The documents you need depend on which ones prove your identity and residence
Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state, but most states accept the same core list. You will bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work — and the DMV will keep them on file.
The process is straightforward once you know which documents your state accepts. Some people bring more than they need because they are unsure; others bring too few and have to return. This guide walks you through what counts, what does not, and how to avoid a second trip.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document proving identity, one proving your current address, and one proving citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- A passport or passport card counts as all three at once, so if you have one, you may not need anything else.
- Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and driver's licenses are the most common identity documents; utility bills and lease agreements are the most common proof of address.
- Your state DMV website lists which documents it accepts, because the list varies slightly by state.
- Bring originals or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents.
Identity documents the DMV will accept
You need one document that proves who you are. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest choice because it proves identity, citizenship, and residence all at once — you may not need anything else. If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate issued by a state vital records office works, as long as it is an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp.
A driver's license or state ID from another state counts as identity proof, even if it is expired. A Social Security card also works. Some states accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a military ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A few states accept a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count.
The document must have your name on it. If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you will need to bring proof of that change as well, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Proof of current address
You need one document showing where you live now. A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice and works in every state. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states allow up to 90 days. If you moved recently and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a letter from your utility company confirming your new address, or ask your landlord for a dated letter on their letterhead stating your current residence.
A post office change-of-address form does not count. A cell phone bill usually does not count either, unless your state specifically lists it. Check your state DMV website to see the full list it accepts.
Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
You need one document proving you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport or passport card covers this. A birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribal government also works. A certificate of naturalization (issued after you became a citizen through the naturalization process) is accepted everywhere.
If you are a lawful permanent resident, a permanent resident card (green card) proves your status. Some states also accept a certificate of U.S. citizenship (different from a naturalization certificate; it is issued to people born abroad to U.S. citizen parents). A military discharge document (DD 214) counts if you served in the U.S. armed forces.
A Social Security card does not prove citizenship on its own. A driver's license from another state does not either. If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate from your country of origin does not count — you need a U.S. document.
What to bring if you have a passport
If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, bring it and nothing else. It proves identity, citizenship, and residence (the DMV uses the address on file with the State Department). You do not need a separate proof-of-address document.
If your passport is expired, it still counts as proof of citizenship and identity, but you will need a separate document showing your current address. An expired passport does not prove where you live now.
Documents you cannot use
Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents do not count — you must bring originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a copy made by the issuing agency and stamped or sealed to show it is official; you can usually request one by mail or in person from the office that issued the original.
School IDs, work IDs, library cards, and insurance cards without your address do not count as identity proof. A cell phone bill usually does not count as proof of address. A Social Security card alone does not prove citizenship. A lease agreement or utility bill in someone else's name does not prove your address, even if you live there.
If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. The DMV will not accept a translation you made yourself.
How to prepare before you go to the DMV
Visit your state DMV website and find the page for Real ID or REAL ID. It will list the exact documents your state accepts — the list is similar across states but not identical. Write down which documents you plan to bring so you do not forget anything.
Gather your documents and check that each one is an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. If your name on one document does not match another (for example, a birth certificate with your maiden name and a utility bill with your married name), bring proof of the name change. Check that your proof-of-address document is dated within the last 60 days.
If you are unsure whether a document counts, call your state DMV or email them a photo of it. A five-minute call before you go saves a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
Not necessarily. A Social Security card alone does not prove citizenship or current address, so it does not meet any of the three requirements by itself. If you have a birth certificate or passport, you do not need the Social Security card. If you are using a Social Security card as part of your identity proof, you will still need separate documents for address and citizenship.
Can I use a lease agreement if I am not the primary tenant?
Most states require the lease to be in your name. If the lease is in a roommate's or family member's name, a utility bill or bank statement in your name is a safer choice. Call your DMV to confirm whether a lease in someone else's name is accepted in your state.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
A foreign birth certificate does not prove U.S. citizenship. You will need a U.S. document such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, you may have a certificate of citizenship on file with USCIS; contact them to request a copy.
Is an expired driver's license from another state still valid?
Yes, an expired driver's license from another state counts as identity proof. However, it does not prove your current address, so you will still need a separate document showing where you live now, such as a utility bill or lease.
Can I bring a bank statement instead of a utility bill?
Most states accept bank statements as proof of address if they show your current address and are dated within the last 60 days. Check your state DMV website to confirm, because a few states have restrictions on which financial statements they accept.