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

Every state's DMV accepts a core set of documents for Real ID, but each state adds its own requirements. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Some states require additional documents like a marriage certificate if your name has changed. The fastest way to know exactly what your state wants is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" — the list is usually a downloadable PDF with checkboxes.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and may reject a copy even if it looks clear. If you're renewing an existing Real ID, you may need fewer documents than someone getting one for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.
  • Each state's DMV adds its own requirements, so you must check your specific state's list before you go — bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies will be rejected even if they are clear and readable.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • You can usually find your state's exact document list as a PDF on the DMV website under "Real ID" or "REAL ID documents needed".

Proof of identity: what counts and what doesn't

Your proof of identity must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. A current driver's license or state ID card works. So does a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID card. A birth certificate counts as proof of identity but does not have a photo, so if you use it you will also need a photo ID from a different source — the DMV will not accept a birth certificate alone.

School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count. If you do not have any of the documents above, you will need to get one first. A birth certificate is the easiest starting point: order it from the vital records office in the county where you were born, then use it plus a photo ID from another source (like a school or work ID) to get a state ID card, which you can then bring to the DMV for Real ID.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so if you have one you can bring just that document. A birth certificate also proves citizenship if you were born in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or to a U.S. citizen parent abroad.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice. If you have a visa or work permit, that alone does not prove permanent residency — you will need the green card or I-797. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a citizen through the naturalization process.

If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350). These are issued by the State Department, not the DMV, so order them in advance if you need one.

Proof of your current address

You need a document showing your name and your current street address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement usually works. The document must be recent — most states accept anything from the last 30 to 90 days, though this varies. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact window.

A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card, benefits statement) also counts. A driver's license or ID card with your current address works if it is not expired. If you recently moved and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the old ID and a proof-of-address document showing your new address.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date can work, though not all states accept this — call your DMV first. A PO box does not count as a current address for Real ID purposes.

Name change documents

If your name on your birth certificate or citizenship document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, you must bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate proves a name change due to marriage. A divorce decree or court order proves a name change due to divorce. A court order for a legal name change proves any other name change.

The document must be an original or a certified copy with the court seal or vital records office seal. A photocopy will not work. If you are married and want to use your married name but do not have a marriage certificate yet, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married and order a certified copy — this usually takes one to two weeks.

Your Social Security number

You will need to provide your Social Security number at the DMV. You do not need to bring a Social Security card — the DMV will look it up in their system. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. You would need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration first, which requires proof of identity, citizenship, and age.

If you have lost your Social Security card and want to bring it anyway, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. But this is not required for Real ID.

What to bring if you are renewing a Real ID

If your Real ID is expiring and you are renewing it in person, you usually need fewer documents than someone getting one for the first time. Bring your expiring Real ID card, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. You typically do not need to bring citizenship proof again if your citizenship status has not changed.

However, if your name has changed since your last Real ID, or if your address has changed and your ID does not reflect it, bring the documents that prove those changes. Some states allow online or mail-in renewal for Real ID if nothing has changed — check your state's DMV website to see if that option is open to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or scanned copy of my documents?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies with an official seal. Photocopies and scanned copies will be rejected. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate or marriage certificate, order it from the vital records office in the county where the event occurred.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. You can usually do this online or by mail. Once you have it, you can use it as proof of citizenship and identity (though you will still need a photo ID from another source if the birth certificate does not have a photo).

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The DMV will look up your Social Security number in their system using the number you provide. If you want to bring the card anyway, you can, but it is not required. If you have lost your card, you do not need to replace it before going to the DMV for Real ID.

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

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 to 90 days (depending on your state) works. If you have not received a bill at your new address yet, a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date may work, but call your DMV first to confirm they accept it.

Can I use my passport instead of bringing separate documents?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card serves as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship, so you can bring just that document plus proof of your current address and your Social Security number. This is the simplest route if you have a valid passport.