The documents Real ID requires depend on which category you fall into

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents that prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The exact papers you need depend on whether you are getting your first ID, renewing an existing one, or changing your name or address.

Every state's DMV accepts the same categories of documents, though the specific forms vary slightly by state. You will need at least one document from each category — identity, residency, and citizenship — plus your Social Security number. Bringing originals is required; photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • A passport, birth certificate, or state ID card counts as proof of identity; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of residency.
  • U.S. birth certificates, passports, and naturalization papers all count as proof of citizenship — bring the original, not a copy.
  • Your Social Security number is required, and you may need to bring your card or a document showing it.
  • If you have changed your name, bring the original document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Documents that prove your identity

You need one document from this category. The most common choices are a current or expired passport, a state driver's license or ID card, a birth certificate, or a military ID. A passport is the strongest form of identity proof because it also establishes citizenship, so you may need fewer other documents if you bring one.

If you do not have a passport or state ID, a certified birth certificate works. "Certified" means it has an official seal and signature from the vital records office that issued it — a photocopy or a birth announcement does not count. You can order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail. Military ID cards, tribal ID cards, and school IDs do not count on their own, but some states accept them alongside other documents.

Documents that prove where you live

You need one document showing your current address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all work. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days — older statements will not be accepted.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement works. Some states accept a notarized letter from someone who lives with you confirming your address. If you live with family or friends and have no document in your name, ask the DMV what they will accept before you go in; options vary by state.

Documents that prove citizenship or lawful residency

You need one document from this category. A U.S. birth certificate is the most straightforward option — it must be certified (with an official seal) and show you were born in the United States. An original passport or passport card also proves citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your green card if you are a lawful permanent resident.

If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560) counts. If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, a tribal ID card may be accepted in place of a birth certificate — check with your state DMV first. Expired documents are fine; the DMV only cares that the document itself is genuine, not that it is current.

Your Social Security number and card

You must provide your Social Security number when you explore for Real ID. Some states require you to bring your Social Security card itself; others accept a W-2, tax return, or pay stub showing your number. Check your state DMV's website to see what they accept. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID — you would need a different form of federal ID.

If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment. This usually takes one to two weeks. Bring whichever document your state accepts to prove your number; do not write it down on a piece of paper.

Name change documents

If your current name differs from the name on your birth certificate or other identity document, bring the original document that shows the legal change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers all work. The document must be certified or an official court-issued copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.

If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents showing each change in order. For example, if you changed your name at marriage and then again by court order, bring both the marriage certificate and the court order. The DMV uses these to verify that all your documents refer to the same person.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing an ID

If you already have a Real ID and are renewing it before it expires, you may not need to bring all these documents again. Many states allow you to renew by mail or online if nothing has changed — your address, name, and citizenship status are already on file. Check your state DMV's website to see if you may have access to for a simplified renewal.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen ID, you will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant, plus a police report if you filed one. If you are changing your address or name on an existing Real ID, bring proof of the change (a utility bill for address, a marriage certificate for name) but you may not need to re-prove citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or certified copy instead of the original document?

No. The DMV must see the original document for identity, residency, and citizenship proof. Certified copies of birth certificates and court orders are acceptable because they are official documents with a seal, but photocopies you made yourself are not. Bring originals whenever possible.

What if my birth certificate does not say "certified"?

Order a new one from your state's vital records office. A birth announcement, hospital record, or uncertified copy will not work. Certified birth certificates have an official seal, a signature, and a raised stamp or watermark. The vital records office can mail or email you one within one to three weeks depending on your state.

Do I need to bring documents if I already have a passport?

A passport proves both identity and citizenship, so you still need one document showing your current address. You do not need to bring a separate birth certificate or citizenship document. Bring your passport, a recent utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number or card.

What counts as proof of residency if I just moved?

A lease agreement, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you have not yet received a utility bill at your new address, bring a signed lease or a notarized letter from your landlord. Some states accept a recent bank statement or credit card statement showing your new address.

Can I use my green card as proof of citizenship for Real ID?

A green card proves you are a lawful permanent resident, which is acceptable for Real ID. You still need to bring proof of identity and residency. If you are working toward citizenship and have a green card, that is sufficient — you do not need a birth certificate or naturalization papers.