What documents Real ID actually accepts

Real ID requires you to bring specific documents that prove your identity, citizenship or immigration status, and your current address. The exact documents you need depend on whether you were born in the United States or abroad, and whether you have a passport or other federal ID already. You cannot mix and match freely — Real ID has a defined list for each category, and the DMV will not accept a substitute even if it seems similar.

The documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, even notarized ones, do not work. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document from each of three categories: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of current address.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card counts as proof of both identity and citizenship, so you only need to bring one additional document for your address.
  • Birth certificates must be certified copies with a raised seal or embossed seal from the vital records office — hospital-issued copies do not work.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work for address proof, but they must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
  • The DMV will not accept expired documents for identity or citizenship, but an expired utility bill can still prove your address if it is recent enough.

Proof of identity documents Real ID accepts

Real ID recognizes a limited set of identity documents. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. You can also bring a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or an employment authorization document (EAD) if it has a photo.

If you do not have any of those, you can bring a certified birth certificate along with a second document that has your name and photo — such as a school ID, employee ID, or membership card from a bank or credit union. The second document does not need to be current, but the birth certificate must be certified.

Real ID does not accept documents that are expired for the purpose of proving identity. A passport that expired last year will not work, even if you are renewing it. The one exception is a military ID, which can be expired if you are a retired or former service member.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status

If you were born in the United States, you need a certified birth certificate. This must be an official copy with a raised seal, embossed seal, or official stamp from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not work. Hospital-issued birth certificates do not have the required seal and are not accepted.

If you were born outside the United States, you have more options. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship directly. A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS also works. If you are a permanent resident, your green card serves this purpose. If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, those prove your legal immigration status.

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you can bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS. These are less common but are fully accepted.

Proof of current address

Real ID requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill works — electric, gas, water, internet, or phone. So do a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit union statement. Insurance documents (auto, home, or renter's) are also accepted if they show your address.

Government mail counts if it is from a federal, state, or local agency and shows your name and address. This includes tax documents, voter registration cards, or correspondence from Social Security, the IRS, or your state's unemployment office. A letter from your employer with your address also works.

Documents older than 60 days will not work, even if they are otherwise valid. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement for the new place instead. If you do not have any document in your name at your current address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead that confirms your residency and includes the current date.

What happens if you do not have a certified birth certificate

If you were born in the United States but do not have a certified birth certificate, you will need to order one from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Each state has its own process and fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $30. You can order by mail, phone, or online through your state's vital records website.

This process usually takes two to four weeks by mail. If you need the certificate faster, some states offer expedited service for an additional fee, which can bring the time down to one to two weeks. Once you receive it, check that it has the raised or embossed seal before you go to the DMV.

If you cannot locate your birth certificate or your state has no record of your birth, the DMV may accept other documents as proof of citizenship. These can include a passport, a Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS, or in some cases a combination of documents like a baptism record plus a school record. Contact your state's DMV before your appointment to ask what alternatives they will accept in your situation.

Documents you cannot use

Real ID does not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images of documents, even if they are notarized. You must bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it. A notary public cannot certify a copy in a way that Real ID recognizes.

Expired documents do not work for identity or citizenship. An expired passport will not prove your identity, and an expired green card will not prove your immigration status. However, an expired utility bill or lease can still prove your address if it is dated within the last 60 days.

Documents that show only a partial name or a nickname do not work. If your legal name is Robert but you go by Bob, your documents must show Robert. If you have recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change along with documents in both your old and new names.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Bring originals of all required documents. Do not assume the DMV will have copies made for you — bring them in the condition you are willing to leave them in. If any document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring the completed process form for your state — most states use Form DL 44 or a similar document, which you can fill out before you arrive or at the DMV. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.

If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID, bring your current Real ID or driver's license. Bring payment for the fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50 for a Real ID driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital-issued birth certificate for Real ID?

No. Hospital-issued birth certificates do not have the raised or embossed seal that Real ID requires. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. The vital records office will issue a copy with the official seal.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

All your documents must show the same legal name. If you have recently changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If your documents show different variations of your name, contact the vital records office or the agency that issued the document to request a corrected copy.

Can I use a bank statement printed from my online account?

Yes, if it shows your name and current address and is dated within the last 60 days. It does not need to be an official bank letterhead — a statement you print from your online banking portal works as long as it is legible and shows the bank's name and your account information.

Do I need to bring both my birth certificate and passport if I have a passport?

No. A passport or passport card proves both identity and citizenship, so you only need to bring the passport plus a document that proves your current address. You do not need to bring a birth certificate if you have a valid passport.

What if I was born outside the United States but do not have a passport?

You can bring a green card, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS. If you have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. State Department, that also works. Contact your state's DMV to confirm which documents they accept in your situation.