Bring these documents when you renew your Real ID

When you go to renew your Real ID driver's license or state ID, bring your current license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, proof of your address, and one form of federal or state-issued photo identification. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but this core set covers what every DMV office will ask for. Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts — some states are flexible about which documents work, while others have a narrower list.

You do not need to bring originals of everything. Most states accept photocopies of documents like your birth certificate or Social Security card. However, you will need to bring your current license or ID in person, because the DMV staff will examine it and take it from you when they issue your new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Real ID driver's license or state ID card, because the DMV will take it when they issue your renewal.
  • You need proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of birth date (birth certificate or passport), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • One form of federal or state photo ID — such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID — satisfies the identity requirement in most states.
  • Photocopies of documents like your birth certificate are usually acceptable, but check your state DMV website for its specific rules before you go.
  • Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy; a photo of it on your phone will not work.

Proof of your Social Security number

The DMV needs to see proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option — bring the original or a certified copy. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. Some states also accept a paystub that shows your full Social Security number, though many DMVs ask you to black out all but the last four digits for privacy.

A photo of your Social Security card on your phone will not work. The DMV staff need to see a physical document. If you have lost your card and cannot find any of the other documents listed above, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before your DMV appointment.

Proof of your date of birth

You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. This is the document the DMV prefers because it is a government record created at the time of your birth. If you were born in the United States, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — most states charge between $15 and $30 for a certified copy and can mail it to you within one to two weeks.

If you do not have time to order a birth certificate, some states accept a valid passport, military discharge papers (DD-214), or a tribal ID card as proof of birth date. Check your state DMV website to see which documents it accepts as alternatives. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a consular report of birth abroad.

Proof of your current address

The DMV needs to see that you live where you say you do. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill — any document that shows your name and current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow older documents if they are still current (for example, a mortgage statement from six months ago is still valid proof if you still live in that house).

If you have moved recently and your name does not yet appear on a utility bill or lease, bring two documents instead of one — such as a lease agreement and a bank statement, or a utility bill and an insurance bill. Some states also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager confirming your address. Check your state DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents and the age limits for each.

One form of federal or state photo ID

You need one document that shows your photo, your name, and your date of birth. A valid passport is the strongest option and works in every state. A military ID card, a tribal ID card, or a state ID from another state also work in most places. Some states accept a passport card (the wallet-sized version) or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license from another state.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, check your state DMV website to see what other photo IDs it accepts. Some states are flexible and will take a school ID, an employee ID, or a professional license. Others are stricter and require only a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these documents, you may need to get a passport first — the passport process process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or passport, unless your state specifically requires it. Most states assume you are a U.S. citizen if you already hold a Real ID driver's license or state ID. You also do not need to bring your Social Security card in its original form if you have a W-2 or tax return — the DMV accepts copies of these documents.

You do not need to bring a completed process form to most DMV offices. Many states let you fill out the form on a computer at the DMV or on their website before you arrive. A few states still use paper forms, but they usually have them available at the counter. Check your state DMV website to see whether you should fill out a form ahead of time or expect to do it when you arrive.

How to prepare before your DMV visit

Visit your state DMV website and search for "Real ID renewal documents" or "Real ID requirements." Print or save the list of documents your state accepts, because the list varies by state and some states have updated their rules recently. Make a checklist of the documents you need and gather them before your appointment. If you are missing any documents, order them now — a certified birth certificate can take two weeks to arrive, and a passport can take even longer.

Bring the originals of documents like your birth certificate and Social Security card, or certified copies if you have them. Photocopies of most other documents (like utility bills or lease agreements) are fine. Arrive at the DMV with all your documents in one folder so you can hand them to the staff member without fumbling. If you are renewing by mail in a state that offers it, follow the same document rules but mail photocopies instead of originals — your state DMV website will tell you which documents can be mailed and which must be shown in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID if my name has changed since my current ID was issued?

Yes, but you will need to bring proof of the name change. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers — whichever document shows the legal change. Some states also accept a certified name change document from a court. Bring this document along with your other renewal documents.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a consular report of birth abroad issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some states also accept a foreign birth certificate if it has been certified by the country's vital records office and translated into English by a certified translator. Check your state DMV website to see which documents it accepts for people born outside the U.S.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A recent tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your Social Security number is acceptable proof in most states. You do not need to bring your card itself. However, bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy of a tax return usually works, but check your state DMV website to be sure.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease to prove my address?

Bring two documents instead of one — such as a bank statement and an insurance bill, or a mortgage statement and a paystub. Some states also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager, or a government document like a voter registration card or property tax bill. Check your state DMV website for the full list of acceptable address documents.

Can I bring a photocopy of my passport instead of the original?

Most states require you to bring your original passport so the DMV staff can examine it and verify it is genuine. A photocopy is not acceptable for your photo ID requirement. However, you can bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or Social Security card — the rules differ by document type, so check your state DMV website before you go.