Bring These Documents to Your Real ID Appointment

You need to bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, a document proving your Social Security number, a document proving your address, and proof of your legal name if it has changed. You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

The appointment itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will answer questions while staff verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. Bring everything on this list so you do not have to reschedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving who you are, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
  • Bring a document showing your Social Security number, usually a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
  • Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired.
  • If your legal name has changed, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change.

Identity Documents: What the DMV Will Accept

Your identity document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy is not enough. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (long form, issued by the state), naturalization or citizenship papers, a valid foreign passport, a Tribal ID card, or a military ID card. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of citizenship.

If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Birth certificates take one to four weeks to arrive by mail, depending on the state. If you need your Real ID sooner, a passport can sometimes be expedited in one to two weeks, though this costs extra.

Social Security Number Proof: Documents That Work

You need to show your actual Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card. If you do not have it, bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document from the past year, a pay stub, a bank statement, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card takes one to two weeks. You do not need to wait for it to arrive before your Real ID appointment — you can use a tax document or pay stub instead.

Address Proof: Recent Utility Bills and Bank Statements

Your address document must show your current street address and must have been issued within the past 60 days. The DMV accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a property tax bill. Some states also accept a cell phone bill or a document from your employer showing your address.

The document must be in your name and must match the address you will give at your appointment. If you recently moved, bring a document dated after your move-in date. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask if your state accepts a notarized letter from the bill holder confirming you live there — policies vary by state.

Your Current License or ID Card

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired or will expire soon. The DMV staff will keep it and issue you a new Real ID card in its place. If you have lost your card, you will need to report it as lost before your appointment — contact your state DMV to file a lost-card report, which usually takes a few minutes by phone or online.

If you do not yet have a driver's license or state ID card, you cannot get a Real ID card. You must first get a standard driver's license or ID card, which requires a separate appointment and a driving test (for a license). Once you have that card, you can schedule a Real ID appointment to upgrade it.

Name Change Documents: Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order

If your legal name has changed since your current ID was issued, bring the document that shows the change. This is a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy will not work.

If you changed your name but your current ID still shows your old name, the DMV will ask which name you want on your Real ID card. You can keep your old name or switch to your new legal name. Whichever you choose, bring the document that proves it is legal.

What to Bring for Your Appointment: A Checklist

Before you go, gather these items and check them off:

  • One original or certified identity document (passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or military ID)
  • One document showing your Social Security number (card, W-2, pay stub, or bank statement)
  • One document showing your current address, dated within the past 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement)
  • Your current driver's license or state ID card
  • A name change document if your legal name has changed (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
  • Your appointment confirmation or the confirmation number from when you scheduled
  • Payment for the Real ID fee (usually $20 to $30, depending on your state; bring cash or a card)

Bring the originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Leave extra documents at home — the DMV only needs one of each type.

What Happens If You Forget Something

If you arrive without a required document, the DMV will not issue your Real ID card at that appointment. You will have to reschedule. To avoid this, call your state DMV the day before your appointment and confirm the exact documents they want. Some states have slightly different rules, and staff can tell you whether a specific document will work.

If you realize you are missing something after you arrive, ask the staff whether they can accept an alternative document. Some documents are interchangeable — for example, a recent credit card statement can sometimes substitute for a utility bill as proof of address. The staff cannot tell you this in advance, but they can decide on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?

No. The DMV must see the original or a certified copy. A photo on your phone or a photocopy will not work. Certified copies are available from the agency that issued the document — for example, your state's vital records office for a birth certificate or the court for a name change order.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a document showing your new address, dated within the past 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID card. You do not need to change your address before the appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent pay stub?

No. A pay stub, W-2, or other tax document showing your full name and full Social Security number is enough. You do not need the card itself.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate from the country where you were born, a U.S. passport, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the appointment?

No. You must be present at the appointment. The DMV will take your photo and ask you questions to verify your identity. You cannot send someone else in your place.