The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your date of birth. Most people bring a passport or birth certificate for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for your number, a utility bill or lease for your address, and the same document that proves identity also proves your birth date. You do not need separate documents for each category — one document often covers two or three.

The specific documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID rules set a baseline that all states follow. Your state's DMV or driver's license office publishes its own list of what it will accept, and that list is what matters when you show up. Checking your state's website before you go saves a trip back home.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of proof: identity, Social Security number, current address, and date of birth, though one document can satisfy multiple requirements.
  • A passport or birth certificate works for identity and date of birth; a Social Security card or recent tax return works for your number; a utility bill or lease works for your address.
  • Each state's DMV publishes its own list of accepted documents, so check your state's website before your appointment.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images on your phone are not accepted.

Identity documents that Real ID accepts

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest proof of identity and is accepted in every state. A birth certificate issued by a state vital records office also works everywhere, though it must be an official copy with a raised seal or embossed seal, not a photocopy. Some states also accept a foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the U.S.

A few states accept a military ID card or a Native American tribal ID as proof of identity. Most states do not accept a Social Security card, passport card photocopy, or school ID for this purpose. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, your state's vital records office can issue you a certified copy of your birth certificate by mail — this usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

Proof of your Social Security number

An original Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you have lost yours, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives in two to four weeks.

If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot wait, most states accept a recent tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. A bank statement with your number on it also works in many states. You need the original document or a certified copy — a photo of the document on your phone will not be accepted.

Proof of your current address

A utility bill in your name is the most common proof of address. The bill must be recent — most states require it to be dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. Electricity, gas, water, internet, or cell phone bills all work. A lease or mortgage statement also works and does not have to be as recent.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, some states accept a bank statement, a credit card statement, a government check, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. A few states accept mail from your employer or a school enrollment letter. Check your state's list — the accepted documents vary. If you live with someone else and your name is not on any bills, ask the person whose name is on the bill to bring it with you and sign a statement saying you live there.

Proof of your date of birth

Your birth certificate serves double duty here — it proves both your identity and your date of birth, so you do not need a separate document. If you are bringing a passport instead of a birth certificate, the passport covers both as well. A driver's license or state ID from another state also shows your date of birth, though you cannot use an expired license from your current state.

In rare cases, a hospital record, a religious record (such as a baptism certificate), or a school record can work if you have no other option. These are not ideal because they require more verification, but they are accepted in most states if your birth certificate is unavailable. Ask your state's DMV whether it will accept what you have before you make an appointment.

What to bring in original form

Every document must be an original or a certified copy. Photocopies, faxes, and photos taken on your phone are not accepted, even if you have the original at home. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation — a translation you made yourself does not count.

Certified copies are official copies issued by the government office that created the record. A birth certificate with a raised seal from your state's vital records office is a certified copy. A photocopy of your birth certificate that you made yourself is not. If you are unsure whether what you have is a certified copy, call your state's DMV before your appointment and describe the document.

Documents you do not need

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a recent tax return or pay stub. You do not need a passport if you have a birth certificate. You do not need to bring multiple documents for the same purpose — one proof of address is enough, one proof of identity is enough. Bringing extra documents does not speed up the process.

You also do not need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, though it can be helpful if you are renewing rather than getting your first Real ID. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that shows the change — but this is a separate requirement from the four documents listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. Every document must be a physical original or certified copy. Photos of documents taken on your phone are not accepted. If you have digital copies at home, print them and bring the printed versions, though printed copies are usually not accepted either — you need the original or a certified copy from the issuing office.

What if my address on my documents does not match my current address?

Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. The address on your birth certificate or passport does not have to match. The DMV cares about where you live now, not where you lived when you were born.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a pay stub?

No. A recent pay stub with your full Social Security number on it is accepted as proof of your number in most states. You only need one form of proof. If you have both, bring whichever is easiest to find.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is accepted in most states, but it must be an official copy with an official seal. Bring an official English translation as well. Some states require the translation to be certified by a court or a professional translator — call your state's DMV to ask what kind of translation they need.

Can my spouse or parent bring my documents for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your original documents. The DMV needs to verify your identity and signature. Someone else cannot do this on your behalf, even if they are a family member.