Bring these documents to your Real ID appointment

You need to bring one document that proves your identity, one that proves where you live, and one that proves your Social Security number. You also need your current driver's license or state ID card. The exact documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Most people bring a passport for identity, a utility bill for address, and their Social Security card for the number. If you don't have all three of those, your state's DMV website lists what else they will accept in each category. Bring the originals — photocopies don't work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport), one address document (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and one Social Security document (card, W-2, or tax return).
  • Your current driver's license or state ID card is required at your appointment, even though you are replacing it.
  • Documents must be originals, not copies, and must not be expired (except your current ID card).
  • Each state's DMV accepts slightly different documents within each category, so check your state's website before you go.
  • If you cannot find the standard documents, most states accept alternatives like court orders, military discharge papers, or consular reports of birth abroad.

Identity documents that work

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest choice because it proves both identity and citizenship at once. If you don't have a passport, a certified birth certificate works. The certificate must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital copy or a photocopy will not work.

If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization all work. Military personnel can bring a military ID card or a military dependent ID card. If none of these fit your situation, ask your state DMV what else they accept — some states take court orders, adoption papers, or religious records.

Address documents that prove where you live

A utility bill in your name is the standard choice — electric, gas, water, or phone bills all work. The bill must be recent, usually from the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement also works if it is current. Property tax statements, homeowner insurance declarations, and bank statements with your address printed on them are accepted in most states.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of the bill itself. A few states also accept mail from government agencies, courts, or schools. Check your state's list before you go — what works in one state may not work in another.

Social Security documents

Your Social Security card is the simplest document to bring. If you don't have it, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return showing your Social Security number all work. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works — you can request one by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, some states allow you to skip this requirement or to bring a document showing you applied for a number. Call your state DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Your current ID card

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even though you are replacing it. The DMV staff need to see it to look up your existing record. If your current card is expired, that is fine — expired cards are accepted. If you lost your card or it was stolen, bring a police report instead.

The police report should document the loss or theft and include the report number. Some DMV offices will look up the report in their system if you provide the report number, so you may not need to bring a physical copy. Call ahead to ask what your local office requires.

What happens if a document is expired

Identity documents and address documents cannot be expired. A birth certificate, passport, or lease from five years ago will not work. The only exception is your current driver's license or state ID card — that one can be expired.

Social Security documents do not have expiration dates, so age does not matter. A W-2 from 10 years ago is fine. Address documents usually must be from the last 60 days, but rules vary by state — some accept older documents if nothing more recent is available.

Bringing documents from another country

If your documents are from another country, they must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy will not work. Some states require a certified English translation of foreign documents — check your state DMV website to see whether translation is required before you go.

If you have a foreign passport, bring it as your identity document. If you have a consular report of birth abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization, either one works. Military discharge papers (DD Form 214) work in all states if you served in the U.S. military.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo from my phone instead of printing documents?

No. You must bring the original documents or certified copies. The DMV staff need to see and handle the actual papers to verify they are real. Digital photos are not accepted.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. The process usually takes two to four weeks. If you need your Real ID sooner, ask your state DMV whether a passport or other identity document will work instead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. You need one document that proves your Social Security number — either the card itself or a W-2, tax return, or letter from the Social Security Administration. You do not need to bring more than one.

What if my address document is older than 60 days?

Some states accept older documents if you cannot find a recent one. Call your state DMV to ask. If you cannot bring any address document, some states allow you to bring a second identity document instead, or to sign an affidavit swearing to your address.

Can my spouse bring documents for me?

No. You must bring your own documents and appear in person at your appointment. The DMV staff need to verify your identity by seeing you and your documents together.