The documents Real ID requires depend on which state you live in, but every state asks for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number
Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent office. The core requirement is the same everywhere: you must prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. The specific documents that count as proof vary slightly by state, and some states accept more options than others.
You cannot complete a Real ID transaction online or by mail in most states. You must appear in person at a DMV office with your documents. Some states let you renew a Real ID by mail if you already have one, but the first time you get one requires a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or current driver's license), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or tax return).
- Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts for each category, because some states accept documents others do not.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
- The process takes one visit to the DMV office; bring all required documents at once to avoid a second trip.
Proof of identity documents accepted in most states
A valid U.S. passport is accepted by every state as proof of identity. A certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy) is also accepted everywhere. Your current state driver's license or ID card counts as proof of identity, even if it is not yet Real ID compliant.
Some states also accept a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certificate of naturalization. A few states accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. Check your state DMV's website to see the full list for your state, because not all states accept all of these.
The document must be unexpired or, in some cases, expired no more than a certain number of years. A birth certificate has no expiration date. A passport or military ID typically must be current or expired within the last five years, depending on your state's rules.
Proof of residency: what counts and what does not
A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or internet) is accepted by every state. A lease or mortgage statement also works everywhere. A property tax bill, bank statement, or insurance bill in your name is accepted by most states.
The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency. A cell phone bill usually does not count unless your state specifically lists it. A credit card statement typically does not count.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask your state DMV what alternatives it accepts. Some states allow a lease signed within the last 60 days, a notarized letter from your landlord, or a government document showing your new address. Your state's website will list these options.
Proof of Social Security number
Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you have it, bring it. If you do not have it or it is lost, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security benefit statement instead. These documents must show your full Social Security number.
If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Real ID. That is a separate process handled by the Social Security Administration, not the DMV. You can start that process online at ssa.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
Original documents versus copies
The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. A photocopy of your passport will not work. You must bring the actual document or a certified copy issued by the agency that created it.
A certified copy of your birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can order one by mail, online, or in person. It costs money — usually between $10 and $30 — and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some vital records offices offer rush processing for an extra fee.
If you have a passport, bring the passport itself, not a copy. If you have a military ID, bring the ID itself. The DMV will examine the original to verify it is real, then return it to you.
What to bring on the day of your visit
Gather all your documents before you go to the DMV. Bring the original or certified copy of your proof of identity, your proof of residency, and your proof of Social Security number. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring any other documents your state's website says you need.
Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card or a document showing it. Bring a pen. Some DMVs ask you to fill out a form before you are called; others hand you the form when you arrive. Check your state's website to see if you can fill out the form online ahead of time and print it, because some states let you do this and it speeds up the process.
Bring proof of your name change if you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not bring this, the DMV will ask you to come back with it.
Real ID documents by state: where to find your state's list
Every state DMV publishes its own list of accepted documents on its website. Search for "[your state] DMV Real ID documents" or go directly to your state's DMV site and look for a page titled "Real ID" or "REAL ID Compliant License." The list will show exactly which documents count as proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number in your state.
Some states have a PDF you can read that lists all accepted documents. Others have an interactive tool where you select your document type and it tells you whether it counts. A few states have a phone number you can call to ask about a specific document. Using your state's official list takes the guesswork out of what to bring.
If your state's website does not clearly answer your question, call the DMV directly or visit a DMV office in person before your appointment. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo from my phone as proof of my documents?
No. The DMV must see the original document or a certified copy. A photo of your birth certificate or passport will not work. You must bring the physical document to your appointment.
What if I was born outside the United States?
You can use a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate as proof of identity if your state accepts it. You will also need a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a green card. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents it accepts for people born outside the U.S.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?
No. A tax return that shows your full Social Security number counts as proof. You do not need to bring your card. Bring whichever document you have that shows your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of my birth certificate?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks by mail. Rush processing, if available in your state, takes three to five business days and costs extra. You can order online, by mail, or in person at the vital records office in the county where you were born. Some offices offer same-day service if you visit in person.
What if I do not have a current address for my proof of residency?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, ask your state DMV what it accepts instead. Many states allow a lease, a notarized letter from your landlord, or a government document showing your new address. Call your state DMV to ask what documents it will accept in your situation.