The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're using as proof of identity

Every state requires the same basic categories of documents for a Real ID — proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status — but the specific documents that satisfy each category vary by state. For example, a passport works as proof of identity in all states, but a driver's license from another state works in some states and not others. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, and you should check that list before you go, because showing up with the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

The documents listed here are the ones most states accept. Some states accept fewer options, and a few accept more. If you don't see your document type listed on your state's DMV website, it won't work, even if it worked in another state.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of where you live, and proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • A passport or birth certificate works for identity in all states, but other documents vary by state, so check your state DMV's list before you go.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted for any document.
  • If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of identity documents

You need one document from this category. A U.S. passport or passport card works in every state. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) also works everywhere. Most states also accept a driver's license or ID card from another state, but some do not, so verify on your state's DMV website first.

Other documents that many states accept include a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), a foreign passport, or a consular ID card. A few states accept a school ID or employee ID, but only if it has a photo and an expiration date. Check your state's list — if your document is not on it, bring a backup.

The document must not be expired, except for a passport, which can be expired. If your name on the document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, bring proof of the name change as well (see the section on name changes below).

Proof of Social Security number

You need one document from this category. A Social Security card (original or certified copy) is the most straightforward option and works in all states. If you don't have your card, a W-2 form or 1099 form from the past year works in most states. Some states also accept a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible, a tax return, or a bank statement with your Social Security number on it.

The document must show your full nine-digit Social Security number. If you have lost your Social Security card and don't have a W-2 or recent tax return, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV — this usually takes one to two weeks.

Proof of residency

You need one document from this category, and it must show your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works in all states and is the most common choice. Most states also accept a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card).

The document must be dated within the past 60 days in most states, though some states allow up to 90 days. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a letter from your utility company confirming your new address, or bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states accept a notarized letter from the bill holder saying you live there, but policies vary — check your state's DMV website first.

Proof of lawful status

You need one document from this category. U.S. citizens can use a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a passport, a passport card, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. and naturalized, bring your certificate of naturalization.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can use their permanent resident card (green card). Some states also accept a temporary resident card, an employment authorization document (EAD), or a refugee travel document. If you have a green card, that single document usually satisfies both the identity and lawful status requirements, so you may not need a separate identity document.

What to do if your name has changed

If your name on your identity document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate works for a name change due to marriage. A divorce decree works for a name change due to divorce. A court order works for any other legal name change. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

If you changed your name but don't have the original document, you can request a certified copy from the court that issued it or from the vital records office in the state where the event occurred. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

What "original" and "certified copy" mean

An original document is the actual document issued by the government or organization — your actual birth certificate, not a photocopy. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the issuing office to confirm it is a true copy of the original. Both are acceptable for Real ID.

Photocopies you make yourself, digital images, faxes, and notarized copies are not accepted. If you have lost your original document, contact the office that issued it to request a certified copy. For birth certificates, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. For marriage certificates, contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. For other documents, contact the issuing agency directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. You must bring physical originals or certified copies. Digital images, screenshots, and PDF files are not accepted, even if they are notarized. Print them out if you need to, but the DMV will not accept the printout unless it is a certified copy from the issuing office.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad instead for proof of identity and lawful status. If you don't have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to three weeks.

Do my documents have to be in English?

Foreign documents do not have to be in English, but most states require you to bring an official English translation along with the original. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether a translation is needed and whether it must be certified by a translator.

Can I use an expired document?

An expired passport is accepted, but all other documents must be current and not expired. If your driver's license from another state is expired, it will not work — bring a birth certificate or passport instead.

What if my address on my residency document doesn't match my current address?

You need a document that shows your current address and is dated within the past 60 days. If your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a recent lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement instead. Some states accept a notarized letter from a utility company or landlord confirming your new address — check your state DMV's website first.