What documents you must bring to the DMV
To get a Real ID driver license, you will need to bring four categories of documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The specific documents accepted in each category vary by state, but the federal Real ID Act sets the minimum standards that every state must follow.
For proof of identity, most states accept a passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or state ID card. Some states also accept military ID, tribal ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. You cannot use a Social Security card, school ID, or work ID as your primary identity document.
For proof of Social Security number, you can bring your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works in most states. You do not need to bring the original — a copy is usually acceptable.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving who you are, such as a passport or birth certificate.
- Proof of your Social Security number can be your card itself, a tax form, or a paystub, and a copy is usually fine.
- Your proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states — utility bills and lease agreements are standard.
- You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or green card.
- Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies of identity and citizenship documents are not accepted.
Proof of residency and what counts
Your proof of residency must show your current street address and be recent — most states require it to be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your address all work. Some states accept a property tax bill or a letter from a government agency.
A few states have stricter rules. If you have moved recently or live with someone else, check your state's DMV website for the exact documents they accept, because some will not take a lease if you are not the primary leaseholder, and some require two documents instead of one.
Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as proof of residency, and neither do documents with a PO box instead of a street address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your state DMV directly — many have alternative procedures.
Proof of citizenship and lawful status
You must prove you are either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate issued by a state vital records office, certificate of naturalization, or consular report of birth abroad. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy is not acceptable.
If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) or a valid I-551 document. Some states also accept an I-797 notice of action if it shows you have been granted permanent resident status, though this is less common.
If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be an official document issued by the vital records office of the country where you were born. A translation into English may be required — check with your state DMV about whether they need a certified translation.
How to get certified copies if you do not have originals
If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on the location. You can order online, by mail, or in person at most vital records offices.
For a certificate of naturalization, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and request a replacement. If you have lost your green card, you can explore for a replacement through USCIS as well, though this takes longer and has a separate fee.
Do not rely on a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy — the DMV will reject these. If you are unsure whether your document is certified, contact the office that issued it and ask whether it bears an official seal and signature.
What to bring if you have changed your name
If your current name does not match the name on your identity documents, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers all work. The document must be an original or certified copy.
If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring the marriage certificate. If you were divorced and changed your name back, bring the divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the order itself. Some states also accept a certified copy of a name change published in a newspaper, though this is rare.
If your name change document is from outside the United States, it must be an official document from the government office that issued it, and you may need a certified English translation.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your old driver license or state ID, though it can speed up the process if you do. You do not need a letter from an employer, a school transcript, or a reference letter. You do not need to bring your passport if you have a birth certificate and proof of citizenship through another document.
You do not need to bring originals of your Social Security proof — a photocopy of your card, a paystub, or a tax form is fine. However, you must bring originals or certified copies of your identity and citizenship documents; photocopies will be rejected.
Some states ask you to bring your green card or I-797 in person so they can verify it, but they will return it to you. You do not need to surrender it or leave it with the DMV.
What happens at the DMV appointment
When you arrive at the DMV, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. The staff will review each document to confirm it meets the Real ID requirements. They will make copies of some documents and return your originals to you.
You will answer questions about your identity and sign a declaration under penalty of perjury confirming that the information you provided is true. You will have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the DMV is.
If a document is missing or does not meet the requirements, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You will not be able to complete your Real ID license that day, but you can return with the correct documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy, even if it is notarized, will not be accepted. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the state or country where you were born.
What if my address on my lease does not match my address on my ID?
Bring both documents and explain the situation to the DMV staff. They will use the address on your proof of residency (the lease) as your current address and update your license accordingly. Make sure your lease is dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to bring my green card if I have a U.S. passport?
No. A U.S. passport is sufficient proof of citizenship, so you do not need your green card. However, if you are a lawful permanent resident but not a citizen, you must bring your green card or I-551 document to prove your status.
Can I use a utility bill from a roommate's name if I live with them?
It depends on your state. Some states require the document to be in your name; others accept a lease or mortgage statement even if you are not the primary account holder. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm what they will accept.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or paystub instead. You do not need the card itself. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV.