot issue a Social Security number for you. This adds time to your Real ID process, so do this as soon as you know you need a Real ID.

Address Proof Documents That Work

A utility bill in your name works in all states. It must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. Gas, electric, water, internet, and phone bills all count. A cell phone bill works in most states but not all — check your state DMV website first.

A lease or rental agreement with your name and current address works if it is signed and dated. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works. A bank or credit card statement works in most states if it is dated within the last 60 days and shows your current address. Some states reject credit card statements, so verify before you go.

A government document with your name and address also works — examples include a voter registration card, a property deed, or a homeowners insurance policy. An apartment lease renewal notice works. A letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your name and address works in some states but not others. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office before your appointment.

What to Bring If You Were Born Outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or your birth certificate from your country of birth. You must also bring proof that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This means a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Permanent Residence (green card), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a U.S. passport.

If you are a permanent resident but not yet a citizen, your green card serves as both identity proof and citizenship status proof. If you are a citizen but your passport has expired, bring your Certificate of Naturalization instead. Do not bring a foreign passport alone — the DMV needs to see proof of your U.S. status.

Documents to Bring for Name Changes

If your name has changed since your last driver's license was issued, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back. A court order for a legal name change works. These documents must be certified copies with an official seal.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order. The DMV will not accept a photocopy or a document without an official seal. If you have not yet updated your Social Security card to match your new name, do that before your Real ID appointment — it will make the process faster.

What Else to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. The DMV uses this to look up your existing record in their system. If you do not have a current or expired license, bring any government-issued ID with your photo.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you are nervous about remembering it. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand — some DMV offices still use paper applications. Bring your appointment confirmation if you scheduled one online or by phone. If you are renewing a Real ID that is about to expire, bring your current Real ID card or driver's license.

Do not bring originals of documents you want to keep if you have a certified copy. For example, if you have both your original birth certificate and a certified copy, bring the certified copy and leave the original at home. The DMV will not damage your documents, but certified copies are easier to replace if something goes wrong.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Bringing a photocopy instead of an original is the most common reason for rejection. The DMV must see and examine the original document. Bringing an address proof document dated more than 60 days ago is another common mistake — even if the address is still correct, an old utility bill will not work.

Bringing an expired passport that expired more than five years ago will not work in most states. Bringing a birth certificate without a raised seal or official stamp will not work — a plain printout from a vital records website is not acceptable. Bringing a document that does not have your current address on it will not work, even if you have lived at that address for years.

Bringing only two of the three required categories (identity, Social Security, address) will result in rejection. Some people bring identity proof and address proof but forget the Social Security document. Some bring a passport but no address proof. Check all three categories before you leave home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original physical documents. You cannot show a photo of your birth certificate or a PDF of your utility bill on your phone. Bring the actual documents in paper form.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but we live at the same address?

Most states will not accept a utility bill in someone else's name, even if you are married and live together. Bring a document in your own name instead — a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you cannot get a document in your name, call your DMV office to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I need to bring my old Real ID card if it is still valid?

No, but it helps. If you are renewing a Real ID that has not expired yet, bringing it speeds up the process because the DMV can see your previous information. If your Real ID has already expired, you still do not need to bring it, but bring your current driver's license or ID card instead.

Can I bring a lease if it is not signed yet?

No. The lease must be signed and dated by both you and your landlord. An unsigned lease or a lease that only you have signed will not work. If you just moved and do not have a signed lease, bring a utility bill or bank statement instead.

What if I do not have a Social Security card and cannot find my W-2 or pay stub?

Contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before your Real ID appointment. You can order one online at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office. This takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead. Do not go to your Real ID appointment without proof of your Social Security number.