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 identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. The exact documents accepted vary by state — your state's DMV website lists what it will take. Most people bring a passport or birth certificate for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for their number, a utility bill or lease for where they live, and either a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document for lawful status. Some states accept fewer documents than others, and some accept documents others don't, so checking your state's list before you go saves a trip.

You will need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies you make yourself do not work. The DMV staff will review each document to confirm it meets your state's requirements. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what else to bring before they can issue your Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status, but which documents each state accepts differs.
  • A passport or birth certificate works for identity in all states; a Social Security card or recent tax return works for your number.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all count as proof of residency in most states.
  • Your state DMV's website shows the exact list of documents it will take, and you should check before you visit.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.

Proof of identity: what counts and what doesn't

You need a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. A birth certificate works too, though it has no photo — most states accept it if you bring a photo ID as well, even if that ID is not Real ID compliant. A tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe counts in most states.

Documents that do not work include expired passports, school IDs, work IDs, and library cards. Some states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate; others want the original or a certified copy from the vital records office. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.

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

Your Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you do not have it or it is damaged, a W-2 from the past two years, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement all work. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration itself, which you can order online at ssa.gov.

The document must show your full name and full Social Security number. If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to bring a document showing you are not required to have one — this is rare and usually applies only to certain visa holders. Ask your state DMV what it needs in that case.

Proof of residency: utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements

You need a document showing your current name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) dated within the last two months works in all states. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your address also works in most states. Some states accept a letter from your employer or a government agency addressed to you at your home address.

Documents that usually do not work include credit card statements, insurance policies, and mail from online retailers. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage document for your new place instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill itself.

Proof of lawful status: passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents

If you are a U.S. citizen, a valid passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate proves lawful status. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization if you have one. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you are on a visa, bring your passport with the visa stamp and your I-94 arrival/departure record, which you can print from cbp.gov.

If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your passport and your I-797 approval notice, or a Refugee Travel Document if your passport is no longer valid. If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), bring your passport and your I-797 notice. Each category has different documents, so check your state DMV's list for your specific immigration status.

What to bring: originals, certified copies, and what to avoid

Bring original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — your county clerk, vital records office, or bank can provide one. Photocopies you make yourself do not work. If a document is damaged or hard to read, bring the original anyway; the DMV staff can decide whether it is usable.

If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Some states accept translations from a professional translator; others require a specific form. Check your state's rules before you pay for a translation.

How to find your state's exact document list

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID documents" or "Real ID requirements." The page will show a checklist of what your state accepts for each category. Some states let you upload photos of your documents before you visit, which can speed up the process. A few states have different rules for different counties, so make sure you are looking at the right one.

If you cannot find the list online, call your local DMV office. They can tell you exactly what to bring and whether you need an appointment. Some states require appointments for Real ID; others take walk-ins. Calling first saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy instead of the original?

No. You must bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the office that created it. A certified copy has an official stamp and signature. Photocopies you make yourself will be rejected.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail. It takes one to four weeks. In the meantime, a valid passport works as proof of identity and citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in the country where you were born.

Do I need to bring all four types of documents?

Yes. Real ID requires proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status. You cannot skip any category. If you are missing one, get it before you go to the DMV.

What if my name on my documents doesn't match?

If your name differs across documents — for example, your birth certificate says "Mary" but your Social Security card says "Mary Ann" — bring all the documents and explain the difference. You may need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Ask your DMV what it needs.

Can I use my passport as proof of everything?

A passport covers identity, Social Security number (if it shows your number), and lawful status, but not residency. You still need a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.