The documents you need depend on which state you live in and whether you are getting your first license or renewing one

Every state requires proof of identity and proof of residency, but the specific documents they accept vary. Some states accept a passport; others do not. Some accept utility bills; others require a lease or mortgage statement. Before you gather anything, check your state's DMV website or call your local office — they will tell you exactly which documents they accept in your situation. Showing up with the wrong papers wastes a trip.

The documents fall into a few categories: who you are, where you live, your Social Security number, and your legal right to be in the country. You will usually need at least one document from two or three of these categories. A few states also require a medical form if you have certain health conditions, or proof of name change if you have married or legally changed your name since your last license.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), but which documents they accept varies by state.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number, either on an process form or by showing your Social Security card, though some states accept a tax return or W-2 instead.
  • If you were not born in the United States, you must show proof of legal presence, which may be a passport, visa, green card, or employment authorization document.
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents they accept; calling ahead prevents you from making a trip with the wrong papers.

Proof of identity documents

A proof of identity document shows who you are and usually includes your photograph. Common documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or an existing driver license or ID card from another state. Some states also accept a military ID, tribal ID, or consular ID card issued by a foreign government.

If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or hospital copy does not count. If you use a passport, it can be expired, but it must be a real passport, not a passport card (though some states accept the card). If you are using an ID from another state, it must not be suspended or revoked.

A few states accept documents you might not expect, such as a school ID, employee ID, or insurance card, but only if they include your photograph and are current. Check your state's list before you assume your document will work.

Proof of residency documents

A proof of residency document shows that you live at the address you put on your license process. The most common documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days in most states — though some states accept documents up to 90 days old.

A few states accept mail from a government agency, such as a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits letter. Some accept a phone bill or insurance bill. A handful accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead, though this is less common. A few states will accept a recent lease even if it does not yet show up on a utility bill, which helps if you just moved.

Documents that usually do not work include a cell phone bill (unless it shows your home address, not just a billing address), a gym membership, or a hotel receipt. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states have a separate process — ask your DMV office what documents they will accept in your situation.

Social Security number verification

Every state requires you to provide your Social Security number. You can do this by showing your Social Security card, or by providing the number on your process form and letting the DMV verify it with the Social Security Administration. Some states accept a tax return (Form 1040), a W-2, or a 1099 form instead of the card itself.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to show proof of legal presence instead (see the next section). If you have a Social Security number but lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive before you go to the DMV — you can provide the number on your process.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

If you were not born in the United States, you must show proof that you have the legal right to be here. This document is called proof of legal presence. Common documents include a U.S. passport, a green card (Permanent Resident Card), a visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice.

Some states also accept a birth certificate from a U.S. territory (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you are a citizen of a Compact of Free Association state (the Marshall Islands, Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia), some states accept your passport as proof of legal presence.

If your document is expired, check your state's rules — some states accept expired passports or visas, while others do not. If you are waiting for a renewal or a new document to arrive, call your DMV office to ask whether you can come in with a receipt or approval notice showing that you have applied.

Name change documents

If your name on your process is different from the name on your proof of identity document, you will need to show proof of the name change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order approving a legal name change. The document must be an official copy from the court or vital records office, not a photocopy.

If you recently married and changed your name, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced and took back a former name, bring your divorce decree. If you legally changed your name through the court, bring the court order. Some states also accept a religious document, such as a baptism certificate, if it shows both your old and new names, though this is less common.

Medical or disability-related documents

A few states require a medical form or doctor's statement if you have certain health conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely — such as seizure disorders, severe vision problems, or conditions that cause sudden loss of consciousness. Your doctor fills out the form, and you bring it to the DMV. The form does not determine whether you get a license; it gives the DMV information to make that decision.

Some states also offer a restricted license or conditional license if you have a medical condition that limits when or where you can drive. For example, you might be allowed to drive only during daylight hours, or only within a certain distance of your home. If you think you might need restrictions, ask your DMV office what documents they need from you or your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or digital image of my documents?

Most states require original documents or certified copies. A photocopy or image on your phone usually does not work. However, some states now accept digital images of certain documents through their online portal. Check your state DMV website to see whether you can submit documents digitally or whether you must bring originals in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. In the meantime, you may be able to use a passport, military ID, or other identity document. Call your DMV office to ask what they will accept while you wait for your birth certificate to arrive.

Do I need all these documents at once, or can I bring them one at a time?

You must bring all required documents in one visit. The DMV will not issue a license if you are missing any of them. Bringing them one at a time means multiple trips. Check your state's list before you go, and gather everything at home first.

What if my address on my proof of residency does not match the address on my ID?

This is common and usually not a problem. Bring both documents and explain the situation — for example, if you recently moved. The DMV will put your current address on your new license. You may need to bring extra proof of residency if the documents are dated far apart.

Can I use a PO box as my address on my driver license?

Most states do not allow a PO box as your primary address on a driver license. You must provide a street address where you actually live. However, some states allow you to use a PO box as a mailing address if you also provide your street address. Ask your DMV office what they require in your situation.