The documents you need depend on which type of ID you're getting

Washington State Real ID requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary slightly depending on whether you're getting a Real ID driver's license or a Real ID ID card, and whether you're renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time. You cannot complete the transaction without all three categories of proof.

You'll bring originals or certified copies to your appointment at a Department of Licensing office. The staff will verify each document, make copies, and return your originals to you. Bring more documents than the minimum if you have them — having extras makes the process faster if one document is rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number — all three are required.
  • A current or expired U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID counts as proof of identity and proof of citizenship in one document.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency if they show your name and current address.
  • Your Social Security card is the easiest proof of your number, but a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form also works.
  • You cannot use a photocopy of your Social Security card — you must bring the original or a certified replacement from Social Security.

Proof of identity and citizenship

You need one document that proves both your identity and your U.S. citizenship. A current or expired U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement on its own. A military ID (active duty, retired, or Reserve) also works. If you have either of these, bring it and you're done with this category.

If you don't have a passport or military ID, you'll need two separate documents: one for identity and one for citizenship. For identity, bring a current or expired driver's license or ID card from any U.S. state or territory, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport. For citizenship, bring a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Birth certificates must be certified copies from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — photocopies don't work. If you don't have a certified copy, you can order one online from most states' vital records websites or by mail, though this takes one to two weeks.

Proof of residency in Washington State

You need one document showing your name and your current Washington address. Utility bills work well — bring a recent electric, gas, water, or internet bill in your name. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. Insurance documents (auto, home, or renter's) with your current address are acceptable. A bank or credit card statement from the last 60 days works too.

The document must show your full name and your current address exactly as you want it to appear on your Real ID. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring a newer document or one that has been updated. If you have no documents in your name at your current address — for example, you just moved in with family or a partner — bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live there.

Post office mail, bills from government agencies, or documents from your employer can also work as proof of residency. The key is that the document must be recent (usually within the last 60 days), show your name, and show your Washington address.

Proof of your Social Security number

Your original Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you don't have it, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number all work. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works — you can print one from your account.

You cannot bring a photocopy of your Social Security card. If you've lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your Real ID appointment, though this takes one to two weeks. You can explore for a replacement online at ssa.gov if you have a My Social Security account, or by mail or in person at your local Social Security office.

What to bring if you're renewing an existing Real ID

If your Real ID driver's license or ID card is expiring and you're renewing it, you still need proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship again — your current Real ID already verified that. Bring your current Real ID card itself, a recent utility bill or other proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or equivalent.

If you're renewing by mail (available in some cases), you'll mail in your current ID and the required documents. Check the Department of Licensing website to see whether mail renewal is available for your situation, as not all renewals may have access to.

What to bring if you're changing your name

If you're getting a Real ID under a new name — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal name change all work. Bring the original or a certified copy. You'll also need all the standard documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the original or certified copy of that order. These documents must be certified copies from the court or vital records office — photocopies are not accepted.

Documents that don't work and common mistakes

Photocopies of your Social Security card are not accepted — you must bring the original card or a certified replacement. Photocopies of birth certificates don't work either; you need a certified copy from the vital records office. Expired documents can work for identity (an expired driver's license is fine) but not for residency — your proof of address must be recent.

A document with a different name than the one you're using now won't work unless you bring proof of the name change at the same time. If your utility bill shows a roommate's name but not yours, it won't count as proof of residency — bring a document in your name instead. If you're unsure whether a specific document will work, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a lease agreement that's in both my name and my roommate's name?

Yes, as long as your name appears on it and it shows your current address. The document doesn't have to be in your name alone — it just needs to show that you live at that address.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Most states allow online orders and mail delivery. If you were born outside the U.S., bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or your foreign birth certificate along with a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.

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

No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov all work as proof of your Social Security number. You only need one of these documents, not your card itself.

Can I use a bank statement from three months ago?

Most documents for proof of residency need to be from the last 60 days. A three-month-old statement may not work. Bring a more recent utility bill, credit card statement, or other document if you have one.

What happens if I bring a document and the staff says it doesn't work?

The staff will tell you what's missing and what documents would work instead. You can reschedule your appointment, get the correct documents, and come back. It's better to bring extra documents than to make a second trip.