The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're starting with

Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state. Some states accept a birth certificate as proof of identity; others require a passport or passport card. Some accept a utility bill for your address; others want a mortgage statement or lease. You cannot know which documents your state DMV will accept until you check your state's specific list — and that list is the only one that matters for your visit.

The federal Real ID Act set the baseline requirements, but the Department of Homeland Security lets each state decide which documents meet those requirements. This means a document that works in California might not work in Texas. Before you gather anything, visit your state's DMV website and look for the Real ID document list. Print it or take a photo. Bring it with you to the DMV. Do not rely on memory or a general guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state publishes its own list of acceptable documents for Real ID on its DMV website, and these lists differ from state to state.
  • You will need to prove identity (usually a birth certificate, passport, or passport card), current address (usually a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number (usually your Social Security card or tax return).
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless your state's list explicitly says photocopies are acceptable.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization in addition to the standard documents.

Proof of identity: what states typically accept

Most states accept one of these as proof of identity for Real ID: a U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, or a state ID or driver's license from another state. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship if you were born outside the United States. A few states accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

Birth certificates are the most common choice because most people have one. It must be an original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in your birth state; this usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $15 and $35, depending on the state.

If you have a passport or passport card, either one works. You do not need both. A passport card is smaller and cheaper to renew than a full passport, and it works for Real ID even though it cannot be used for international air travel.

Proof of current address: what states typically accept

States usually accept one of these as proof of your current address: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a tax return or voter registration card. The document must show your name and current address and must be dated within the last 60 days or, in some states, the last 90 days. Check your state's list for the exact timeframe.

A utility bill is the easiest option because most people have one and it is recent. If you do not have a utility bill in your name — for example, if you live with family or a roommate who pays the bills — a lease with your name on it works just as well. If you rent and do not have a lease, a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date can work in many states, though you should confirm this on your state's list before you ask your landlord to write one.

Bank and credit card statements work but must show your current address. Statements older than 60 days are usually rejected. Tax returns work if they show your current address, but they are typically only issued once a year, so this option is less practical unless you recently filed.

Proof of Social Security number: what states typically accept

Most states accept one of these as proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card, a tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security card must be original or a certified replacement from the Social Security Administration — a photocopy does not count.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Replacements are free and usually arrive within two weeks. A tax return or W-2 works if it shows your full Social Security number and is recent enough to be recognizable as yours (usually from the current or prior year).

Documents for people born outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States, you must prove both your identity and your lawful status. In addition to the standard identity document (birth certificate, passport, or passport card), you will need a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a valid U.S. passport, or a valid U.S. passport card. If you have a U.S. passport or passport card, you do not need a separate Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship — the passport serves both purposes.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), your green card counts as proof of identity and lawful status in most states. Check your state's list to confirm. If you are in the United States on a visa, you will need to check your state's specific requirements, as policies vary. Some states accept visa documents; others do not. Your state DMV website will tell you what is required.

What to bring: originals, certified copies, and photocopies

Bring original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy made and stamped by the government office that issued the original — for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate from your state's vital records office. Photocopies you make yourself are not accepted for identity or citizenship documents, though some states accept them for address or Social Security proof. Check your state's list.

Certified copies cost money — usually $5 to $25 per copy — but they are the safest choice if you do not have the original. If you bring an original document like your birth certificate or passport, the DMV will examine it but will return it to you. You will not lose it by showing it to the DMV.

Do not bring documents that are damaged, water-stained, or illegible. If your birth certificate or other identity document is hard to read, order a new certified copy from the vital records office before your DMV visit. Bringing a damaged document will likely result in your process being rejected and you having to reschedule.

How to find your state's specific document list

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "Real ID requirements." Most states have a PDF or web page that lists exactly which documents are acceptable for identity, address, and Social Security proof. Some states also list documents that are not acceptable, which is useful to know before you gather anything.

If you cannot find the list online, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is on your state's DMV website. Tell them you are explore for Real ID and ask them to email or mail you the document list. This takes a few days but is worth it if you are unsure.

Bring the document list with you to the DMV. Show it to the staff member who helps you. This protects you if there is any confusion about whether a document is acceptable — you have proof of what your state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not for identity proof. You must bring the original or a certified copy issued by your state's vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself will be rejected. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

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

Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID. You do not need to change your address before you explore.

Do I need to bring all three types of documents, or just one of each?

You need one document for each category: identity, address, and Social Security number. You do not need to bring multiple documents in each category unless your state's list says otherwise. Bring one birth certificate, one utility bill, and one Social Security card (or equivalent), and you will have what you need.

Can I use a credit card statement as proof of address?

Most states accept credit card statements if they are dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Check your state's specific list to confirm, as a few states do not accept credit card statements.

What if I was born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam?

A birth certificate from a U.S. territory is accepted as proof of identity in all states. You do not need a passport or Certificate of Citizenship. Bring the original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the territory where you were born.