What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're using as proof of identity

Real ID requires you to bring three categories of documents to your state's motor vehicle agency: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The specific documents accepted in each category vary by state. For example, some states accept a passport as proof of identity; others require a birth certificate. Some accept utility bills for residency; others require a lease or mortgage statement. Your state's motor vehicle website lists exactly which documents it will accept, and you should check that list before you go in.

You cannot get a Real ID without all three categories. If you're missing one, the agency will turn you away and you'll have to return with the right document. Bringing copies instead of originals, or bringing documents that don't match your state's list, is the most common reason people have to make a second trip.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number (usually a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) — all three categories are required.
Which specific documents your state accepts varies, so you must check your state's motor vehicle agency website before you go in.
Bring original documents, not copies, because most states will not accept photocopies as proof.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, you'll need to bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) as well.

Proof of identity documents your state will accept

Proof of identity is the first document category. The most common documents are a birth certificate, passport, or passport card. Some states also accept a permanent resident card (green card), a tribal ID card, or a military ID. A few states accept a driver's license or ID card from another state, but most do not — the whole point of Real ID is to replace an older ID with a more find one, so your old ID usually won't work as proof.

Your birth certificate must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or a certified copy from a funeral home will not work. If you don't have your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office, but this takes time — often two to four weeks — so plan ahead.

If you have a passport or passport card, either one counts as proof of identity. You don't need both. A passport is often the easiest option because it serves as proof of identity, citizenship, and residency all at once, which can reduce the number of documents you need to bring.

Proof of Social Security number

You must bring a document that shows your Social Security number. The most straightforward option is your Social Security card itself. If you don't have it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. Some states also accept a document issued by your employer that shows your name and Social Security number, such as a pay stub or an employee ID.

If you've lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can do this online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account, or by mail or in person at a local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives within two weeks.

Proof of residency

Proof of residency shows that you live in the state where you're explore for Real ID. The most common documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government benefit statement. A few states accept a letter from a government agency or a school enrollment letter.

Your proof of residency must show your current name and current address. It usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow documents up to 90 days old. If you've recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you're living with someone else and don't have a bill in your name, ask if you can bring a bill in their name along with a signed statement from them saying you live there — some states accept this, but not all, so check first.

Name change documents

If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate or other identity document, you must bring proof of the name change. This is usually a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. The document must be an official copy from the court or the government office that issued it.

If you've changed your name multiple times, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed your name, then divorced and changed your name again, bring the birth certificate, the marriage certificate, and the divorce decree.

Documents you don't need to bring

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship for Real ID, even though Real ID is a federal standard. The federal government assumes that if you have a valid state ID or driver's license, you are either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident. However, you do need to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency.

You do not need to bring your passport unless you're using it as your proof of identity. If you're bringing a birth certificate and a Social Security card, you don't need the passport. You also do not need to bring your old driver's license or ID card, though some people bring it anyway because it's familiar.

What to do if you can't find a document

If you can't find one of the required documents, you have options. For a missing birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and order a replacement. For a missing Social Security card, contact the Social Security Administration. For proof of residency, if you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask your bank for a recent statement, check your insurance company for a policy document, or ask your employer for a pay stub.

Some states allow you to bring a notarized affidavit — a sworn statement signed in front of a notary public — if you can't produce an original document. This is rare and usually only accepted for residency. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see if this option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring photocopies or scans of my documents?

Most states require original documents, not copies. A few states accept certified copies for some documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what it accepts. Bringing a photocopy when your state requires an original will result in a rejected process.

What if my name on my documents doesn't match exactly?

Minor differences, such as a middle initial missing or spelled differently, are usually not a problem. Significant differences, such as a first or last name spelled differently, may require you to bring a name change document or an explanation. Call your state's motor vehicle agency before you go in if you're unsure.

Do I need to bring documents for my spouse or children?

No. Each person explore for Real ID must bring their own documents. You cannot explore on behalf of someone else, and you cannot use someone else's documents as proof of residency for yourself.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get Real ID if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Bring your birth certificate from the country where you were born, or bring a passport or passport card. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring the original and an official English translation. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of naturalization.

Can I use an expired document as proof?

For identity documents like a passport, expiration usually doesn't matter — the document still proves who you are. For residency documents like a utility bill, most states require the document to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, regardless of expiration. Check your state's rules before you go in.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.