The documents California asks for when you explore for a Real ID

California Real ID requires you to bring documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. You will need one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security verification. The state accepts a wide range of documents in each category, so you likely already have what you need at home.

You cannot use a document that has expired for more than five years. If your document is within five years of expiration, you can still use it. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. If a document is in a language other than English, you need to bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving identity (like a passport or driver's license), one proving where you live (like a utility bill or lease), and one showing your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return).
  • Documents cannot be expired by more than five years, and you must bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • If your document is in another language, bring both the original and a certified English translation.
  • You can use documents from your employer, bank, or government agencies — the state accepts many common papers people already have.

Identity documents California accepts

For proof of identity, California takes a current or recently expired U.S. passport, a passport card, or a passport book. You can also use a valid driver's license or identification card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a permanent resident card (green card). If you have a foreign passport that is current or expired less than five years ago, that works too.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, you can bring a certified copy of your birth certificate along with a photo ID that shows your name and date of birth — even if that photo ID is from another country. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself.

Proof of California residency

To show you live in California, bring one document with your current name and address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, phone, or internet) works if it is dated within the last 60 days. You can also use a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Bank statements and credit card statements count as well.

Government documents also work: a tax return, a paystub from your employer, a benefit statement from Social Security or unemployment, or a letter from a government agency. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that serves homeless people, dated within the last 60 days and stating that you are receiving services there.

Proof of your Social Security number

The easiest document is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or cannot find it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security, unemployment insurance, or the California Department of Social Services. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. Any of these documents must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. This letter must be dated within the last 12 months. Bring this letter along with your other required documents.

What to bring if your name has changed

If your current legal name is different from the name on your identity document — because you married, divorced, or changed your name legally — bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the document must be certified by the court or vital records office that issued it. A photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. If you are not sure whether your document is certified, ask the office that issued it or bring it to the DMV and staff can tell you whether it meets the requirement.

Documents you cannot use

California does not accept expired documents that have been expired for more than five years. A photocopy, even if it is certified by a notary, does not count as an original or certified copy from the issuing agency. School IDs, library cards, and membership cards do not work for any of the three categories. A birth certificate by itself is not enough for identity — you need it paired with a photo ID.

Documents that are not in English must come with a certified English translation. A translation you did yourself or that a friend made does not count. You need a translation certified by a court, a translator certified by the state, or a translator certified by a professional translation organization. The DMV website lists certified translators by county if you need to find one.

Bringing documents to the DMV

Bring your original documents or certified copies — do not mail them. The DMV staff will look at them, make copies if needed, and return the originals to you. Bring all three documents (identity, residency, and Social Security proof) in one visit. If you are missing one, staff can tell you what other documents in that category the state accepts, in case you have something at home you did not realize would work.

If you are explore for a Real ID at a DMV office, you will also need to bring your current California driver's license or ID card, or proof that you are a California resident if you do not have one yet. You will need to sign a statement confirming the information you provide is correct. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated in the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a document that expired more than five years ago?

No. California will not accept any document that expired more than five years before you bring it in. If your document expired less than five years ago, you can still use it. Check the expiration date before you go to the DMV.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you were born outside the United States and are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration dated within the last 12 months stating that you are not may be able to access. Bring this letter along with your identity and residency documents.

Does a notarized photocopy count as a certified copy?

No. A notarized photocopy is not the same as a certified copy from the issuing agency. You need an original document or a certified copy issued directly by the government office or organization that created it. Call the office that issued your document and ask how to get a certified copy.

Can I bring documents in another language?

Yes, but you must also bring a certified English translation. The translation must be done by a court-certified translator, a state-certified translator, or a translator certified by a professional translation organization. A translation you made yourself does not count.

What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?

Bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy from the court or vital records office. The DMV will use this to confirm your current legal name.