Pennsylvania Real ID documents: what to bring

Pennsylvania Real ID requires you to bring five categories of documents to the PennDOT office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Pennsylvania residency, proof of legal presence, and a completed process form. You cannot get a Real ID with just one document — each category must be covered separately, and some documents work for multiple categories at once.

The state does not accept digital copies or photos of documents. You must bring the physical originals or certified copies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents from five separate categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, legal presence, and a signed process form.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card covers identity, Social Security number, and legal presence all at once, so you may need fewer total documents if you have one.
  • Residency proof must show your current Pennsylvania address and be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work.
  • Bring originals or certified copies only; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • You must complete Form DL-44 in person at the PennDOT office before you can submit your documents.

Proof of identity documents

For identity, PennDOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license or ID card. If you have a current U.S. passport or passport card, that single document satisfies the identity requirement and also covers your legal presence and Social Security number, so you would need fewer documents overall.

If you are using a military ID, it must be a current military dependent ID or active-duty military ID. Expired military IDs do not work. An out-of-state driver's license or ID card must be unexpired and must show your full legal name, date of birth, and signature.

Proof of Social Security number

You can show your Social Security number with an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A U.S. passport or passport card also covers this requirement. If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot locate a tax document, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your PennDOT appointment.

Documents must show your full name and complete nine-digit Social Security number. Redacted or partial numbers are not accepted.

Proof of Pennsylvania residency

Your residency document must show your current Pennsylvania address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement.

If you recently moved to Pennsylvania and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead, stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. The letter must be dated within the last 60 days.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all satisfy this requirement. If you do not have one of those, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa with your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Birth certificates must be certified copies issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — hospital-issued copies do not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country of origin, plus proof of legal status such as a Green Card or visa.

The process form and what happens next

You must complete Form DL-44 in person at the PennDOT office. You cannot fill it out ahead of time and bring it completed — staff will provide the form and watch you sign it. Bring a pen; the form must be signed in blue or black ink.

After you submit your documents and completed form, PennDOT will verify your information with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. This verification usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive your Real ID by mail at the address you provided on the form.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a current Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card, even if you already have one. If you are renewing an existing license or ID at the same time you are getting Real ID, the process is the same — bring the documents listed above, and your new card will have the Real ID marking.

You do not need to bring proof of name change, proof of address history, or any documents related to a previous address. Bring only what is required for the five categories above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a photo of my documents instead of the original?

No. PennDOT requires original documents or certified copies only. Photocopies, photos, and digital images are not accepted. If you do not have the original, contact the issuing agency to request a certified copy.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Minor differences like a middle initial versus full middle name usually do not cause a problem, but bring all documents showing your name so staff can see the variations. If you have changed your name legally, bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the change.

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

No. A U.S. passport covers identity, Social Security number, and legal presence all at once. You would only need to bring a residency document and your completed Form DL-44.

What if my residency document is older than 60 days?

It will not be accepted. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot find one, ask your landlord or utility company for a recent statement, or use a signed letter from your property owner on their letterhead.

Can someone else bring my documents to PennDOT for me?

No. You must appear in person to complete Form DL-44 and sign it in front of staff. You cannot send someone else with your documents or mail them in.