The documents Arizona requires for a Real ID

To get a Real ID in Arizona, 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. Arizona's Motor Vehicles Division accepts specific documents for each category — not all documents work for all categories, so knowing which ones count matters before you go to the office.

You will also need to bring your current Arizona driver's license or ID card if you have one. If you do not have one yet, you can still get a Real ID as your first Arizona ID, but the document requirements stay the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of proof: identity, Social Security number, current address, and date of birth — each category has its own list of accepted documents.
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of both identity and date of birth, so bringing one cuts the number of documents you need to carry.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of current address, but they must show your name and current address.
  • Your Social Security card is the easiest proof of your Social Security number, but a W-2 form or tax return also works if you do not have the card.
  • Bring your current Arizona ID or driver's license to your appointment, even if it is expired.

Proof of identity documents Arizona accepts

Arizona Motor Vehicles Division accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a valid ID from another state or country. If you have a passport or passport card, bring that — it counts as proof of identity and proof of date of birth at the same time, so you will need fewer other documents.

If you do not have a passport, a military ID works if it is current. A driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state counts even if it is expired, as long as it shows your name and photograph. A foreign national ID card or driver's license also works, but it must be valid and show your photograph.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the document Arizona Motor Vehicles Division prefers. Bring the actual card, not a copy. If you do not have your card or cannot find it, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number will work instead.

If you have none of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the Motor Vehicles Division office. This takes time, so plan ahead if you need to order one.

Proof of your current address

Arizona accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and vehicle registration documents as proof of current address. The document must show your name and your current Arizona address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.

A bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill also works if it shows your name and current address and is dated within 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a document dated within 60 days at your new address, bring a document from your old address plus a lease or mortgage document showing your new address.

Proof of date of birth

A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or birth certificate all work as proof of date of birth. If you are bringing a passport or passport card for your identity proof, you do not need a separate document for date of birth — the passport covers both.

If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate is the most straightforward option. Arizona accepts a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate works if it is certified or authenticated.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing an existing Arizona ID

If you already have an Arizona driver's license or ID card and you are upgrading it to a Real ID, bring that card with you even if it is expired. You still need to bring all four types of proof documents listed above — having an existing Arizona ID does not reduce the documents you need.

If your current Arizona ID is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a statement from the Motor Vehicles Division confirming the loss. You will still need the four proof documents, plus the report of loss.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a W-2, 1099, or tax return. You do not need a separate birth certificate if you are bringing a passport. You do not need to bring original documents for your address proof — a copy is fine as long as it is dated within 60 days.

You do not need to bring a notarized copy of anything. Arizona Motor Vehicles Division does not require notarization for any of these documents. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by the translator.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Arizona accepts a certified copy of your birth certificate, which is what you receive from the vital records office in the state where you were born. You do not need the original document issued at birth.

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

Bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. You can also bring your old address document plus a new one showing the change. The Motor Vehicles Division will update your address when you renew.

Do I need to bring documents if I am only renewing my Real ID?

Yes. Even if you are renewing an existing Real ID, Arizona requires you to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, current address, and date of birth. The rules are the same whether you are getting your first Real ID or renewing one.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your foreign birth certificate plus a certified English translation if it is not in English. A passport or passport card also works. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you can bring your naturalization certificate or green card as proof of identity instead of a passport.

Can I use an expired document as proof of address?

No. Your address proof must be dated within the last 60 days. If all your documents are older than 60 days, contact the company that issued them and request a new statement, or bring two documents showing your address history during the move.