The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're using to prove your identity

Real ID requires you to bring proof of three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Most states ask for the same basic set of documents, but some accept alternatives the others don't. You'll need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work. The DMV or your state's equivalent will check them against federal databases before they hand you the card.

The fastest way to find your state's exact list is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "REAL ID requirements." Each state publishes its own approved document list, and some have shorter paths than others. Bring more than you think you'll need — if a document doesn't scan or verify, the staff can usually accept a backup on the spot rather than making you come back.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver's license from another state.
  • Proof of your current address requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — a bank statement usually works too.
  • You need to show your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form to prove your number; the card itself is the easiest option.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which documents it accepts, because some states allow alternatives like tribal IDs or military discharge papers that others don't.
  • Bring originals or certified copies only — photocopies, faxes, and digital images are rejected at the window.

Proof of identity: what counts and what doesn't

A valid passport is the single strongest document you can bring — it proves citizenship, identity, and date of birth all at once. If you have one, bring it. If you don't, a certified copy of your birth certificate works in all 50 states. The certificate must show the state seal and be issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself.

A driver's license or ID card from another state also works, as long as it's not expired. Some states accept a military ID card, a tribal ID, or a passport card (the wallet-sized version). A few states accept a consular ID card if you're a foreign national. Check your state's list before you go — if your document isn't on it, you'll need to bring a birth certificate instead.

Documents that do not work for identity include school IDs, work IDs, credit cards, and social media printouts. A notarized letter saying who you are does not work either. The DMV needs something issued by a government body or vital records office.

Proof of address: recent documents only

Your proof of address must show your current street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement works too. Some states accept a recent property tax bill or a government check addressed to you.

A bank or credit card statement usually works, but call your DMV first to confirm — some states have stopped accepting them because they're too straightforward to forge. Mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or jury summons, is almost always accepted. A cell phone bill typically does not work because it often shows a billing address rather than where you actually live.

If you've moved recently and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or mortgage agreement plus a utility bill in either your name or your spouse's name. If you live with someone else and the bills are in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the utility bill. Some states accept an affidavit of residency instead if you can't get a recent bill.

Proof of Social Security number: card, tax form, or W-2

Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. Bring the original card itself — a photocopy won't work. If you've lost your card or don't have one, a recent tax return (federal or state) with your number on it works. A W-2 form from your employer also works and is often easier to find than a tax return.

Some states accept a 1099 form, a bank statement showing your number, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A few states will accept a pay stub if your employer prints your full Social Security number on it, though most DMVs ask you to black out the number before you hand it over and just verify it's there. Check your state's rules before you bring a pay stub — some reject them outright.

If you don't have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. That usually takes one to two weeks. Bring your birth certificate and a photo ID to the Social Security office, or explore online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account.

What to bring if you're changing your name

If your name on your birth certificate doesn't match the name you want on your Real ID, you need a court order or certified marriage certificate showing the change. A divorce decree works if you're going back to a former name. A certified copy of an adoption decree works if you were adopted.

A marriage certificate must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were married — a photocopy or the original from your wedding won't work. If you were married outside the United States, bring the original marriage certificate plus an official English translation. Some states require you to have the translation certified by a notary or a translator.

Original documents versus certified copies

The DMV will accept either an original document or a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — usually the vital records office for birth certificates, the court clerk for marriage certificates or name-change orders, or the government agency that issued the ID.

You can order certified copies online from most state vital records offices, or by mail or in person. They usually cost between $10 and $30 per copy and take one to three weeks by mail. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. If you're in a hurry, ordering online and picking up in person is often faster than waiting for mail delivery.

Do not bring a photocopy you made yourself, a fax, a photo of a document on your phone, or a digital image printed from email. The DMV scanner needs to read the official seal or security features on the original or certified copy. If you bring a photocopy and the staff can't verify it, you'll have to leave, get a certified copy, and come back.

What happens if a document doesn't scan or verify

The DMV will run your documents through a scanner and check them against federal databases. If a document doesn't scan clearly — because it's torn, faded, or water-damaged — the staff will usually ask you to bring a replacement. If you brought a backup document, you can use it right away. If you didn't, you'll have to come back another day.

If a document fails verification — for example, if a birth certificate number doesn't match Social Security Administration records — the DMV will tell you and ask what else you can bring. This happens most often with name changes or if you've moved states recently. Bring extra documents if you can, such as a passport, a previous driver's license, or a marriage certificate, so you have options if the first one doesn't work.

If you're unsure whether a document will work, call your state DMV before you go. Many DMVs have a phone line or email address for document questions. Asking ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

You need to bring the original card. A photocopy, fax, or photo won't work. If you've lost your card, bring a recent tax return or W-2 form with your number on it instead, or request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment.

Can I use a bank statement as proof of address if it's dated 65 days ago?

No. Most states require proof of address to be dated within the last 60 days. If your most recent statement is older than that, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement instead. If none of those are available, ask your DMV about an affidavit of residency.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

You can use it if you also bring an official English translation. Some states require the translation to be certified by a notary or a professional translator. Check your state's DMV website to see if certification is required before you go.

Can I bring a digital photo of my documents on my phone instead of the originals?

No. The DMV needs original documents or certified copies. Digital photos, screenshots, and printouts from email won't work because the scanner can't read the official seals or security features. Bring the physical documents themselves.

What if I don't have a current utility bill in my name?

A lease or mortgage statement works as proof of address. If those aren't available, a government check, property tax bill, or recent mail from a government agency will work. Some states accept a utility bill in a spouse's name plus a signed letter from them saying you live there.