Bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal status
Your Real ID appointment requires three categories of documents. You need one document that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. Bring the original documents, not copies — the staff member will examine them in person and return them to you. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized, because you will need to provide it during your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one form of photo ID (passport, birth certificate with photo, military ID, or state ID), one proof of residence (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement), and one proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or tribal ID).
- Original documents must be brought in person; copies are not accepted, but you will get your documents back after your appointment.
- Your current driver's license or state ID card is required even if expired, along with your Social Security number.
- Some states accept additional documents beyond the federal minimum, so check your state's DMV website before your appointment to avoid making a second trip.
Proof of identity documents that are accepted
A valid or expired U.S. passport is the easiest proof of identity because it covers identity, citizenship, and residence in one document. If you have a passport, bring it and you may not need additional documents in those categories.
If you do not have a passport, bring one of these: a military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a state ID card or driver's license from another state, a U.S. passport card, or a permanent resident card (green card). A birth certificate with a photo also works, though most birth certificates do not have photos.
Your current driver's license or state ID card counts as proof of identity even if it is expired. Some states also accept a school ID with a photo, a government employee ID, or a commercial driver's license, so check your state's DMV website to see what else is on the approved list.
Proof of residence documents that are accepted
Proof of residence must show your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. The bill must be dated within the last 60 days.
Other documents that work include a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Some states accept a voter registration card, a vehicle registration, or a paycheck stub with your address on it. A few states accept a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address, such as a tax return or benefits notice.
If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, bring a signed lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask them to write a letter on the bill's envelope stating that you live there, and bring both the letter and the bill together.
Proof of citizenship or legal status documents
A U.S. birth certificate is the standard proof of citizenship. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born, not a hospital copy or a photocopy. If you do not have your birth certificate, order one from the vital records office in your birth state before your appointment — this can take several weeks.
Other documents that prove citizenship include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your permanent resident card (green card) or your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your refugee travel document, your advance parole document, or your asylum approval notice.
What happens if you forget a document
If you arrive at your appointment and realize you are missing a document, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You will not be able to complete your appointment that day, and you will need to schedule another one. Some DMV offices allow you to reschedule when ready; others require you to call or book online.
To avoid a second trip, log into your state's DMV website before your appointment and review the specific documents your state accepts. Some states have a longer approved list than the federal minimum, and knowing this ahead of time saves time. If you are unsure whether a document you have will work, call your local DMV office and ask — they can tell you over the phone whether to bring it.
Real ID appointments for minors and dependents
If you are under 18 or a dependent adult, a parent or legal guardian must attend your appointment with you. They will need to bring their own proof of identity, residence, and citizenship or legal status, plus a document proving their relationship to you — usually a birth certificate or adoption papers.
Some states require the parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the appointment. A few states allow one parent to sign a form at home and bring it instead of attending in person, but this varies by state. Check your state's DMV website to see whether both parents must attend or whether one signature is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photocopy or a photo of my documents instead of the originals?
No. You must bring the original documents in person. The DMV staff member will examine them to verify they are real and will return them to you after your appointment. Photocopies and photos on your phone are not accepted.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current name?
Bring all the documents showing your name changes — for example, a birth certificate with your old name, a marriage certificate, and a divorce decree. The DMV will use these to verify that you are the same person across all your documents.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No, you do not need to bring the card itself. You need to know your Social Security number and provide it during your appointment. If you do not know it, you can look it up on tax returns, W-2 forms, or bank statements before you go.
What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the country where you were born and request an official birth certificate. This can take several weeks or months. In the meantime, you can bring a passport, naturalization papers, or other citizenship documents to your appointment.
Can I bring documents that are expired?
Yes. Expired documents are accepted as long as they are original and show your name and information clearly. Your current driver's license or state ID can be expired. The only exception is a passport — it must be valid (not expired) to count as proof of identity.