The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but every state requires proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal presence

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you must show the DMV documents that prove who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country. The exact documents accepted vary by state — some accept a birth certificate, others require a passport — so you need to check your state DMV's website before you go.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or ID card, a Social Security number, and proof that you have changed your name if you have (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Most people can gather these in a few hours. The key is knowing which documents your state accepts, because showing up with the wrong ones means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — but which documents count varies by state.
  • Your state DMV website lists the specific documents it accepts; calling ahead or checking online takes five minutes and prevents a rejected process.
  • A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers are the most common ways to prove citizenship, but some states accept only one of these.
  • Proof of residence usually means a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address.
  • Bring your current license or ID card, your Social Security number, and any documents showing a legal name change.

Proof of identity documents your state DMV will accept

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and usually a photo. A valid passport, passport card, or military ID card works in every state. If you do not have one of those, your state DMV will accept other documents — but the list differs by state.

Common identity documents include a birth certificate, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a school ID, a work ID, or a marriage certificate. Some states accept a combination of documents (for example, a birth certificate plus a school ID) if neither one has a photo. Check your state's DMV website under "Real ID" or "REAL ID documents" to see the exact list. Many states have a downloadable checklist you can print and bring with you.

If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport works as proof of identity in most states. Some states also accept a foreign national ID card or a consular ID. Again, your state DMV website will tell you which ones.

Proof of citizenship or legal presence

This is the document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or have permission to live in the United States. The most common documents are a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you were born in the United States, a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy) is usually enough.

If you were born outside the United States and became a citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or your Permanent Resident Card. If you have a visa or other immigration status that allows you to live in the U.S., some states accept a valid visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice.

Not every state accepts every document in this category. For example, some states accept a green card but not a visa. Your state DMV website will list which documents prove citizenship or legal presence in your state. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local DMV office before you go.

Proof of residence

Proof of residence means a document that shows your name and your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document must be recent — most states accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. Check your state's rules.

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, some states accept a letter from your landlord or a signed statement from someone who lives with you. A few states accept a bank statement or a credit card statement if it shows your current address. Your state DMV website will list all accepted documents.

If you live in a temporary situation (a shelter, a hotel, or with a friend), some states have workarounds. Call your local DMV to ask what documents they will accept for your situation.

Your current license or ID card and Social Security number

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. The DMV needs to see it to verify your identity and check your driving record. If you do not have a current license or ID, bring a document that shows your name and date of birth.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a Social Security card — the DMV will ask you to state it or write it on the process form. If you do not have a Social Security number, some states have alternative processes; call your DMV to ask.

Documents proving a legal name change

If your name on your birth certificate or passport is different from the name you want on your Real ID, bring a document that shows the legal change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers all work. The document must be an official copy, not a photocopy.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you changed your name when you married and again when you divorced, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree.

How to find out which documents your state accepts

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "REAL ID requirements." Most state DMV sites have a page that lists exactly which documents are accepted for proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship. Many states also have a downloadable checklist or a PDF you can print and bring to the DMV office.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office. Have your state name and your current address ready. The staff can tell you in a few minutes which documents you need and whether your specific documents will work. This phone call takes less time than a wasted trip to the office.

What to do if you do not have one of the required documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

If you do not have proof of residence, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on official letterhead that shows your name and address. Some DMV offices will accept this in place of a bill. If you are homeless or in a temporary shelter, call your DMV to ask what documents they will accept.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to get a Real ID in some states. Call your DMV to ask about alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. Most states require a certified copy of your birth certificate, which is an official copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy of a photocopy will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if my proof of residence document has my old address on it?

It will not work. Your proof of residence must show your current address. If you recently moved, wait until you have a utility bill, lease, or other document with your new address, or ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to tell the DMV your Social Security number or write it on the form. The card itself is not required. If you do not have a number, call your DMV to ask about alternatives.

Can I use a foreign passport as proof of citizenship?

A foreign passport proves your identity, not your citizenship. To prove you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, you need a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, green card, visa, or other immigration document. Your state DMV website will list which ones it accepts.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, green card, or other immigration document to prove citizenship or legal presence. If you do not have any of these, contact the U.S. State Department or your local USCIS office to ask how to obtain proof of your status.