Which documents the Real ID program accepts

Real ID accepts a limited set of documents to prove your identity and citizenship. The documents you can use depend on whether you were born in the United States or abroad, and whether you already have a passport or other federal ID.

For U.S. birth, the Real ID program accepts a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. For citizenship proof, you can use a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Real ID driver's license or state ID card.

The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. Your state's DMV will tell you exactly which documents they accept in your specific situation, because some states have added their own approved documents on top of the federal list.

Key Takeaways

  • A certified birth certificate is the most common document people use to prove U.S. birth for Real ID purposes.
  • You must bring proof of citizenship as a separate document — your birth certificate alone does not prove you are a citizen.
  • Originals or certified copies are required; photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted by the federal Real ID standard.
  • Your state DMV may accept additional documents beyond the federal list, so check your state's specific requirements before you gather your papers.

Birth certificates and how to get a certified copy

A certified birth certificate is an official copy issued by the state vital records office where you were born. It has a raised seal, an official signature, and a certification statement. This is different from a regular copy you might print from an online database or a photocopy of the original.

To get a certified birth certificate, you contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states allow you to order by mail, phone, or online through their official website. The cost ranges from about $15 to $30 per copy, depending on the state. Processing time is usually one to two weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. You can request this from the U.S. Department of State if your birth was registered with a U.S. embassy or consulate at the time.

Citizenship documents and what they prove

Real ID requires you to prove citizenship separately from proving your identity. A birth certificate proves you were born in the United States, but not that you have remained a citizen or that you are not a citizen of another country. For this reason, you need one of these documents:

  • A U.S. passport or passport card
  • A Certificate of Naturalization (if you were born outside the U.S. and became a citizen)
  • A Certificate of Citizenship (if you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent)

If you have a valid U.S. passport, that single document proves both identity and citizenship, so you do not need a birth certificate as well. If you do not have a passport and were born in the U.S., you will need both a certified birth certificate and a separate citizenship document.

Passports and passport cards as Real ID documents

A U.S. passport or passport card counts as proof of both identity and citizenship for Real ID. If you already have one, you can bring it to the DMV instead of gathering a birth certificate and a separate citizenship document. The passport does not have to be valid — an expired passport still works for Real ID purposes.

A passport card is a wallet-sized version of a passport that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is cheaper and faster to get than a full passport, and it counts equally for Real ID. You can get a passport card through the U.S. Department of State's passport acceptance facilities, which are usually located at post offices, libraries, and courthouse buildings.

Naturalization and citizenship certificates

If you were born outside the United States and became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, your Certificate of Naturalization proves both identity and citizenship. You received this certificate when you took the oath of citizenship. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

A Certificate of Citizenship is different — it proves you are a U.S. citizen but does not prove identity the way a naturalization certificate does. You would have received this if you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, or if you were adopted by U.S. citizens abroad. For Real ID, you would need to bring this certificate along with a separate identity document like a passport.

Both certificates can take several weeks to obtain from USCIS if you need a replacement. You can request one online through the USCIS website or by mail.

Documents that do not work for Real ID

Real ID has a strict list, and many documents people assume will work actually do not. A Social Security card does not prove identity or citizenship. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not work. A notarized copy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be a certified copy from the vital records office. A hospital birth record does not work either.

Photocopies, even if they are notarized, are not accepted. The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it. If you bring the wrong documents, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to come back with the correct ones.

What to bring to the DMV appointment

Bring the original documents, not copies. Bring your certified birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Bring your citizenship document — a passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate. Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one.

Some states also require proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. Check your state DMV's website for the complete list before you go, because requirements vary by state. Bring more documents than you think you need rather than fewer — if something is missing, you will have to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate if it is notarized?

No. Real ID requires an original or certified copy from the state vital records office. A notarized photocopy does not meet the federal standard, even though some other government programs accept it. You must order a certified copy directly from the state where you were born.

What if my birth certificate has my maiden name and my ID has my married name?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these together to verify that you are the same person. Some states also accept a certified name change document from the court.

Do I need both a passport and a birth certificate?

No. A passport or passport card proves both identity and citizenship, so it is the only document you need for that part of Real ID. You still need to bring proof of your current address and your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a certified birth certificate?

Most states process birth certificate requests in one to two weeks by mail. Some offer rush service for an extra fee that can get it to you in three to five business days. Check your state vital records office website for current processing times and fees, because they vary.

What if I was born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam?

A birth certificate from Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa works the same way as a birth certificate from a state. You order it from that territory's vital records office. If you were born in a U.S. territory and are a U.S. citizen, you still need to bring citizenship proof like a passport.