Bring These Documents to Your New York Real ID Appointment

New York requires you to bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, a document proving your Social Security number, and a document proving your address. You also need your current driver's license or permit. If you don't have all of these, the DMV will not issue your Real ID and you'll have to reschedule.

The specific documents that work vary — for example, a passport counts as both identity and address proof, but a birth certificate only proves identity. The DMV has a list of acceptable documents for each category, and bringing the wrong thing wastes your appointment slot. This section tells you exactly what the DMV accepts and what to bring based on your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified document for identity, Social Security number, and address — photocopies alone will not work.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card covers both identity and address proof in one document.
  • If you don't have a Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead.
  • Your current New York driver's license or learner permit is required; you cannot renew Real ID without it.
  • Bring documents exactly as they appear on file with the issuing agency — name changes require a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Identity Documents the DMV Accepts

The DMV needs one document that proves who you are. An original or certified copy works; a photocopy does not. Your current New York driver's license or learner permit counts as identity proof, so you're already halfway there if you have one.

Other documents that work for identity include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A birth certificate also counts, but only if it's an original or certified copy from the vital records office — hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring the certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with the original identity document.

Social Security Number Documents

You need to prove your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card — an original or certified copy. If you don't have one, the DMV accepts other documents that show your number.

These include a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past three years. You can also bring a paystub that shows your full Social Security number, a bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself. If you were born outside the United States, bring your I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A form along with your passport. If you have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Address Proof Documents

You need one document showing your current New York address. It must be recent — generally within the last 30 days, though the DMV sometimes accepts documents up to 60 days old. Call your local DMV office to confirm the age limit before your appointment.

Documents that work include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. Your name must appear on the document exactly as it appears on your identity document. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the most recent document you have plus a letter from your landlord, utility company, or mortgage lender on official letterhead confirming your current address. A U.S. passport or passport card also counts as address proof.

Your Current License or Permit

Bring your current New York driver's license or learner permit. The DMV needs this to process your Real ID upgrade. If your license is expired, you can still use it for this appointment, but you should also bring a renewal process (Form MV-44) if you're renewing at the same time.

If you've lost your license or permit, bring a police report or a letter from the DMV confirming the loss. You'll need to explore for a replacement first before you can upgrade to Real ID. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that before the DMV will issue Real ID.

Name Changes and Special Situations

If your name has changed since you got your current license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the certified copy of the document that changed your name. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy from the issuing agency, not a photocopy.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and your I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A form along with your other documents. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are explore for Real ID as a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own identity, Social Security, and address documents.

What Not to Bring (and Why It Matters)

Do not bring photocopies of any required documents. The DMV will not accept them, and you'll have to reschedule. Do not bring documents that are not originals or certified copies — a photo of a document on your phone will not work. Do not bring documents with your old name on them unless you also bring the certified copy of the document that changed your name.

Do not assume that a document you think should work actually does. The DMV's list of acceptable documents is specific, and bringing something close but not exact wastes your appointment. If you're unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office before your appointment and ask. They can tell you in a few minutes whether what you have is acceptable, and you can gather anything else you need before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone or a photocopy will not work, and the DMV will not process your process. You must reschedule and bring the actual documents.

What if my address document is older than 30 days?

Call your local DMV office and ask whether they'll accept it. Some offices extend the limit to 60 days. If your document is too old, bring a letter from your landlord, utility company, or mortgage lender on official letterhead confirming your current address along with the older document.

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

No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or paystub showing your Social Security number works instead of the card itself. Bring whichever document you have that clearly shows your number.

What if I don't have a current address document?

Contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and ask them to send you a recent statement or letter on official letterhead showing your name and address. You can also ask your landlord to write a letter confirming you live there. Bring this along with any older documents you have.

Can my spouse or family member bring my documents if I can't go to the appointment?

No. You must be present at your Real ID appointment in person. The DMV will not process an process if you're not there. If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule for a time that works for you.