The documents Michigan requires for Real ID

Michigan's Secretary of State requires four categories of documents to issue a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Michigan residency, and proof of legal name change if applicable. You do not need all documents in every category — you need one from most categories, though some categories require a specific document type. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

The process is straightforward once you know which documents the office will accept. Many people bring the wrong papers and have to return. This guide lists exactly what Michigan accepts in each category so you can gather everything before your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you live in Michigan.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so it may reduce the number of documents you need to bring.
  • Michigan accepts utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements as proof of residency, but they must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you have changed your legal name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — the Secretary of State will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone.

Proof of identity documents Michigan accepts

Michigan will accept one of the following as proof of your identity: a valid U.S. passport, a valid U.S. passport card, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you do not have any of these, you can use a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, paired with a second document such as a high school diploma, college transcript, or Social Security card.

The key word is valid. An expired passport will not work. A birth certificate must be a certified copy with the state or county seal — a photocopy of your birth certificate, even if you made it yourself, does not count. If you were born outside the United States, the birth certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator and accompanied by the original.

Proof of Social Security number

Michigan requires one document showing your Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or it is damaged, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The letter from Social Security is free — you can request one by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

If you bring a tax document, it must show your full Social Security number. A paystub works only if it displays your complete number, not a partial one. Do not bring a document that shows only the last four digits.

Proof of Michigan residency

You need one document showing you currently live in Michigan and displaying your name and full address. Michigan accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, homeowners insurance declarations, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on official letterhead stating your current situation and the address where mail can reach you. A post office box does not count as a residential address for Real ID purposes.

Proof of legal name change

If your current legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate, you must bring documentation of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name all work. The document must be an original or certified copy. If the document is from outside the United States, it must be translated into English by a certified translator, and you must bring both the translation and the original.

If you have been married more than once, bring all marriage certificates and divorce decrees in order. The Secretary of State uses these to trace your legal name through each change.

What to bring to your appointment

Gather all your documents before you schedule your appointment. Bring originals or certified copies — the Secretary of State's office will not accept photocopies, faxes, or images on your phone. If a document is in a language other than English, bring both the original and a certified English translation.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged in transit. The office will examine each one, so make sure nothing is torn, water-damaged, or illegible. If a document is hard to read, the office may ask you to get a new certified copy before they can process your process.

Documents you do not need

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, though you can if you want. You do not need a passport photo — the office will take your photo during your appointment. You do not need proof of citizenship beyond what is already in your identity documents; a U.S. passport or passport card already proves citizenship, so you do not need to bring anything else for that purpose.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a W-2, tax return, or other acceptable document showing your number. You do not need multiple documents from the same category — one proof of identity, one proof of residency, and one proof of Social Security number are sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of bringing my documents in person?

No. Michigan requires you to bring originals or certified copies to a Secretary of State office in person. Photos, scans, and digital images are not accepted. You must also be present for your appointment so the office can take your photograph and verify your identity face-to-face.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but shows our address?

It will not work. The document must show your name and your address. If your spouse's name is on the bill but yours is not, bring a different document such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or insurance declaration that shows your name.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport or passport card proves both your identity and citizenship, so you do not need a birth certificate. You still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of Michigan residency.

What counts as a certified copy?

A certified copy is an official copy issued by the government agency that created the document, with an official seal or stamp. For a birth certificate, this means a copy from the state or county vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself. For a marriage certificate or court order, it means a copy from the court clerk's office or the county recorder.

Can I use a lease agreement if I am subletting?

Only if your name appears on the lease. If you are subletting and your name is not on the original lease, bring a different document such as a utility bill or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead confirming your residency and showing your current address.