What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The core documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot mail these in — you must appear in person at your state's motor vehicle office with originals or certified copies.

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. It became the requirement for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings on May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the gold star or star outline in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. The hard part is knowing which documents your state accepts, because each state's motor vehicle agency maintains its own approved list. What works in one state may not work in another.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card as proof of citizenship — a photocopy or digital image will not be accepted.
Your proof of identity must be a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or current driver's license, and it must be unexpired or expired no more than five years.
Proof of current address requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and address — a bank statement or credit card statement usually does not work.
You must appear in person at your state's motor vehicle office with original documents; you cannot mail in your process or use digital copies.
Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether your documents need verification.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

This is the document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful status to be in the country. For U.S. citizens, the most common options are an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. passport card. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful status, you can use a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document. Some states also accept a valid visa paired with your passport, but this varies — check your state's motor vehicle website before you go.

Certified copies count as originals. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency (usually the vital records office in the county or state where you were born). A photocopy you make yourself does not count. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office; this typically takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30.

Proof of identity

You need a government-issued photo ID to prove who you are. A current or recently expired passport is the strongest option. An unexpired military ID, tribal ID, or state ID from another state also works. If your only ID is a driver's license from your current state, it must be unexpired or expired no more than five years.

A few states accept a school ID or work ID if it has a photo and expiration date, but most do not. Check your state's list before you rely on anything other than a passport, military ID, or driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you may be able to use a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a utility bill — but this requires calling your state's motor vehicle office first to confirm.

Proof of current address

You need a document showing your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most straightforward option. A lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance bill also works. Some states accept a bank statement or credit card statement, but many do not — your state's motor vehicle website will specify which documents it takes.

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill in your new name yet, a lease signed by you and your landlord counts. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them stating that you live at that address, plus the utility bill. Some states accept this; others do not. Call ahead if you are in this situation.

A document dated within the last 60 days is standard, though some states allow up to 90 days. If your only document is older, call your state's motor vehicle office — they may accept it anyway, or they may ask you to bring a second document.

Social Security number and signature

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you explore. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the motor vehicle office can often verify your number without it. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the staff when you arrive — some states have a process for people without one, though it varies.

You will sign your process in person at the motor vehicle office. Bring a pen, though most offices provide one. Your signature on the Real ID must match your signature on file with Social Security, so sign your name the way you normally do.

What to bring on the day you explore

Gather all your documents before you go to the motor vehicle office. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images will be rejected. Bring your proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of address. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. Bring a pen.

Some states ask you to fill out an process form before you arrive; check your state's motor vehicle website to see if you can read it ahead of time. If you can, fill it out at home and bring it with you — this speeds up the process. If you cannot read it, arrive early and plan to fill it out there.

If you are renewing an expiring license or ID at the same time, bring that document too. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are updating your address, bring your proof of address.

Documents that do not work

Photocopies of your birth certificate, passport, or other citizenship documents will not be accepted — you must bring the original or a certified copy. A digital image or screenshot of your documents will not work either. A school ID, work ID, or library card is not a government-issued photo ID and will not work as proof of identity in most states.

A bank statement or credit card statement is usually not accepted as proof of address, even if it shows your name and address. A lease or mortgage statement works, but a text message from your landlord confirming your address does not. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state's motor vehicle office before you go — it is faster than making a second trip.

Processing and fees

Real ID processing times vary by state. Some states issue the card the same day you explore; others take one to three weeks. A few states take longer if they need to verify your citizenship documents with another agency. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the current processing time.

Real ID fees vary by state and whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a Real ID license or card. Some states charge the same fee as a standard license; others charge extra. Your state's motor vehicle website lists the exact fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring the original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy you make yourself will be rejected. If you do not have your original, order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born.

What if my address on my driver's license is old?

Bring a current proof of address document (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) dated within the last 60 days. The motor vehicle office will update your address when you explore for Real ID. You do not need to update it separately first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not have to, but it helps. The motor vehicle office can verify your Social Security number without the card if you provide it. Bringing the card speeds up the process and reduces the chance of a delay.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can use a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you have a Green Card or other lawful status document, that works too. Check your state's motor vehicle website to confirm which documents it accepts for people born outside the U.S.

Can I explore for Real ID by mail?

No. You must appear in person at your state's motor vehicle office with your original documents. Some states allow you to renew a Real ID by mail if your current license is already Real ID-compliant, but a first-time Real ID process requires an in-person visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.