The documents you need depend on which state you live in and what you're using as proof of identity
Real ID requires you to bring documents that prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The exact list varies by state, but every state requires at least one document from each category. You cannot get Real ID with just a driver's license or passport card — you need to show originals or certified copies in person at your DMV.
Most people bring a birth certificate for citizenship, a utility bill or lease for address, and a passport or passport card for identity. But some states accept different documents, and a few have stricter rules. The fastest way to know what your state accepts is to check your state DMV's Real ID page before you go — bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- You need documents proving identity, current address, and citizenship status — one from each category — and you must bring originals or certified copies.
- A U.S. birth certificate is the most common citizenship document, but a passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate also works.
- For address proof, a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days usually works in most states.
- Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts, because some states have additional or stricter requirements than others.
- You will also need your current driver's license or ID card and your Social Security number.
Proof of citizenship: birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers
The document you bring must show you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a photocopy or a hospital-issued birth certificate will not work. If your birth certificate is from another country, you will need a Certificate of Naturalization or a green card instead.
A U.S. passport or passport card also proves citizenship and is accepted in every state. If you have one, it is often the easiest single document to bring because it covers both identity and citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization works if you became a citizen through naturalization rather than birth. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) proves lawful permanent resident status and is accepted by all states.
If you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent, you may have a Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). Check your state DMV website to confirm which documents it accepts, because a few states have restrictions on older or less common documents.
Proof of identity: driver's license, passport, or military ID
You need a document with your photo, name, and date of birth. Your current driver's license or state ID card counts, even though you are renewing it. A U.S. passport or passport card works. A military ID, tribal ID, or U.S. government employee ID also works in most states.
Some states accept a permanent resident card (green card) or a foreign passport if you do not have a U.S. document yet. A few states accept a school or college ID if it has your photo and date of birth, though this is less common. Again, your state DMV website will list what it accepts — do not assume a document will work without checking first.
Proof of address: utility bill, lease, or government mail
The document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. Government mail — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement — counts if it is recent enough.
Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or medical bill. A few states accept a letter from your employer or a school enrollment letter if it shows your address. Photocopies are usually fine for address documents, unlike citizenship documents. If you have moved recently and your name does not match your address document yet, bring both your old and new documents and explain the move to the DMV staff.
If you live with someone else and cannot get a bill in your name, some states allow a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there. A few states accept a lease with a co-signer or a utility bill in a roommate's name plus a signed statement. Check your state's rules before you go, because this varies widely.
What to bring in addition to the three main documents
You will need your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or know the number by heart. You will also need your current driver's license or state ID card, even though you are renewing it. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
If you are renewing your license and your address has changed, the DMV will update it during the Real ID process. If you are explore for Real ID at the same time as renewing your license, the fees may be combined — check your state's website for the exact cost and whether you can pay online or must pay in person.
How to check what your specific state requires
Every state DMV has a Real ID page that lists the exact documents it accepts. Search "[your state] DMV Real ID documents" or go to your state DMV's main website and look for a Real ID or REAL ID section. The page will show you a checklist of acceptable documents in each category, and many states let you read a printable checklist to bring with you.
Some states have added requirements beyond the federal minimum. For example, a few states require that your birth certificate be certified within a certain number of years, or that your address document be in a specific format. A handful of states have different rules for people born in U.S. territories. Reading your state's page takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip to the DMV.
What happens if you bring the wrong documents
If a document does not meet your state's requirements, the DMV will tell you what you need and send you home to get it. You will have to return with the correct documents — you cannot complete the Real ID process that day. Some states let you schedule a new appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
To avoid this, photograph or scan the documents you plan to bring and compare them to your state's checklist before you go. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state DMV or visit in person before your appointment to ask. A few minutes of preparation prevents a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. You must bring an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal. A photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.
What if my address on my birth certificate does not match where I live now?
That is fine. Your birth certificate does not need to match your current address — that is what the address proof document is for. Bring your birth certificate as citizenship proof and a separate recent document (utility bill, lease, etc.) showing your current address.
Can I use my passport card instead of a birth certificate?
Yes. A passport card proves both citizenship and identity, so you would only need to bring it plus an address document. You would not need a separate birth certificate.
Do I need to bring originals of everything or can I bring copies?
Citizenship documents must be originals or certified copies. Address documents can usually be photocopies. Your identity document must be an original. Ask your state DMV if you are unsure about a specific document.
What if I was born outside the United States?
If you were born outside the U.S., you need a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a green card. A foreign birth certificate alone is not enough. If you became a U.S. citizen, bring your naturalization papers.