The documents the DMV requires for Real ID depend on what you're proving: identity, citizenship or legal residency, and your current address

The DMV does not accept every document for every purpose. A Real ID requires you to prove three separate things — who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, and where you live — and the DMV has specific documents it will accept for each one. You cannot substitute one document for another, and you cannot use an expired document to prove citizenship even if you can use it to prove identity. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

The documents listed here are what the federal REAL ID Act requires states to accept. Your state DMV may accept additional documents, but these are the baseline. Check your state DMV website before you go, because some states have added their own requirements or restrictions — for example, some require documents to be certified copies rather than originals, and some have different rules for people born outside the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving identity, one proving citizenship or legal residency, and one proving your current address — the DMV will not accept a single document for all three purposes.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so you only need to bring an address document if you have one of these.
  • Birth certificates must be certified copies with a raised seal or embossed seal from the vital records office — photocopies and uncertified copies are not accepted.
  • 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.
  • If you do not have a document proving your current address, some states allow you to use a second identity document or a document from a government agency instead.

Identity documents the DMV will accept

The DMV needs one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid or expired U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have one of these, a state driver's license or ID card from another state counts, even if it is expired — though the DMV prefers it to be current.

If you have none of these, the DMV will accept a certified birth certificate paired with a second identity document that does not have a photograph. That second document can be a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, or a tribal ID. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of identity if you have no other documents at all, but this is rare and requires you to bring a notary public with you or arrange one through the DMV office.

Documents that have been altered, mutilated, or appear fraudulent will be rejected. If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Citizenship and legal residency documents

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born works for citizenship. The certificate must have a raised seal, embossed seal, or security features — a photocopy or a certificate issued by a hospital does not count.

If you were born outside the United States, you need a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). A visa alone is not enough. If your Green Card is expired, some states will still accept it for Real ID purposes, but call your DMV first to confirm.

If you were born in a U.S. territory — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands — a certified birth certificate from that territory works the same way as a U.S. birth certificate. If you cannot obtain a certified copy, some territories issue a Certificate of Live Birth that the DMV will accept; check with the vital records office in that territory.

Address documents and what counts as current

The DMV needs one document showing your name and your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and must show your full name and complete street address — a P.O. box alone is not enough.

If you receive mail at an address but the document is in someone else's name, the DMV will not accept it. If you have recently moved and your old address documents are still current but your new address documents are not yet 60 days old, bring both and explain the move to the DMV staff. Some offices will accept a combination, but policies vary by state.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, other documents work: a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a government check or benefits statement, a school transcript, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. Some states also accept a notarized statement from a property owner or landlord confirming you live there, though this requires advance planning.

What to do if you do not have an address document

If you cannot obtain a document dated within the last 60 days, some states allow you to bring a second identity document instead — such as a school ID, work ID, or tribal ID — that shows your current address. Other states require a letter from a government agency, such as a court, school, or social services office, that confirms your address. A few states will accept a notarized affidavit of residence signed by someone who knows you and lives at the same address.

Call your state DMV before you go. The rules for what counts as an address document vary significantly, and some states have different rules for people experiencing homelessness or living in shelters. The DMV may also accept a temporary address document if you can explain why you do not have a permanent one.

Documents you cannot use and common mistakes

A Social Security card by itself is not enough for any purpose — it does not have a photograph and does not prove citizenship. A school ID or work ID alone does not prove citizenship. A birth certificate that is not certified — such as one you print from an online genealogy site or one issued by a hospital — will be rejected.

An expired passport still works for identity, but an expired Green Card may not work for citizenship depending on your state; call ahead. A lease or utility bill with a P.O. box address will not work for address proof. A document addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" will not work because it does not show your name.

If your name on your documents does not match exactly — for example, your birth certificate says "Robert" but your passport says "Bob" — bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will not assume they are the same person.

Bringing documents from outside the United States

If your birth certificate or citizenship document was issued outside the United States, it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office or government agency that issued it. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not work. If the document is in a language other than English, bring an official certified translation along with the original. Some DMV offices have translators on staff, but do not assume yours does.

If you were born in a U.S. territory and the vital records office no longer exists or cannot issue certified copies, contact your state DMV to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some territories have issued replacement certificates through special programs; the DMV can tell you whether yours qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You can take photos of your documents before you go as a backup in case you lose them, but you must bring the actual documents to the DMV office. Some states allow you to upload documents to an online portal before your appointment, but you still must bring originals to verify.

What if my birth certificate does not have a raised seal?

It will not work for Real ID. Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born and request a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. Some vital records offices offer rush processing for an additional fee.

Can I use my lease if my landlord's name is on it but mine is not?

No. The document must show your name. If you are on a lease but the copy you have does not show your name, ask your landlord for a copy that does, or ask them to write a letter on their letterhead confirming you live there and have them sign and date it. Some DMV offices will accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property owner.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not need to bring it for Real ID, but you should bring it anyway. The DMV will ask for your Social Security number and may ask to see the card to verify it. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number, or be prepared to provide your number verbally and answer verification questions.

What if I was born in a U.S. territory and do not have a certified birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in that territory and ask what documents they can issue. Some territories offer Certificates of Live Birth or other official documents if the original birth certificate cannot be located. If the vital records office no longer exists, ask your state DMV what alternative documents they will accept — some states have special provisions for people born in territories with damaged or destroyed records.