The documents you'll bring to the DMV
You need to bring four categories of documents to your state's DMV or equivalent office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Most people can complete this with documents they already have at home.
You do not need to gather everything before you go — the DMV website for your state lists exactly what they accept, and you can call ahead if you're unsure whether a specific document will work. Bringing the wrong document means a wasted trip, so spending five minutes on your state's site first saves time later.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security, residency, and citizenship or legal presence.
- A passport or birth certificate covers both identity and citizenship, so you may need fewer than four separate documents.
- Your state DMV website lists which specific documents they accept, because some states take documents others do not.
- Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted.
- If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport, travel document, or certificate of naturalization in addition to your other documents.
Proof of identity documents
A current or expired passport is the strongest proof of identity and covers citizenship at the same time, so it counts toward two of your four categories. If you have a passport, bring it — you're done with two requirements.
If you don't have a passport, bring one of these: a current or recently expired driver's license or state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a school or work ID with your photo and signature. Some states also accept a concealed carry permit or a passport card (the wallet-sized version of a passport).
The document needs to have your photo on it. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity because it has no photo, even though it proves citizenship. You need both a photo ID and a separate citizenship document unless your passport covers both.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card itself — the physical card from the Social Security Administration. This is the simplest route and the one most DMVs prefer. If you've lost your card, you can order a replacement from ssa.gov before your DMV appointment, though it takes about two weeks to arrive.
If you don't have your card and can't wait, some states accept a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement in its place. A few states also accept a letter from your employer showing your Social Security number. Check your state DMV's list to see which alternatives they take, because not all states accept all of these.
Proof of residency
You need a document showing your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice and works in every state. The bill must be recent — most states want it dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. Bring the original or a printed copy from your provider's website.
Other documents that work in most states include a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your address on it (like a tax return or benefits letter). Some states accept a letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead if you don't have a utility bill. A few states also accept a cell phone bill or an insurance policy.
Your address on the residency document must match the address you're registering for your Real ID. If you just moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a second document with your new address, or wait until your next bill arrives.
Proof of citizenship or legal presence
If you were born in the United States, bring one of these: your original or certified birth certificate, a passport, a passport card, or a certificate of naturalization. A birth certificate is the most common choice. You need the original or a certified copy — a photocopy or a hospital birth certificate does not count.
If you were born outside the U.S. and are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you are not a citizen but have legal status to be in the U.S., bring your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record. Some states also accept a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document or a work permit issued by your state.
The rules for non-citizens vary significantly by state. A few states do not issue Real IDs to non-citizens at all. Most states issue them to green card holders and people with work authorization, but the specific documents they accept differ. Check your state DMV's website if you are not a U.S. citizen, because bringing the wrong document wastes your trip.
What to bring in addition to your documents
Bring the original documents or certified copies only — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is damaged or faded, ask your state DMV whether they will still take it or whether you need a replacement first.
You will also need to fill out an process form at the DMV. Most states let you read and print it beforehand from their website, which speeds up the process. Bring a pen in case you need to fill it out there. You'll also need to pay a fee — the cost varies by state, typically between $20 and $50 for a Real ID driver's license or state ID card.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, even if it's expired. The DMV uses it to look up your existing record. If you don't have one, the DMV can still issue you a Real ID, but the process takes slightly longer.
Documents you do not need
You do not need to bring marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or name change documents unless your name on your documents doesn't match. If your name appears differently on your birth certificate and your Social Security card, bring both documents and explain the discrepancy to the DMV staff — they will sort it out.
You do not need a passport to get a Real ID, even though a passport is the easiest document to bring. A birth certificate, driver's license, and utility bill work just as well. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category — one proof of identity, one proof of residency, and so on is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Photos of documents, screenshots, or digital copies are not accepted. If you can't find your original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before your appointment.
What if my address on my utility bill doesn't match the address I want to register?
Bring a second document showing your new address, or wait until your next utility bill arrives with the correct address. Some states accept a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement as proof of your current address if your utility bill is outdated.
Do I need to bring all four categories of documents, or can one document count for multiple categories?
One document can count for multiple categories. A passport covers identity and citizenship. A birth certificate covers citizenship but not identity, so you'd still need a photo ID. Check what each of your documents covers and bring at least one from each category you're not already covered for.
What if I was born outside the U.S. but I'm a U.S. citizen?
Bring a passport, certificate of naturalization, or consular report of birth abroad along with your other documents. If you don't have any of these, you can order a certificate of naturalization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your appointment, though it takes several weeks.
Can I bring documents that are expired?
Yes, for most documents. An expired passport, driver's license, or birth certificate still proves what it says. However, your residency document must be recent — usually within 60 to 90 days. Check your state DMV's rules if you're unsure about a specific document.