The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're starting with

Real ID requires you to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. The exact documents that satisfy each of these vary by state — some accept a passport card, others don't; some take a utility bill for address, others require a lease or mortgage statement. You'll need to check your state's specific list before you go, because showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

The core requirement is always the same: one document proving who you are, one proving your Social Security number exists, and one proving where you live now. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card for the number, and a recent utility bill or lease for the address. But some states have additional rules — a few require a second form of ID, and some won't accept certain documents others do.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three separate pieces of information: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — each usually requires its own document.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts for each category, and this list differs from other states.
  • A birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill cover the basic requirement in most states, but bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, you'll need to bring proof of that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Expired documents usually work for proving identity and Social Security number, but your address proof must be recent, typically within 60 to 90 days of your visit.

Proof of identity: what your state accepts

Your state DMV will accept one document from a specific list to prove who you are. The most common options are a valid or expired passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a valid driver's license from another state. Some states also accept a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a foreign passport — but not all.

The document must be an original or a certified copy. A photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work. If you have a passport, bring it — it's accepted everywhere and requires no other identity document. If you're using a birth certificate, make sure it's a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a hospital-issued copy or a photocopy you already have at home.

Check your state's DMV website before you go. Search "[your state] DMV Real ID documents" and look for the official list. Some states have a PDF you can read that shows exactly which documents work and which don't.

Proof of Social Security number: card or tax records

You need to show that your Social Security number is real and matches your name. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you don't have it or it's lost, you can bring a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form — any official document that shows your name and your full Social Security number.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy won't work. If you're bringing a tax return or W-2, it can be from any recent year — it doesn't have to be current. If you don't have any of these documents, you'll need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number before you go to the DMV.

Proof of current address: utility bills, leases, and bank statements

Your state needs to see that you actually live where you say you do. The most common proof is a recent utility bill — electric, gas, water, or internet — in your name. A lease or mortgage statement also works. Some states accept bank statements, credit card statements, or government mail like a tax notice or voter registration card.

The document must be recent, usually within 60 to 90 days of your visit. Check your state's specific requirement. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask your state DMV whether they accept a notarized letter from the bill holder confirming you live there, or whether you need a different document. Some states do, some don't.

If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet in your new name, bring whatever you have — a lease, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your move-in date. Call your state DMV ahead of time to ask whether they'll accept it. Many will work with you if you're clearly in transition.

Name changes: marriage, divorce, or court order

If your name on your identity document doesn't match the name you're using now, you need to bring proof of the change. For marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree showing your new name. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself.

These must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If you were married in another state or country, the certificate must be certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you're unsure whether your copy is certified, call the office that issued it and ask them to mail you a certified version — this usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.

What to bring in person: originals and certified copies only

Bring the actual documents, not photocopies. The DMV will examine them to confirm they're real. Some states will make copies for you while you're there; others won't. Either way, you need to show the originals.

If a document is certified, the issuing office has stamped or embossed it to confirm it's a true copy of the original. A notarized copy — one a notary public has witnessed and signed — is not the same as a certified copy and usually won't work. If you're unsure, call the office that issued the document and ask what they provide.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. Bring your birth certificate. Bring your proof of address. Bring proof of any name changes. Then check your state's DMV website one more time to make sure you haven't missed anything specific to your state.

What happens if you're missing a document

If you show up without one of the required documents, the DMV will turn you away. You won't be able to get Real ID that day. Before you go, contact your state DMV by phone or through their website and ask what to do if you're missing something. Some states can issue a temporary document or work around a missing piece; others cannot.

If you don't have a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you don't have a Social Security card, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement. If you don't have proof of address, get a utility bill in your name, open a bank account, or ask your landlord for a letter on letterhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a notarized copy instead of a certified copy?

No. The DMV requires originals or certified copies only. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the issuing office confirming it's a true copy of the original. A notarized copy, signed by a notary public, is not the same thing and will not work. Contact the office that issued the document and ask them to send you a certified copy.

My passport is expired — can I still use it for Real ID?

Yes. An expired passport still works as proof of identity for Real ID. The DMV accepts expired documents for identity and Social Security number, but your address proof must be recent, usually within 60 to 90 days.

What if my name on my birth certificate doesn't match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both documents together to confirm your identity and process your Real ID under your current name.

Can I use my lease if it's in my roommate's name?

Not usually. Your address proof should be in your name. If it's not, call your state DMV and ask what they'll accept. Some states will take a notarized letter from your roommate confirming you live there; others require a document in your name. It's better to ask before you go than to show up and be turned away.

How long does it take to get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

It varies by state and by how you order it. Ordering by mail usually takes one to three weeks. Many states now offer online ordering with faster shipping — sometimes three to five business days. Call the vital records office in the state where you were born or check their website to see your options and pricing.