The documents Real ID requires depend on which state you live in, but all states demand proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number
Real ID is a federal standard for state driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent office. The federal government sets the minimum standard, but each state decides which specific documents it will accept to meet that standard — so a document that works in one state may not work in another.
You will need to bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Most states require you to appear in person. The process typically takes a few weeks from submission to card arrival, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires proof of identity (usually a passport or birth certificate), proof of where you live (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return).
- Each state maintains its own list of acceptable documents, so you should check your state DMV website before you go to the office.
- You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted by any state.
- If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Proof of identity documents accepted across most states
A valid U.S. passport is accepted in all 50 states and is the easiest single document to bring because it covers identity, citizenship, and residency in one. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state where you were born is the next most common option. Some states also accept a passport card, passport book, or enhanced driver's license from another state.
If you were born outside the United States, you will need a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a valid foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa. A few states accept a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), though not all do. Check your state's specific list before you go.
Military ID cards and tribal ID cards are accepted in most states as proof of identity. If you have served in the military, bring your military ID even if it is expired — many states accept expired military credentials.
Proof of residency: what documents show you live where you say you do
Proof of residency must show your current address and be recent — most states accept documents dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most straightforward option and is accepted everywhere. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature also works in all states.
Bank or credit card statements, mortgage documents, property tax records, and homeowner's insurance policies are accepted in most states. Some states also accept a recent paystub with your address on it, though this varies. If you receive mail from a government agency at your address — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement — that can work too.
A few states will accept a notarized letter from someone who lives with you if you have no documents in your own name. This is less common and usually requires additional proof that you actually live there. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your state DMV directly — most states have a workaround, though it varies.
Proof of Social Security number and citizenship
Your Social Security card is the standard document for this requirement. If you do not have it, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate serves as proof of both citizenship and identity in most states. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document showing your Social Security number is accepted by many states as an alternative to the card itself.
If you were born outside the United States, you will need a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship in addition to proof of your Social Security number. These documents are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can be ordered online through their website if you have lost yours.
Name change documents if your name is different from your birth certificate
If you have married, divorced, or changed your name by court order since your birth certificate was issued, you must bring the document that proves the change. For marriage, bring an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or final judgment. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself.
These documents must be certified copies issued by the court or vital records office, not photocopies you made yourself. If you have lost the original, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office or vital records office where the event occurred. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30.
What to bring if you were born outside the United States
If you were born outside the U.S. and are now a citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder), bring your Permanent Resident Card. If you hold a valid foreign passport, bring that along with your unexpired U.S. visa or I-94 arrival/departure record.
If you are in the U.S. on a visa but not yet a permanent resident or citizen, Real ID may not be available to you. Some states issue a standard driver's license to visa holders, but it will not meet Real ID standards. Contact your state DMV to learn what you can get with your current immigration status.
How to find your state's specific document list
Every state DMV website publishes its own list of acceptable documents for Real ID. Search "[your state] DMV Real ID documents" or "[your state] DMV REAL ID requirements" to find the official list. The list usually includes a table showing which documents satisfy which requirement (identity, residency, Social Security number).
Some states also offer a checklist you can print and bring with you to the DMV office. If you are unsure whether a document you have will work, call your state DMV before you go — they can tell you over the phone whether your specific documents meet the standard, and this can save you a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy or scanned copy of my documents?
No. All states require original documents or certified copies issued by the government agency that created them. Photocopies and scans are not accepted. If you have lost an original, order a certified copy from the issuing office before you go to the DMV.
What if my address on my proof of residency does not match my proof of identity?
This is common and usually not a problem. The residency document shows where you live now; the identity document may be older. Bring both and explain the situation. If you have moved recently, bring a document dated after your move to show your current address.
Do I need to bring all these documents, or just some of them?
You need at least one document from each category: identity, residency, and Social Security number. A passport alone covers identity and citizenship but not residency or Social Security number, so you would still need to bring a utility bill and your Social Security card. Check your state's list to see which combinations work.
What if I was born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam?
A birth certificate from a U.S. territory is accepted as proof of citizenship in all states. Bring it along with your other documents. If you need a certified copy, contact the vital records office in the territory where you were born.
Can someone else pick up my Real ID card for me, or do I have to go to the DMV myself?
You must appear in person at the DMV to explore for Real ID — this is a federal requirement. However, once your card is ready, some states allow you to pick it up by mail or have someone else collect it. Check your state DMV website for pickup options after your process is processed.