What Documents You Need to Get a California Real ID

The documents California requires for a Real ID

California's Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring six categories of documents to get a Real ID: one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number, two proofs of California residency, one proof of legal presence, and one document showing your name change if applicable. You do not need all of these at once — you need one from each category. The specific documents that work in each category are listed below, and the DMV will tell you at your appointment if something is missing or unacceptable.

Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you have a current California driver's license or ID card, you can renew it as a Real ID by mail or in person, though the in-person route is faster if you do not have all documents ready.

Key Takeaways

You need one document from each of six categories: identity, Social Security number, California residency (two documents), legal presence, and name change (if applicable).
A passport or passport card counts as both proof of identity and proof of legal presence, so bringing one cuts your document load significantly.
California residency can be proven with utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within 62 days of your appointment.
The DMV will reject documents that are expired, lack your full legal name, or do not match the name on your other documents.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Proof of identity documents

Bring one document from this list. The document must show your full legal name and photograph, and it cannot be expired. A passport or passport card is the strongest option because it also counts as proof of legal presence, meaning you will have satisfied two of the six categories with a single document.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license from another state, Real ID driver's license from another state, military ID, tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you have a passport, bring it — it simplifies the entire process.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring one document showing your Social Security number. The DMV will accept a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The document must show your full legal name and your complete nine-digit Social Security number. If the name on the document does not match the name on your identity document, the DMV will ask for an explanation or additional paperwork.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on a tax return or IRS letter instead. The ITIN must be current and show your full legal name.

Two proofs of California residency

Bring two separate documents showing you live in California. Both documents must show your current California address, be dated within 62 days of your appointment, and show your full legal name. The DMV will not accept two documents from the same source — for example, two utility bills from the same company count as one proof, not two.

Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, a vehicle registration, an insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a government document like a tax return or benefit statement. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your local DMV office to learn what documents you can bring instead.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

Bring one document proving you are legally present in the U.S. A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement on its own. If you do not have a passport, acceptable documents include a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Refugee Travel Document, or a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa.

Birth certificates must be an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. A photocopy or hospital-issued birth certificate will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., bring it along with your passport or visa to prove it is authentic.

Name change documentation (if applicable)

If your legal name has changed since you last held a California ID, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change. This includes marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders for name changes, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the DMV will accept a certified marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified court order. All name-change documents must show your previous name and your current legal name.

What to bring to your DMV appointment

Gather all six categories of documents before you schedule your appointment. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies will not work. Write your current address on any document that does not already show it. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

Bring your current California driver's license or ID card if you have one. If you are renewing, the DMV can process your Real ID faster if you already have a valid ID. If you are getting your first California ID or your ID is expired, bring all six document categories. The DMV will not hold documents or allow you to come back later with missing paperwork — if something is missing or unacceptable, you will need to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or certified copy of my birth certificate?

You must bring an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy or hospital-issued birth certificate will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born and request one — this usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my documents show different names?

All your documents must show the same legal name. If they do not, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process your Real ID until all names match.

Do I need an original document or will a photocopy work?

The DMV requires originals or certified copies for most documents. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents will not work. The only exception is tax returns, which can be originals or copies. If you do not have an original, contact the issuing agency to request a certified copy.

Can I use a utility bill from someone else's name if I live there?

No. The residency document must show your full legal name. If the utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a different document like a lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy that shows your name and address instead.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport still counts as proof of identity and legal presence for Real ID purposes. You do not need to renew your passport before getting a Real ID. However, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to renew your passport separately through the U.S. State Department.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.