Bring These Documents to the DMV

When you go to the DMV to get your driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The exact documents vary by state, but every state requires at least one document from each category. Bring originals, not copies — the DMV staff will verify them in person and return them to you.

You will also need to bring any documents related to your name if it differs from your birth certificate: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your name and do not have the original document, bring a certified copy from the court or vital records office that issued it.

Bring your completed process form if your state allows you to fill it out ahead of time. Some states have the form on their DMV website; others require you to fill it out at the office. Check your state's DMV website before you go so you know which applies.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card.
  • You need proof that you live at your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number or ITIN, such as a tax return or W-2 form.
  • If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you want on your license, bring the legal document that shows the change.
  • Bring your completed process form if your state allows pre-filling, or arrive early to fill it out at the DMV.

Proof of Identity Documents

Your state will accept one of several documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate — it must be an official copy with the state seal, not a photocopy you made yourself. A certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born also works.

Some states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. Military personnel can use a military ID card or military dependent ID card. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian may be able to bring their ID instead of yours in some states, but call ahead to confirm.

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport. The DMV staff need to see the original document to verify the security features and confirm it is genuine. They will return it to you after they check it.

Proof of Residency Documents

You need a document showing your current address. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — works if it is dated within the last 60 days. A lease or rental agreement with your name and current address also works. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days is acceptable in most states.

If you receive mail at your address but the bills are in someone else's name, bring a document signed by that person giving you permission to use their address, plus a copy of their ID. Some states call this a "residency affidavit." A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also counts as proof of residency if it shows your name and address.

Do not bring a cell phone bill or a printed bank statement you downloaded from online banking — most states do not accept these. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill at your new address, bring a lease or rental agreement instead. If you live with family and have no documents in your name, ask the property owner or leaseholder to sign an affidavit stating you live there.

Social Security Number and Tax Documents

Bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have the card itself, bring a document that shows your number: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), bring a document showing that number instead, such as a tax return or IRS letter.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN and cannot get one before your appointment, tell the DMV when you arrive. Some states allow you to explore for a license without providing a number on the spot, though you may need to provide it later. Other states require it before they issue the license. Call your state's DMV ahead of time to find out what your state does.

Documents for Name Changes

If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate, bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's last name. A divorce decree or court order showing your new name also works. If you changed your name through a court petition, bring the court order.

These documents must be originals or certified copies — a photocopy will not work. If you lost the original, contact the office that issued it: the county clerk for a court order, the vital records office for a marriage or divorce certificate. They can send you a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $10 and $25.

What to Bring If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, bring your own proof of identity and residency as described above. You must also bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DMV. That adult needs to bring their own ID and proof of residency to show they live with you or have custody of you.

Some states require the parent or guardian to sign the process form in front of the DMV staff. A few states allow a notarized consent form if the parent or guardian cannot attend in person, but this is less common. Call your state's DMV to find out whether a notarized form is an option.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have another document showing your number. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category — one proof of identity and one proof of residency are enough. You do not need to bring a medical exam or vision test results; the DMV will do the vision test on site.

You do not need to bring documents showing you have taken a driver's education course, even if your state requires one. The DMV will ask you about this during your appointment, and you may need to show proof later, but you do not need to bring it to get your license. If you are unsure whether you need a specific document, call your state's DMV customer service line — they can tell you what your state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV needs to see the original document with the state seal to verify it is genuine. If you have lost your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.

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

Bring the utility bill plus a signed letter from your roommate stating you live there, along with a copy of their ID. Some states call this a residency affidavit. The DMV staff will tell you if they need anything else when you arrive.

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

No. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 form showing your Social Security number works just as well as the card itself. Bring whichever document you have.

What happens if I forget to bring one of the required documents?

You will not be able to get your license that day. The DMV staff will tell you which document you are missing and send you home to get it. You will need to make another appointment or return on another day when the office is open.

Can my parent sign the process form for me if I am 16?

It depends on your state. In most states, yes — your parent or guardian must sign in front of the DMV staff. A few states allow a notarized signature if the parent cannot attend. Call your state's DMV to find out what your state requires before you go.