What to bring when you replace your license

You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Most states also require your current or expired license if you still have it. The exact documents vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere: something that proves who you are, something that proves where you live, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work; you need the certified version from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The same applies to marriage certificates if your name changed. Most states accept documents that are not certified if they are originals — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement counts as proof of residency without certification.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if your state requires it. Some states ask for this; others do not. Call your local DMV before you go to find out whether you need one. If your license was damaged, bring what remains of it.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need an original or certified birth certificate, a current photo ID, and proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.
  • Your Social Security number is required, so bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring the certified document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Some states require a police report if your license was stolen; call your DMV before you go to find out whether yours does.
  • Bring your current or expired license if you still have it, even if it is damaged or was reported stolen.

Proof of identity documents that work

A photo ID is almost always required. Your expired driver's license counts, even if that is the document you are replacing. A passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card also work. Some states accept a tribal ID or a foreign national ID with a visa.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a combination of non-photo documents. A birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a birth certificate plus a bank statement with your name on it, may satisfy the requirement. The exact combinations vary by state. If you are in this situation, call your DMV to ask what two or three documents together will work.

Proof of residency: what counts

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address usually works. The document must show your name and address and typically must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days — check your state's rules. A bill from a phone company, electric company, gas company, water company, or internet provider all count.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new name, a lease signed by you and your landlord works even if it is older. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also works. If you live with family or a roommate and have no document in your name, some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.

A post office change of address form does not count as proof of residency. Neither does a cell phone bill unless it shows a physical address. Mail forwarding receipts and printed confirmations from online accounts do not work either.

Name change documents you may need

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — bring the certified document that proves the change. A certified marriage certificate is required if you married. A certified divorce decree or dissolution order is required if you divorced. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified court order.

The document must be a certified copy, not a photocopy or a certified photocopy. A certified copy comes from the vital records office or court that issued the original. If you are married and your last name changed, some states accept a marriage certificate from any state; others require the state where you were married. Call ahead if you are unsure.

If your name on your birth certificate does not match your current legal name, bring both the original birth certificate and the document that changed your name — the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Social Security number and tax documents

You must provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, but it is not required. A W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your number works. A bank statement or mortgage statement with your number also works. If you do not have any of these, you can provide your number verbally at the DMV, though some states prefer written proof.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one before you can get a driver's license. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore. This takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

Call your state DMV before you go. Explain which documents you have and which you do not. The DMV can tell you whether you can substitute one document for another or whether you need to obtain a missing document first. Some states are flexible; others have strict rules.

If you need a birth certificate and do not have one, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or online. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

If you need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, contact the court or vital records office in the county or state where the event occurred. These also take one to three weeks by mail and cost $10 to $30.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need a medical exam, vision test results, or proof of insurance. The DMV will give you a vision test on site. You do not need to bring your vehicle registration or proof of vehicle ownership unless you are also renewing your vehicle registration at the same time.

You do not need a notarized letter unless your state specifically requires one for proof of residency. You do not need to bring multiple copies of the same document. One certified birth certificate is enough; you do not need two or three.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate or marriage certificate?

No. You need an original certified copy or an official certified photocopy issued by the vital records office or court. A PDF you read or a photo of a document on your phone will not work. If you have only a digital copy, order a certified paper copy from the vital records office before you go to the DMV.

What if my address on my proof of residency does not exactly match the address I am registering?

Minor differences like apartment number formatting or abbreviations (St. vs. Street) usually do not matter. If the street address is different, the document will not work. Bring a second document that shows the correct address, or ask the DMV whether a notarized letter from your landlord or a lease will substitute.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I just tell the DMV my number?

Most states let you provide your number verbally, but some prefer written proof. Call your DMV to ask. If you do bring your card, bring the original — a photocopy is not accepted. If you do not have your card, a W-2 or tax return works.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?

Yes. An expired passport is still valid proof of identity for a driver's license replacement. It does not need to be current. The same applies to an expired state ID card or military ID.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a replacement in time?

Ask your DMV whether you can use a combination of other documents instead — for example, a passport plus a Social Security card, or a baptism certificate plus a bank statement. Some states have workarounds; others require the birth certificate. Call before you make a trip.