Bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number

You will need three categories of documents at your Real ID appointment: one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will also need to bring the process form your state requires, which you can usually fill out online beforehand or complete at the appointment.

Most people can gather these documents in a day or two. The challenge is usually the proof of residence, since many people do not have recent documents with their current address. If you are moving or recently moved, plan extra time to get something dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID — one document that proves your identity.
  • Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — usually dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return showing your full Social Security number.
  • Bring your state's Real ID process form, completed or blank depending on your state's process.
  • Bring your current driver's license or ID card, even though you are replacing it.

Identity documents: what counts as proof of who you are

You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph or signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate all work. If you do not have a passport, your current driver's license or state ID card counts, even though you are there to get a Real ID version. A military ID or tribal ID also works.

The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the government body that created it — not a photocopy you made yourself. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, you will need to order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail, so order it early if you do not have the original.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. A green card does not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes, even though it is a federal document.

Proof of residence: documents showing your current address

You need one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) works best because it is recent and has both pieces of information. A lease or mortgage statement also works. A bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill will work if it is recent enough.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot get a bill in your name — ask your DMV or licensing office whether they accept this before you go.

Do not bring a cell phone bill, a gym membership card, or a voter registration card — these do not count. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, ask your DMV office what documents they accept, because the rules are different and vary by state.

Social Security number proof: documents showing your SSN

You need one document showing your full Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the simplest option. If you do not have it or cannot find it, a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from your employer works. A Social Security statement (which you can request online at ssa.gov) also works, though it takes time to arrive.

If you have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card or visa along with your Social Security card or tax document.

Your current ID and the process form

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even though you are there to replace it. The DMV staff will need to see it to verify your identity in their system and check for any holds or flags on your record.

Bring your state's Real ID process form. Many states let you fill it out online before you arrive, which speeds up the appointment. Other states hand you the form when you arrive. Check your state's DMV website to see which applies — if your state offers online pre-fill, do it before you go, because it saves time and reduces errors.

What happens if you forget something

If you arrive without one of the required documents, the DMV staff will turn you away and you will have to reschedule. You will not lose your appointment fee, but you will lose the time you took off work or rearranged your schedule. Some DMV offices let you call ahead to confirm you have everything; others do not.

If you realize on the way to your appointment that you are missing something, call your DMV office and ask whether you can still come in. Some offices will let you submit what you have and return with the missing document within a set time frame. Others will ask you to reschedule. It depends on your state and your specific office.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change document unless your name on your current ID does not match your birth certificate. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, court order, or adoption decree.

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or immigration status for a standard Real ID, though you will need to answer questions about it on the process form. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card or visa so the staff can see it, but you do not need to submit it.

You do not need to bring your passport if you have other acceptable identity documents, though bringing it does not hurt. You do not need to bring multiple documents from each category — one from each category is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring the original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you only have a photocopy, order a certified copy from the state or county where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?

Bring the bill along with a signed letter from your roommate stating that you live at that address. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residence instead. Call your DMV office ahead of time to ask which they prefer, so you bring the right document.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 showing your full Social Security number works just as well. You only need one document from this category, so bring whichever you have most easily available.

What if I do not have a current address because I just moved?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you moved very recently and do not have a bill yet, ask your DMV office whether they accept a notarized affidavit of residence or a signed letter from your landlord.

Can I bring a cell phone bill as proof of residence?

No. Cell phone bills do not count as proof of residence for Real ID. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy instead — something that shows your street address, not just a mailing address.