What You Need to Get a Real ID

What Real ID requires from you

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you need to prove three things in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office: who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The specific documents that prove each of these vary by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere.

You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. You must appear in person, bring original documents (not photocopies), and let the DMV verify them. Some states require an appointment; others operate on a walk-in basis. Check your state's DMV website to find out which documents your state accepts and whether you need to book ahead.

Key Takeaways

Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency — all shown in person at your state's DMV.
You must bring original documents; photocopies and digital images are not accepted, and documents must not be expired.
Each state accepts a different list of documents, so you need to check your state's DMV website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
The process takes 15 to 45 minutes at the DMV, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

Proof of identity documents your state will accept

Your state's DMV will accept one document from this category. A passport (U.S. or foreign) counts as proof of identity in every state. So does a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad, which is issued by the U.S. State Department to children born to U.S. citizens outside the country.

If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, your state may accept a military ID, a tribal ID, or a school ID paired with another document. A few states accept a Social Security card as identity, though most do not. The safest approach is to check your state's list before you gather documents — what works in one state may not work in another.

Proof of address documents

Your state will accept one document showing your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works in every state. So does a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. Some states accept a government benefit statement (such as an unemployment or Social Security letter) or a rental agreement.

The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days in most states — check your state's rules, as some allow older documents. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you recently moved and have not received a bill at your new address yet, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your address, or bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord.

Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency

To prove you are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring your consular report of birth abroad. A military discharge document (DD Form 214) also proves citizenship in most states.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or your I-797 approval notice (the document USCIS sends when your green card process is approved). Some states also accept a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport. If your green card is expired, it still counts as proof of status — the expiration date on the card does not affect your legal status. Check your state's website to confirm it accepts the document you have.

Documents you do not need and common mistakes

You do not need to bring your Social Security number written down, though the DMV will ask for it and verify it with the Social Security Administration. You do not need to bring a completed process form — most states let you fill it out at the DMV. You do not need to bring proof of a name change unless your current legal name differs from the name on your identity document; if it does, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or photos of documents instead of the originals. The DMV will not accept them. Another common mistake is bringing an expired document — most states require documents to be current. A third is bringing a document with an old address when you have moved; the address proof must match your current residence. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state's DMV before you go rather than making a trip that does not result in a Real ID.

What happens after you hand over your documents

The DMV staff will scan or photograph your documents, verify them against federal databases, and check your Social Security number. They will take your photograph and fingerprints. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, though you may wait longer depending on how busy the office is. Some states process Real IDs on the spot; others mail them to you within one to three weeks.

You will pay a fee, which varies by state — typically between $20 and $50 for a Real ID driver's license or ID card. Some states charge extra if you want your card to arrive faster. Ask the DMV staff what the fee is and what payment methods they accept before you complete your process. If your documents do not meet the standard, the DMV will tell you what is missing and give you a chance to come back with the correct documents.

Real ID versus a standard state ID

A standard state driver's license or ID card does not meet the federal Real ID standard. The difference matters because starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard state ID will no longer work for these purposes.

If you already have a Real ID, you do not need to do anything — it remains valid until its expiration date. If you have a standard state ID and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting the DMV before the important date. Some states mark Real IDs with a star or the words "REAL ID" on the front; others do not mark them visibly, so ask the DMV staff whether your new card meets the standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or military discharge document all prove citizenship without a birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — this usually takes one to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. Your state's DMV website lists which documents it accepts.

What if my address on my lease does not match my utility bill?

Bring both documents. The DMV will see that you recently moved and accept either one as proof of your current address. If one document shows an old address, make sure at least one shows your current address and is dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and neither document is current, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your address.

Do I need to renew my Real ID before May 2025?

No. If your Real ID is not expiring before May 7, 2025, it will continue to work for flights and federal buildings after that date. You only need to get a Real ID if you do not already have one and you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If your current ID expires before then, you can renew it as a Real ID at that time.

Can I use a foreign passport as proof of identity for Real ID?

Yes, a foreign passport counts as proof of identity in every state. However, you must also prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency with a separate document — a foreign passport alone does not prove either one. Bring your passport plus a birth certificate, green card, or naturalization certificate.

What if I lost my documents and cannot get replacements before I need to fly?

You can still fly domestically without a Real ID if you bring an alternative form of identification — a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card all work. You do not have to have a Real ID to fly; you just need one of these forms of ID. If you do not have any of them, contact the TSA or your airline to ask about other options.

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.