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 prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you have a valid Social Security number. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state, but the federal standard is the same. Most states accept a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for address, and your Social Security card or tax return for your number. Some states add extra requirements — a few require proof of citizenship, others ask for a second form of ID. You'll find the exact list for your state on your state's DMV website, not on a federal site.

The documents must be originals or certified copies for identity and citizenship proof. Address and Social Security documents can usually be photocopies. Bring everything in your current legal name, and if your name has changed, bring the document that caused the change along with your original birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents proving identity (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and Social Security number (card, tax return, or W-2).
  • Every state accepts the federal minimum, but some states require additional documents like proof of citizenship or a second photo ID.
  • Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents your state accepts and in what form (original, certified copy, or photocopy).
  • Bring originals or certified copies — most DMVs will not accept photocopies of identity or citizenship documents, though some accept them for address proof.
  • If your name has changed, you'll need the document that caused the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your original birth certificate.

Identity documents: what counts and what doesn't

For proof of identity, the federal Real ID standard accepts a birth certificate, passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. Some states also accept a state ID, driver's license from another state, military ID, or tribal ID. A few states will take a school ID or work ID if you also bring a second form of ID. The document must be original or a certified copy — a photocopy of your birth certificate will not work, even if you notarize it yourself.

If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport or passport card is usually the fastest route because it proves both identity and citizenship at once. If you don't have a passport, you'll need your birth certificate from your country of birth plus a naturalization certificate or green card. Some states require you to bring the original naturalization certificate; others accept a certified copy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Address documents: recent and in your name

For proof of current address, you need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some states accept a government letter addressed to you, like a tax refund notice or jury summons. A few states will take a cell phone bill or insurance statement.

The document must be in your current legal name. If you recently moved and your address on file hasn't updated yet, bring the most recent bill from your new address. If you're living with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you also bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there. Check your state DMV website first — not all states accept this workaround.

Social Security proof: card, tax forms, or W-2

For proof of your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, some states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number, which you can request online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Your Social Security card does not need to be original — a photocopy is fine. If your card is damaged or lost, you can still use a W-2 or tax return. If you've never worked and don't have a W-2, request a letter from Social Security. The process takes about two weeks by mail.

Name changes: the documents that prove them

If your name on your birth certificate doesn't match the name you want on your Real ID, you'll need to bring the document that changed your name. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a legal name change through the court, bring the court order. These documents must be original or certified copies.

You'll also bring your original birth certificate along with the name-change document. The DMV will compare them to make sure the name progression is clear. If you've changed your name more than once, bring all the documents in order — birth certificate, then marriage certificate, then divorce decree, for example.

Citizenship and immigration documents for some states

Most states do not require separate proof of citizenship for Real ID — your birth certificate or passport serves that purpose. However, Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee require an additional citizenship document. These states ask for a certified birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS.

If you're a permanent resident (green card holder), you can get Real ID in any state using your green card as proof of identity, though you'll still need address and Social Security proof. Some states also accept a Temporary Resident Card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Check your state DMV website to confirm what your state accepts for non-citizens.

What to bring to the DMV: originals, certified copies, and photocopies

Bring originals or certified copies of your identity and citizenship documents. The DMV will not accept a photocopy you made yourself, even if you had it notarized. For address documents, most states accept either originals or photocopies. For Social Security proof, photocopies are fine.

A certified copy is a photocopy made and stamped by the issuing agency — for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born. You can order certified copies by mail, online, or in person from your county or state vital records office. The cost varies by state, usually between $10 and $30 per copy. Allow two to four weeks if ordering by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires physical documents — originals, certified copies, or photocopies on paper. You cannot show a photo of your birth certificate on your phone. Some states allow you to upload documents when you make an appointment online, but you still must bring the originals or certified copies to the appointment.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate instead. If you don't have any of these, contact the vital records office in the county or country where you were born to request a certified birth certificate. If you were born abroad and cannot get a birth certificate, a U.S. passport is your best option.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or letter from Social Security all work on their own. You don't need to bring multiple documents unless your state specifically requires it. Check your state DMV website to confirm what your state accepts.

Can I use an old utility bill if my address hasn't changed?

No. The bill must be dated within the last 60 days. If your bill is older, request a new one from your utility company, or bring a different recent document like a bank statement or mortgage statement that shows your current address.

What if my name on my birth certificate doesn't match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that changed your name — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both to confirm your legal name progression and issue your Real ID in your current legal name.