Bring These Documents to Your Real ID Appointment

You need to bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, an original or certified document proving your date of birth, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. 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.

Real ID appointments require you to show documents in person — you cannot mail them in or submit them online. The staff member will examine each document, make copies, and return the originals to you. Bring the actual documents themselves, not photographs or scans.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original identity document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), your current driver's license or ID card, and proof of your address to your appointment.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form — the document itself or a certified copy.
  • Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.
  • Bring your original documents; the DMV will copy them and return them to you during your appointment.
  • If you cannot find a required document, contact your state DMV before your appointment to learn what alternatives they accept.

Identity Documents That Work

An original or certified copy of one of these documents satisfies the identity requirement: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, tribal ID card, or military ID. If you were born outside the United States, a consular report of birth abroad also works.

The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it — a photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

If you have a U.S. passport or passport card, bring that — it serves as both identity and proof of citizenship, which speeds up the process. Military ID cards issued by the Department of Defense also work for this step.

Proof of Date of Birth

Your birth certificate serves double duty: it proves both your identity and your date of birth. If you are bringing a birth certificate for identity, you do not need a separate document for date of birth.

If you are using a different identity document (such as a passport), you still need to bring something showing your date of birth. A passport, military ID, or any government-issued ID with your birth date printed on it will work. Some states also accept a baptism certificate or school records, but these vary by state — call your DMV ahead of time if you plan to use one of these.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your original Social Security card, or bring one of these documents instead: a W-2 form, tax return (1040, 1040-A, or 1040-EZ), 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. 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 online through ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. A replacement card takes about two weeks. Do not delay your Real ID appointment waiting for a new card — bring a tax return or W-2 instead if you have one available.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. You can still renew your regular driver's license or state ID card without one.

Proof of Current Address

Bring an original document dated within the last 60 days showing your current name and address. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy. The document must be in your name and show your street address — a PO box does not count.

If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, some states will accept two documents showing your old address plus a signed statement that you have moved. Call your DMV to ask what they accept in your situation.

If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, ask them for a letter on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, signed and dated. Bring that letter along with the utility bill. Some states accept this; others do not, so confirm with your DMV first.

Your Current Driver's License or State ID Card

Bring the ID card you currently have, even if it is expired. The DMV needs to see it to verify your identity and check your driving record. If you have lost your current card, tell the DMV staff when you arrive — they will look up your record using your name and date of birth.

If you are explore for Real ID for the first time and do not yet have a driver's license or state ID, you do not need to bring one. You will still need all the other documents listed above.

What Happens If You Forget Something

If you arrive at your appointment and realize you are missing a required document, the DMV staff will tell you what you need to bring back. They will not process your Real ID process that day. You will need to schedule another appointment and return with the missing document.

To avoid a wasted trip, review your documents at home before you leave for your appointment. Check that each document is an original or certified copy, that it is not expired (if expiration applies), and that it shows the information required. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state DMV or check their website — most states list exactly which documents they accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted. If you only have a photocopy, contact the county or state where you were born and request a certified copy by mail.

What if my address on my driver's license does not match my current address?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address during your Real ID appointment. You do not need to change your address before you come in.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a tax return instead?

Either one works. If you have your Social Security card, bring it. If you have lost it or cannot find it, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

Can I bring a bank statement from six months ago as proof of address?

No. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If your most recent statement is older than that, bring a more recent one, or bring a different document such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If your birth certificate is from another country, it must be an original or certified copy. Some states also require a certified English translation if the document is in another language — call your DMV to confirm.