What you need at the driver license center
When you go to your state's driver license center to get a Real ID, bring documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but most require a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and a recent utility bill or lease. You will also need to bring your current driver license or state ID card. Some states let you upload documents online before you visit, which can speed up the process.
The staff at the driver license center will check your documents against databases to confirm they are real. This is why they ask for originals or certified copies rather than photocopies — they need to see the actual document. If a document is damaged, faded, or looks altered, they may reject it and ask you to get a replacement from the issuing agency first.
Bring more documents than you think you need if you are unsure. If one document is rejected, having a backup means you can finish the same day instead of making a second trip. Many people bring two forms of address proof for this reason.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or a tax return showing your number, and a document proving your current address.
- The driver license center staff will examine your documents in person to confirm they are genuine, so photocopies usually will not work.
- Each state has a slightly different list of acceptable documents, so check your state's DMV website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
- Bring your current driver license or state ID card along with the other documents, even if it is expired.
- Some states let you upload documents online ahead of time, which can reduce wait time at the center.
Documents that prove your identity
A birth certificate is the most common identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If you do not have your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID card will work instead. Some states also accept a naturalization certificate or a permanent resident card (green card).
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the name change. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the staff will see a mismatch between your birth certificate and your current name and will ask you to provide proof of the change before they can proceed.
Documents that prove your Social Security number
Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you do not have it or it is damaged, bring a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form from the past year that shows your full Social Security number. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works. Some states accept a paystub if it shows your full number, though many redact it for security, so check first.
If you have never had a Social Security number — which is rare but does happen — you will need to explore for one at a Social Security office before you can get a Real ID. The driver license center cannot issue a Real ID without one.
Documents that prove your current address
A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name works best. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days. A recent bank or credit card statement also works in most states. A government check or benefits statement with your address is acceptable in many places too.
If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead confirming your new address. If you live with family and are not on the lease, ask the person whose name is on the lease to bring a document in their name, then bring a notarized statement saying you live there. Rules for this situation vary widely by state, so call your local driver license center first.
A post office change-of-address form does not work as proof of address, even though it is an official document. The driver license center needs a document that shows a business or landlord has your address on file.
What to bring if your documents are from another country
If your birth certificate or other identity document is from outside the United States, bring the original and a certified English translation. A certified translation is one prepared by a professional translator who signs a statement saying the translation is accurate. You cannot use a translation you made yourself or one a friend made for you.
Some states have a list of approved translators on their DMV website. If yours does not, search for "certified translator" plus your state name, or ask the driver license center staff for a referral. The cost is usually $25 to $75 per document.
Documents to bring if you are renewing or replacing
If you already have a driver license or state ID card, bring it even if it is expired. The staff will use it to look up your record and confirm your information. If you lost your card or it was stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed up the process.
If you are replacing a card because it was damaged, bring the damaged card if you still have it. If you are upgrading from a regular driver license to a Real ID, you still need to bring all the identity and address documents listed above, plus your current license.
What happens if a document is rejected
If the staff says a document does not meet the requirements, ask them to explain which requirement it does not meet. Sometimes a small issue — like a document being dated just outside the acceptable window — can be fixed by bringing a different document that shows the same information. If the issue cannot be fixed that day, ask what document would work instead and where to get it.
If your birth certificate is rejected because it looks altered or damaged, you will need to order a new certified copy from the vital records office. This usually takes one to three weeks. If your address document is rejected because it is too old, a new utility bill or bank statement will work if you can get one printed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. The driver license center needs an original or a certified copy from the vital records office. A photocopy, even of a certified copy, will not work. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the state or county where you were born — this usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.
What if my address on my ID is different from my current address?
Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. The staff will update your address in the system. You do not need to change your address before you go — the driver license center will do it as part of the Real ID process.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a tax return instead?
Either one works. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 from the past year is just as acceptable as your Social Security card. If you bring a tax return, make sure it shows your full Social Security number — some people redact it for security.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your original birth certificate and a certified English translation prepared by a professional translator. Some states have approved translator lists on their DMV website. The translation usually costs $25 to $75.
Can I bring documents on my phone, or do they have to be paper?
Most driver license centers require paper originals or certified copies that they can hold and examine. Some states let you upload documents to their website before your visit, which speeds up the process. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available.