The documents Real ID requires depend on which state you live in, but all states ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal status
Every state's DMV or equivalent agency has a checklist of acceptable documents for Real ID. The federal government sets the minimum standard — you must prove who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident — but each state decides which specific documents it will accept. Some states accept documents others reject. Before you gather anything, check your state's DMV website for the official list, because showing up with the wrong papers wastes a trip.
The documents fall into four categories: identity, residency, citizenship or legal status, and Social Security number verification. You will bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Some documents can serve double duty — a passport, for example, proves both identity and citizenship at once. Others do only one job.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts; federal rules set the floor, but states add their own approved documents.
- You need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of where you live (utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal status (passport, birth certificate, or green card).
- A U.S. passport or passport card covers both identity and citizenship in one document, reducing what else you need to bring.
- Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images are not accepted, and you will need your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Proof of identity documents most states accept
A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest single document because it proves identity and citizenship together. If you have one, bring it. A state-issued driver's license or non-driver ID card works for identity alone. Some states also accept military ID, tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes, or a permanent resident card (green card).
If your current ID is expired, most states will still accept it as proof of identity for Real ID purposes, though a few states reject expired documents. Check your state's rules before you go. If you do not have any of these, some states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate as identity proof, though this is less common and varies by state.
Proof of residency: what documents show where you live
You need something that shows your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most widely accepted option. A lease or mortgage statement also works. Some states accept bank or credit card statements, insurance documents, or government mail like a tax return or Social Security statement.
The document must be recent — usually within 60 days of your process — and in your name. A bill addressed to a former resident at your address will not work. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your current address and move-in date. Some states accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot produce a standard document, though this is a last resort and not available everywhere.
Proof of citizenship or legal status
U.S. citizens must bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of a birth certificate (issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born), a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. An original birth certificate or a certified copy is the most common choice if you do not have a passport.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card. If you are in the U.S. on a visa or other temporary status, Real ID is not available to you; you can renew your standard driver's license instead. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545) or a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) if you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent.
Social Security number verification
You must provide your Social Security number. Most people bring their Social Security card, but you do not have to. You can also show a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this makes you ineligible for Real ID; you can get a standard driver's license instead.
The DMV will verify your number with the Social Security Administration, so it must be correct. If you have never had a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, ask your DMV what alternatives exist in your state.
What to bring: a checklist by document type
| What you need to prove | Common documents that work | What does NOT work |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Valid passport, driver's license, state ID, military ID, tribal ID, green card | Expired ID (in most states), photocopies, digital images, school ID |
| Residency | Utility bill (within 60 days), lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance document, government mail | Bill addressed to someone else, bill older than 60 days, PO box address, digital statements (in most states) |
| Citizenship or legal status | Passport, birth certificate (certified copy), green card, Certificate of Naturalization, Consular Report of Birth Abroad | Photocopies, uncertified birth certificates, expired passport |
| Social Security verification | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, Social Security Administration letter, ITIN | Photocopies, digital images, verbal confirmation |
How to get documents you do not have
If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail and costs between $10 and $30. You can often order online or by phone. Request a certified copy, not an informational copy, because the DMV will not accept the latter.
If you need a replacement Social Security card, go to ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You will need proof of identity and citizenship. If you need a green card replacement, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you need a passport, explore through the State Department's website or at a passport acceptance facility; processing times vary from weeks to months depending on demand.
Plan ahead. Do not wait until the week before your Real ID appointment to order a birth certificate. If a document is delayed, you can reschedule your DMV appointment once you have everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents?
No. The DMV requires originals or certified copies. A photo on your phone or a PDF you downloaded will not be accepted. If you have a certified copy, that counts; if you only have an original, bring the original.
What if my birth certificate is not certified?
An uncertified birth certificate — one without an official seal or raised signature from the vital records office — will not work. Contact the vital records office where you were born and request a certified copy. It costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks.
Do I need all four types of documents, or can one document cover multiple categories?
A passport covers identity and citizenship in one document, so you would still need residency proof and Social Security verification. A green card covers identity and legal status, so you would still need residency proof and Social Security verification. No single document covers all four categories.
What if I was born outside the United States?
If you are a U.S. citizen born abroad, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545), a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561), or a U.S. passport. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a green card holder, bring your green card.
Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport?
Yes. A passport card is valid for Real ID and proves both identity and citizenship. It is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, though it cannot be used for international air travel.