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

Real ID requires you to bring three categories of documents to your state's DMV or driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The specific documents accepted in each category vary by state. For example, some states accept a passport card as identity proof; others do not. Some accept utility bills for address; others require a lease or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

You cannot complete a Real ID transaction online or by mail in most states. You must appear in person at a DMV office with original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The one exception is a handful of states that allow you to renew a Real ID driver's license by mail if you already hold one, but you still needed the documents for the first issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or foreign national ID.
  • Proof of your Social Security number requires an original Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form — a tax return alone is not enough in most states.
  • Proof of your current address must be a recent document in your name, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, and the date requirement varies by state.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts in each category, and you should check before you go because accepted documents differ between states.
  • You must appear in person with original or certified documents; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.

Proof of identity documents accepted by most states

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest form of identity proof and is accepted in all 50 states. If you have one, bring it — it covers both identity and citizenship proof, which Real ID requires. A birth certificate issued by a state vital records office is accepted in all states, but it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features, not a photocopy or a copy you printed from an online vital records portal.

A foreign passport is accepted in most states as proof of identity, though you will also need to bring a separate document proving your lawful status in the United States, such as a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. A state ID card or driver's license from another state works in most places. Some states accept a military ID card, tribal ID card, or a certificate of naturalization. A few states accept a school ID or employee ID, but this varies widely — check your state's list before relying on it.

Documents that do not work as identity proof include a Social Security card, a credit card, a bank statement, or a utility bill. These are used to prove other things (Social Security number, address), but not identity itself.

Proof of Social Security number: what documents work

An original Social Security card is the simplest proof. If you have lost it, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit, though this takes one to two weeks. A W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your Social Security number are all accepted in most states. If you use a tax return, bring the actual document, not a digital image.

Some states also accept a benefit statement from Social Security, Medicare, or the Veterans Administration. A few accept a pay stub that displays your full Social Security number, though some states require it to be recent (within 30 days). If you have never worked and do not have a Social Security card, you will need to explore for one at your local Social Security office before you can get a Real ID. Bring your birth certificate and proof of identity to that appointment.

Proof of current address: timing and document types

Your address proof must be a document issued in your name and dated within a specific window. Most states require the document to be dated within the last 60 days, though some allow 90 days. A few states are stricter and require 30 days. Check your state's requirement before you gather documents, because a utility bill from four months ago will not work even if you still live at that address.

Accepted documents usually include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. Some states accept a vehicle registration or insurance policy. A few accept a government benefit statement, such as an unemployment or SNAP letter. A cell phone bill is accepted in some states but not others. A post office change-of-address form does not work as address proof.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new name, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your service start date, or bring a signed lease along with a utility bill from your previous address. Some DMVs will accept this combination. If you live with someone else and have no documents in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill, stating that you live there, works in some states — but call your DMV first to confirm.

Citizenship and immigration status documents

Real ID requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present non-citizen. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and is accepted everywhere. A birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory also proves citizenship. A certificate of naturalization, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you complete the naturalization process, is accepted in all states.

If you are a lawfully present non-citizen, you must bring a document showing your immigration status. A green card (Permanent Resident Card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, or a travel document issued by USCIS all work. A temporary protected status (TPS) document or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) approval notice are accepted in most states. If you hold a visa, bring your passport along with it. Some states require the visa to be current; others accept expired visas if you can show you are still in lawful status through another document.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If your name on your identity document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, you must bring a document showing the legal name change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back or to a new name. A court order for name change is accepted in all states. If you were born outside the United States and your birth certificate shows a different name than you use now, bring both the original birth certificate and a document showing the name you have used since then, such as a passport or naturalization certificate.

Some states require the name-change document to be certified or to have a raised seal. Check your state's requirement. If you cannot locate the original document, contact the court or vital records office that issued it and request a certified copy.

Original versus certified copies and what "certified" means

An original document is the actual document issued by the government or organization — your actual birth certificate with the raised seal, your actual passport, your actual Social Security card. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been officially stamped or sealed by the issuing agency to confirm it is a true copy of the original. Most DMVs accept either an original or a certified copy.

A photocopy you made yourself, a digital image on your phone, a PDF you downloaded, or a copy printed from an online portal are not accepted, even if you printed them at home. If you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office (usually the state health department). If you have lost your Social Security card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration. Both processes take one to three weeks and cost a small fee.

Some documents, such as utility bills or lease agreements, do not come with a seal or certification. These are accepted as-is if they are originals and meet the date requirement. You do not need to have them certified.

How to find your state's exact document list before you go

Every state DMV publishes its own list of accepted documents on its website. Search "[your state] DMV Real ID documents" or "[your state] REAL ID requirements." The official list will show you exactly which documents your state accepts in each category and any state-specific rules, such as date ranges for address proof or whether certified copies are required.

Some states have multiple acceptable documents in each category; others have a narrower list. For example, one state may accept a school ID as identity proof while another does not. One state may require address proof dated within 30 days; another allows 90 days. Checking your state's list before your visit saves you a wasted trip. If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office and ask which documents they need for Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital image or PDF of my documents instead of bringing originals?

No. All DMVs require original documents or certified copies. A photo of your birth certificate on your phone, a PDF you downloaded, or a scanned copy will not be accepted. You must bring the physical document.

What if my birth certificate does not have a raised seal?

Most states require a certified copy with a raised seal or security features. If your birth certificate is a plain photocopy, contact your state's vital records office and request an official certified copy. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to three weeks.

Can I use a recent utility bill even if it is addressed to my old name?

No. Your address proof must be in your current legal name. If you recently changed your name, bring a name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with a utility bill or lease in your new name. If you do not yet have a bill in your new name, bring a signed lease and a name-change document.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your Social Security number is accepted as proof in most states. You do not need the card itself. However, if you have the card, bringing it is simpler and faster.

What if I live with family and have no documents in my name?

Some DMVs accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill, stating that you live at that address. Call your DMV first to confirm they accept this, and ask what format the letter must be in. You will still need to bring your own identity and Social Security proof.