The documents and facts Real ID requires
Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you must prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security number, and your current address. You will also need to pass a background check run against state and federal records. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.
Real ID does not require a separate process process in most states — you request it when you renew or replace your license. Some states let you upgrade to Real ID at any time; others only offer it during renewal. You will pay a fee that ranges from zero to around $30 depending on your state, usually added to your standard license renewal cost.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency, your Social Security card or tax document, and proof of current address.
- Real ID requires a background check against state and federal records, which typically takes a few minutes at the time you explore.
- Each state maintains its own list of acceptable documents, so what works in one state may not work in another.
- You do not need Real ID to drive within the United States, but you will need it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after the important date set by your state.
Proof of identity documents that Real ID accepts
Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest form of proof and is accepted in all states. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born will work. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship.
If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp — a photocopy or printout from an online vital records portal is not sufficient. The document must show your full name, date of birth, and place of birth. If your name has changed since the birth certificate was issued, you will also need to bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Some states will accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A few states also accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list, as acceptance varies.
Proof of citizenship or legal residency
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can prove it with a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Most of these are the same documents you use for identity proof, so you may not need to bring anything extra.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you must bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form. If you are in the United States on a visa or other temporary status, you will need to bring your visa and a valid passport, along with your I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A. Your I-94 can be printed from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website using your passport number and date of birth.
Some states will issue Real ID to people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, while others will not. A few states issue a separate category of ID for people without proof of legal residency. Check your state's rules before you visit, because the documents you need depend on your immigration status.
Social Security number verification
You must provide your Social Security number, and the DMV will verify it against Social Security Administration records. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to — the DMV can look it up if you provide your number and the agency can confirm it matches your name and date of birth.
If you do bring your card, bring the original. A photocopy is not accepted. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit, though many DMVs will proceed without it if they can verify your number electronically.
Proof of current address
You must show that you live at the address you are listing on your license. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, some states will accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord. A few states will accept a government benefits letter, such as unemployment or SNAP documentation. Mail from a government agency — even if it is addressed to you — usually works.
If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utilities, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on those documents, along with a copy of one of those documents. Some states require the letter to be notarized; others do not. Call your DMV ahead of time if you are in this situation.
Background check and disqualifying factors
The DMV will run your name, date of birth, and Social Security number against state and federal databases. This check looks for outstanding warrants, certain criminal convictions, and immigration violations. Most people pass this check in minutes.
You will be denied Real ID if you have an active warrant for your arrest, a conviction for certain felonies (the list varies by state), or if your immigration status does not permit you to hold a Real ID. Some states also deny Real ID to people with certain mental health holds or restraining orders, though the rules differ. If you are unsure whether you will pass the background check, contact your state DMV before you visit.
State-by-state document variations
While the federal Real ID standard sets the categories of documents required, each state maintains its own approved list. For example, some states accept a utility bill as proof of address, while others require it to be in your name and dated within 60 days. A few states accept a driver's license from another state as identity proof; most do not.
The safest approach is to visit your state DMV's website and read the official list of acceptable documents before you gather anything. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are almost never accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Real ID if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you were born outside the United States, you can use a passport or consular report of birth abroad. If you were born in the U.S. but cannot locate your birth certificate, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — most states now offer this online. Some DMVs will also accept a passport as your sole identity document.
Do I need Real ID if I only drive within my state?
No. Real ID is required only for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing certain military bases. If you never do any of these things, you can keep a standard driver's license. However, most states are phasing out standard licenses, so you may eventually need to upgrade.
What happens if my documents are from another country?
You can use a foreign birth certificate or passport as your identity document, and a foreign passport as proof of citizenship or legal residency. The document must be an original or certified copy. If it is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original.
Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV. Some states require you to sign the back of the card before you leave, and all states require you to verify your information in person. You cannot have someone else do this on your behalf.
How long does the background check take?
The background check usually completes within a few minutes while you are at the DMV. If there is a delay — for example, if your name matches someone with a warrant — the DMV will tell you and may ask you to return later or contact you by mail. In rare cases, the check can take several weeks.