Bring these documents to your Real ID appointment

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful status, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but every state requires at least one document from each category. You cannot complete your appointment without them — the DMV will not issue a Real ID if you show up without the right papers.

The most common mistake is bringing expired documents or documents that don't match your current name. If your name has changed since you got a document, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If a document is expired, it may still count as proof of identity, but it won't count as proof of citizenship or status.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving who you are, one proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, one showing your Social Security number, and one showing where you live.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts in each category — requirements differ between states.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and bring documents that match your current legal name.
  • If your name has changed, bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Arrive early and bring more documents than you think you need, because a single missing piece can delay or cancel your appointment.

Proof of identity documents

A valid or expired passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work as proof of identity. Some states also accept a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. The document does not have to be current — an expired driver's license from five years ago is still proof of identity — but it does have to show your photo and your name.

If you do not have any of these, some states accept a school ID with a photo, a work ID, or a passport card. Check your state's DMV website for the full list, because what counts varies. A few states are stricter than others about which documents they will take.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate all prove citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, you can bring a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you are not a citizen but are lawfully present, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), your visa, or your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Birth certificates must be certified copies — a photocopy or a computer printout will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified and may need to be translated into English. Passports and green cards can be originals or certified copies. Ask your state DMV which documents it prefers if you have more than one option.

Proof of your Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you do not have it, bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Some states also accept a bank statement or a utility bill that shows your Social Security number printed on it, though this is less common.

The document does not have to be recent — a pay stub from last year works. It does have to show your full Social Security number or at least enough digits that the DMV can verify it. If you have lost your Social Security card and cannot find any other document with the number, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement or a letter confirming your number.

Proof of your current address

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work as proof of address. The document must show your name and your current street address. It does not have to be in your name alone — a utility bill for a household you live in counts even if someone else's name is on it.

The document should be recent, usually from the last 60 days, though some states allow older documents. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or a mortgage statement with your new address works. If you live with family or friends and are not on the lease, ask them for a utility bill or other mail showing the address, or bring a letter from your landlord or the property owner on letterhead confirming you live there.

What to do if you are missing a document

Contact your state's DMV before your appointment and ask which alternative documents they will accept. Many states have multiple options in each category, and the DMV can tell you which ones you can get quickly. If you are missing proof of citizenship, the Social Security Administration and your state's vital records office can issue replacements, though this takes time.

If you cannot get all the documents before your appointment, call the DMV and ask whether you can reschedule or whether you can bring what you have and return later with the missing piece. Some states allow you to complete part of the appointment and come back. Do not show up without the required documents — the DMV will turn you away and you may lose your appointment slot.

Bring originals or certified copies

The DMV wants to see original documents or certified copies. A photocopy, a scan, or a photo on your phone will not work. If a document is certified, it will say "certified copy" on it and will have an official seal or stamp. You can get certified copies from the office that issued the original — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, your bank for a bank statement, your employer for a pay stub.

Bring the originals if you have them. The DMV will look at them, verify the information, and return them to you. You do not lose the documents by bringing them to your appointment. If you are worried about losing an original, bring a certified copy instead, but check your state's rules first because some states prefer originals for certain documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring documents that are not in English?

Foreign documents must be translated into English by a certified translator. The DMV will not accept a translation you did yourself or one from an online tool. Contact your state DMV to find out which translators it recognizes, or ask the office that issued the document for a certified English translation.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring the document that shows how your name changed, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to connect your old name to your new name. If your documents show different versions of the same name — like "Robert" on one and "Bob" on another — bring a document that proves they are the same person, or ask the DMV which document it prefers.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, pay stub, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number works just as well. You do not need the card itself. If you have the card, bring it anyway because it is the fastest way to prove your number, but it is not required if you have another document.

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

No. The DMV needs to see and inspect the original documents or certified copies. Photos on your phone, screenshots, or photocopies will not work. The DMV staff need to verify that the documents are real and match your appearance.

What if I do not have a current address because I am homeless?

Some states allow you to use a shelter address, a mail forwarding address, or a friend's address where you receive mail. Call your state DMV and explain your situation — they can tell you what address you can use and what documents you need to prove it. You may be able to use a letter from a shelter or a social services agency instead of a utility bill.