Which documents work as proof of identity for a driver's license

Most states accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as your primary proof of identity when you explore for a driver's license. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545 or FS-240) if you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent. A few states take a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship if you are not a native-born citizen.

The exact documents your state accepts depend on which state you live in. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets its own rules about what counts as valid identity proof. Some states are stricter than others — for example, some require a certified birth certificate (one with a raised seal from the vital records office), while others accept photocopies. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's specific list on its official website.

You will also need to bring a second form of ID in most states. This can be a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, a utility bill with your name and address, or a bank statement. The second document does not have to prove citizenship — it just has to show who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate works in every state as your primary identity document.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts, and the rules vary by state.
  • You will need a second form of ID (such as a Social Security card or utility bill) to prove your current address.
  • A certified birth certificate has a raised seal from the vital records office and costs $10 to $30 to order, depending on your state.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship may work instead of a birth certificate.

Getting a certified birth certificate if you don't have one

If you do not have a birth certificate, you order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This is not the same as the birth certificate your parents received at the hospital — that copy is usually not certified and will not work at the DMV. You need an official certified copy with a raised seal.

Contact the vital records office (sometimes called the vital statistics office or health department) in the county where you were born. You can find the office's website by searching "[your state] vital records" or by calling the state health department. Most offices let you order by mail, phone, or online. The cost ranges from $10 to $30 depending on the state, and processing takes one to four weeks. Some states offer rush service for an extra fee.

Bring a photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person on the certificate (such as a marriage license if your name has changed). If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country or the U.S. embassy or consulate that serves that country.

What happens if you don't have any of these documents

If you cannot get a birth certificate or passport, some states let you use a combination of other documents instead. For example, a few states accept a school transcript, a medical record, or a baptism certificate along with a second form of ID. A handful of states have a process called affidavit of identity, where you sign a sworn statement saying who you are, and someone who knows you (such as a relative or employer) signs it too.

The rules for this situation are different in every state. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, call your state's DMV directly and explain your situation. The DMV staff can tell you what documents you can use instead and what the next steps are. Some states have a special office that handles cases like yours.

Passport vs. birth certificate: which is easier to get

A certified birth certificate is usually faster and cheaper. It costs $10 to $30 and takes one to four weeks to arrive. You order it by mail or online from the vital records office in your birth state.

A U.S. passport costs $130 to $165 for an adult and takes four to six weeks by standard mail, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service (an extra $60). You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) and must bring a certified birth certificate or other proof of citizenship anyway. So if you do not already have a passport, getting a birth certificate first is the simpler path.

If you already have a passport, bring it to the DMV instead — it counts as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship, so you may not need a second document.

Name changes and updated documents

If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you want on your driver's license, bring a document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a legal name change, or adoption papers. The document must be certified or an official copy — a photocopy usually will not work.

If you changed your name and your birth certificate has not been updated yet, you can still use the old birth certificate along with the marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will see that the documents match and issue a license in your current name.

Real ID and what it means for your documents

Starting in May 2025, a Real ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license looks the same as a regular license but has a star in the upper right corner. To get one, you must bring the same identity documents (birth certificate or passport) plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address.

You do not have to get a Real ID license if you do not fly or visit federal buildings. A regular driver's license still works for voting, opening a bank account, and most other purposes. If you want a Real ID license, ask for it when you renew your license or explore for a new one — the process is the same, and there is no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

Most states require a certified copy with a raised seal. A photocopy will not work. If you have the original birth certificate from the hospital, that usually will not work either — you need an official certified copy from the vital records office.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport still works as proof of identity at the DMV. You do not need to renew it first. Bring it along with your second form of ID and proof of address.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring the original documents. The DMV staff will look at them to make sure they are real, then hand them back to you. You keep your documents — the DMV does not keep them.

What counts as proof of my current address?

A utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or work ID with your address also works in most states.

Can I use a tribal ID as my primary identity document?

Some states accept a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. Check your state's DMV website to see if yours does. If not, you will need a birth certificate, passport, or other document from the list your state provides.