Documents you need for a New Jersey Real ID

To get a Real ID in New Jersey, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your New Jersey address, and proof of your date of birth. Some of these can overlap — a driver's license, for example, proves both identity and date of birth. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will not accept expired documents for most categories, and they will not accept digital or photocopied versions of originals.

You cannot complete this in one trip if you do not have the right documents. The MVC will turn you away if something is missing, and you will have to return another day. Bringing everything on your first visit saves you time and a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original, unexpired document proving your identity, such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver's license.
  • Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form — the original or a certified copy.
  • Proof of your New Jersey address requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the state where you were born, not a hospital-issued copy.
  • Bring your current out-of-state driver's license or ID if you have one, because the MVC will surrender it when they issue your Real ID.

Proof of identity documents the MVC will accept

The MVC accepts a current, unexpired U.S. passport as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can bring a current military ID, a current passport card, or a current driver's license or ID card from another state. An expired document will not work for this category.

If you were born outside the United States, you can also bring an original Consular Report of Birth Abroad, an original Certificate of Naturalization, or an original Certificate of Citizenship. These must be originals, not copies. If you have a current visa or travel document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, that also counts as proof of identity.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the most straightforward proof. Bring the original card. If you do not have it or it is damaged, the MVC will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a federal tax return showing your full Social Security number. These can be originals or certified copies.

The MVC will not accept a letter from the Social Security Administration, a pay stub, or a bank statement for this purpose, even if your Social Security number appears on them. Stick to the four documents listed above.

Proof of your New Jersey address

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current New Jersey address in your name. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.

The document must show your full name and your street address. A PO box does not count. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new address, ask your utility company or bank for a letter confirming your address, or bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord. The MVC may also accept a government-issued document showing your address, such as a voter registration card or a property deed.

Proof of date of birth

Your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office of the state where you were born is required. A hospital-issued birth certificate or a photocopy of your birth certificate will not be accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Consular Report of Birth Abroad or your original Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $30, depending on the state. Some states allow you to order online; others require you to mail a form and payment.

Your current driver's license or ID card

If you have a current driver's license or ID card from another state, bring it with you. The MVC will take it when they issue your Real ID. If your current license is expired, bring it anyway — it still proves your identity and date of birth, and the MVC will not need to surrender an expired document.

If you do not have a current or expired driver's license from another state, you do not need to bring anything for this step. You are starting fresh in New Jersey, and the MVC will issue you a Real ID without needing to surrender anything.

What to do if you are missing a document

If you do not have your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office before you go to the MVC. If you cannot find your Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. Both take time, so start early.

If you do not have proof of your New Jersey address because you just moved, ask your landlord for a signed lease or contact your utility company to request a letter. If you are homeless or living with someone else, the MVC has alternative procedures — call your local MVC office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or digital image of my documents?

No. The MVC requires original documents or certified copies for most categories. You cannot use a photo of your birth certificate or a scanned copy of your Social Security card. The only exception is that some documents, like tax returns, can be certified copies rather than originals.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you have a foreign birth certificate, you may also need to bring your visa or travel document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Call your local MVC office to confirm what they need.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. You only need one form of proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your full Social Security number is sufficient. You do not need to bring your card if you have one of these other documents.

What counts as proof of my New Jersey address if I just moved?

A lease signed by you and your landlord, a utility bill in your name dated within 60 days, or a letter from your utility company or bank confirming your address all work. If you do not have any of these yet, contact your landlord or utility company and ask for a letter before you visit the MVC.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?

No. The MVC requires an unexpired document for proof of identity. An expired passport will not work. Use a current out-of-state driver's license, military ID, or passport card instead.