The documents California requires for Real ID

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to bring specific documents in person to get a Real ID driver's license or identification card. You cannot mail in your process or use a third-party service — you must visit a DMV office yourself with originals or certified copies of the documents listed below.

The DMV groups these documents into four categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of California residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States. You need at least one document from each category. Some documents count toward more than one category, which can reduce the total number of papers you bring.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, California residency, and legal presence — the DMV will not accept photocopies or phone photos.
  • A single document can satisfy more than one requirement, such as a passport (identity and legal presence) or a utility bill (residency and identity), so you may need fewer than four separate papers.
  • You must appear in person at a DMV office with your documents; you cannot mail in your Real ID process or use an online service to complete it.
  • If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you need a certified English translation plus the original document.
  • The DMV's website lists all acceptable documents for each category, and you can check which ones you already have before scheduling your appointment.

Proof of identity documents

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and a photo or physical description. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents in this category, including a valid or expired U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, you can use a certified birth certificate, a California driver's license or identification card (even if expired), a school ID with a photo, or a work ID with a photo. Some documents in this category — like a passport or military ID — also count as proof of legal presence, which means you can satisfy two requirements with one paper.

If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be an official certified copy with an apostille (a special certification for international documents) or a certified English translation. A photocopy or a document you printed from an online genealogy website will not work.

Proof of Social Security number

You need a document that shows your Social Security number. The most common option is your Social Security card itself — bring the original. If you do not have your card, you can use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you are bringing a tax document or paystub, it must show your full name and full Social Security number. A document that shows only the last four digits of your Social Security number will not work. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of these documents, you will need to request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Real ID.

Proof of California residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your current California address. The DMV accepts utility bills (gas, electric, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address.

If you recently moved to California or moved within the state, bring a document dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a letter from that person on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease showing the address. The letter must be dated within the last 60 days and include the person's phone number.

Documents that do not work for residency include a post office change-of-address form, a cell phone bill, a credit card statement, or a bank statement. The DMV requires a document that shows a physical street address, not a mailing address or a P.O. box.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

Legal presence means you have permission to live and work in the United States. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all count as proof of legal presence. If you do not have one of these, you can use a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a refugee travel document, or a notice of action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your status.

If you are a DACA recipient (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), you can use your employment authorization document as proof of legal presence. If you are a non-immigrant with a valid visa, your passport with the visa stamp or a visa page is acceptable. Make sure your visa or status document has not expired.

Documents that satisfy multiple requirements

Some documents count toward more than one category, which means you can bring fewer papers overall. A U.S. passport satisfies both identity and legal presence. A military ID satisfies identity and legal presence. A tribal ID satisfies identity and legal presence. A foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa satisfies both identity and legal presence.

A California driver's license or identification card satisfies identity and residency (because the DMV already verified your address when you got it). This matters if you are renewing your Real ID — you may need fewer documents than someone getting a Real ID for the first time.

When you plan which documents to bring, look for these combinations to reduce the total number of papers. For example, if you bring a passport (identity and legal presence), a Social Security card (Social Security number), and a utility bill (residency), you have satisfied all four requirements with just three documents.

What to do if you are missing a document

If you do not have a document from one of the four categories, you have options. If you are missing proof of identity, you can request a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born, or you can get a school ID or work ID with a photo. If you are missing proof of Social Security number, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration — this takes about two weeks by mail.

If you are missing proof of residency, you can ask a family member or landlord to write a letter on their letterhead stating that you live at your address, and include a copy of their utility bill or lease. If you are missing proof of legal presence, you will need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the State Department, depending on your immigration status, to obtain the correct document.

Do not attempt to get a Real ID without all four categories of documents. The DMV will not issue a Real ID if you are missing any required category, and you will have wasted a trip to the office. Check the DMV website or call your local DMV office before you go to confirm you have everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Photos of documents taken on your phone, printed copies, or faxes are not accepted. You must bring the physical documents to the DMV office in person.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring documents that show the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these to verify that all your documents refer to the same person.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent paystub?

No. A paystub with your full name and full Social Security number satisfies the Social Security requirement. You do not need to bring your card if you have another acceptable document that shows your Social Security number.

Can I use a P.O. box address for proof of residency?

No. The DMV requires a physical street address for residency. A P.O. box, a mailbox store address, or a mailing address does not work. Your residency document must show the street address where you actually live.

What happens if my documents are expired?

Expiration dates matter for some documents but not others. Your passport, visa, or legal presence document must not be expired. Your identity document can be expired. Your residency document must be dated within the last 60 days (not expired by more than 60 days). Check each document's expiration date before you go to the DMV.