What documents prove you are who you say you are
To get a REAL ID, you need to bring documents that prove your identity, citizenship or immigration status, and current address. The Department of Homeland Security sets the federal standard, but your state's motor vehicle agency decides which specific documents it will accept. Most states accept a birth certificate or passport as proof of citizenship, a driver's license or state ID as proof of identity, and a utility bill or lease as proof of address.
You cannot use a REAL ID process to prove anything — you must bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring an official translation along with the original.
The process is straightforward but requires planning. You will visit your state's motor vehicle office in person, bring the documents listed below, and pay a fee. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a REAL ID driver's license or state ID card, though some waive the fee if you are renewing an existing license.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or current driver's license.
- You must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status with a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or other approved document.
- You must show proof of your current address using a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days.
- Your state's motor vehicle agency sets the final list of acceptable documents, so check your state's website before you go to the office.
- You must appear in person; you cannot mail in a REAL ID process or use a third party to submit documents on your behalf.
Documents that prove your identity
Your state will accept one of these to prove who you are. An original or certified copy is required — a photocopy will not work.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport or passport card | Original only. Does not need to be current. |
| Birth certificate | Original or certified copy from the vital records office. Hospital-issued copies are not accepted. |
| Naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship | Original or certified copy from USCIS. |
| Current driver's license or state ID card | From any U.S. state or territory. Does not need to be REAL ID-compliant. |
| Military ID card | Current or expired within the last five years. |
| Tribal ID card | Issued by a federally recognized tribe. |
| U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Original only. Proves both identity and immigration status. |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Original only. Proves both identity and immigration status. |
If your current driver's license or state ID is expired, most states will still accept it as proof of identity. However, if it has been expired for more than five years, check your state's rules — some will not accept it.
Documents that prove citizenship or immigration status
You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. If you bring a document that proves both identity and status — such as a passport or Green Card — you do not need a separate document for this step.
For U.S. citizens, the most common documents are a birth certificate (original or certified copy from the vital records office), a U.S. passport, or a naturalization certificate. A birth certificate must be issued by a state vital records office or equivalent agency; hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted.
For non-citizens with lawful status, acceptable documents include a Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or an unexpired visa in your passport. Some states also accept a Notice of Action (I-797) from USCIS, though this varies by state.
If you were born outside the U.S. and are a citizen, bring your naturalization certificate or passport. If you are a U.S. citizen born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Citizenship.
Documents that prove your current address
You must show where you live now. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full street address. A P.O. box alone is not accepted — you must provide a physical street address.
Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a tax return or voter registration card. Some states also accept a letter from your employer, school, or a government agency on official letterhead.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new name, bring two documents showing your old address and one showing your new address, or ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your move-in date. Rules vary by state, so call ahead if you are in this situation.
What to bring to the motor vehicle office
Gather all documents before you go. Bring originals or certified copies — do not rely on photocopies or digital images on your phone. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation.
You will also need to fill out your state's REAL ID process form, usually available online or at the office. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will need to sign the process in front of an employee, so you cannot submit it by mail.
Bring a current photo ID if you have one, even if it is expired. If you do not have any photo ID, tell the office when you call to schedule an appointment — some offices have different procedures for first-time applicants.
How to find your state's specific requirements
Each state's motor vehicle agency publishes its own list of acceptable documents on its website. Search for "[your state] REAL ID documents" or visit your state's DMV or motor vehicle office website directly. The list may differ slightly from the federal standard, so checking your state's rules before you go saves a trip.
Many states also let you schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. Some offices accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the office and ask — staff can tell you over the phone whether your specific documents meet the requirement.
If you cannot find your birth certificate or naturalization certificate, contact your state's vital records office or USCIS. Requesting a certified copy takes one to four weeks depending on the agency, so start early if you know you will need one.
What happens if you do not have all the documents
If you arrive at the motor vehicle office without all required documents, the office will not issue a REAL ID. You will need to return with the missing documents. Some offices will hold your process and let you submit the missing documents by mail within a set time frame, but this varies by state.
If you cannot obtain a required document — for example, if you lost your birth certificate and the vital records office says it was never filed — ask the motor vehicle office what alternatives exist. Some states allow you to submit additional documents or a notarized affidavit in place of a missing document, though this is uncommon.
If you are a non-citizen and your immigration status document is about to expire, renew it before you explore for a REAL ID. The motor vehicle office will not issue a REAL ID based on an expired immigration document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents on my phone?
No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. The motor vehicle office will not accept photos, photocopies, faxes, or digital images. If you cannot carry originals safely, ask the office whether you can mail certified copies ahead of time.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
You can use a foreign birth certificate if you are a U.S. citizen, but it must be an original or certified copy and accompanied by an official English translation. You will also need to bring a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. A tax return, W-2, or other document showing your number is acceptable. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the office when you call — some states have different procedures for non-citizens.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the motor vehicle office. You cannot mail in your process or send someone else on your behalf. If you are unable to visit the office, some states offer mobile services or satellite offices in different locations.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID after I submit my documents?
Processing time varies by state, usually between one and four weeks. Your state's motor vehicle website will show the current processing time. You can track your process online in most states, or call the office to check the status.