Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and your current address

When you go to your state's DMV or licensing office to get a Real ID, you will need to bring documents that prove three things: who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and where you live. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot complete the transaction without all three types of proof.

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires more documentation than a regular license because it can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering military bases. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security set the standard, but each state decides which specific documents it will accept within those categories.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), one photo ID proving who you are (current driver's license or passport), and one document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features — a photocopy or hospital birth record will not work.
  • Address documents must show your name and current street address and be dated within the last 60 days or so, though the exact timeframe varies by state.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
  • Check your state DMV website before you go, because some states accept additional documents or have different rules for specific situations like name changes or recent moves.

Proof of citizenship: birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers

You must bring one document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The most common choice is an official certified birth certificate — the kind with a raised seal or security features issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, a hospital birth record, or a certified copy without a seal will not work. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail.

If you have a U.S. passport or passport card, that counts as proof of citizenship and you can bring it instead of a birth certificate. A passport is often faster because you do not have to wait for a birth certificate to arrive. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card) or your I-797 approval notice from USCIS. If you were naturalized as a U.S. citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization.

Photo identification: current license, passport, or military ID

You need one document with your photo that proves your identity. If you already have a valid driver's license or state ID card, bring that — even if it is not a Real ID. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you have a military ID or military dependent ID, that counts too. The document must not be expired, though some states allow IDs that expired within the last year.

If you do not have any of these, some states accept a tribal ID, school ID, or work ID with your photo, though rules vary. Call your state DMV before you go if you do not have a current driver's license or passport, because you may need to bring additional documents to prove your identity.

Proof of address: utility bill, lease, or bank statement

You must bring one document showing your current name and street address. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most straightforward choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also work. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance bills are usually accepted too.

The address on the document must match the address you are registering with the DMV. If you just moved and your documents still show your old address, bring a document dated after your move. If you cannot get a recent document in your name, some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member confirming your address, though this is less common. Check your state's rules before you go, because a few states have stricter requirements.

Social Security number and verification

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. The DMV will use this to verify your identity with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have your card and cannot find a document with your number, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though this takes time.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. Some states have different rules for people without a Social Security number, and staff can tell you what documents you need instead.

Name change documents if your name has changed

If your name on your birth certificate or citizenship document does not match the name you want on your Real ID, bring proof of the legal name change. This usually means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate or decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order. Some states also accept other documents like adoption papers. The DMV staff will tell you if what you have is acceptable, but it is better to bring the document and know for certain than to make a second trip.

What to bring in person versus what to submit online

Most states require you to bring original documents or certified copies to the DMV office in person. You cannot submit them by mail or online. The DMV staff will look at the documents, verify they are real, and make copies for your file. Bring the originals, not photocopies, because staff need to see the raised seal on your birth certificate and other security features.

A few states now allow you to upload images of your documents through their online portal before your appointment, which can speed up the process. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. Even if you upload documents online, you will still need to bring the originals to your appointment so staff can verify them in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV needs an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features. A photocopy will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, usually online or by mail for a small fee.

What if my address on my documents does not match the address I want to register?

Bring a document dated after you moved to your new address. If you cannot get one in your name quickly, some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member. Call your state DMV to ask what they will accept before you go.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else with my number on it?

You do not have to bring the card itself. A tax return, W-2, 1099, or any document showing your Social Security number will work. The DMV just needs to verify the number with the Social Security Administration.

What if I do not have a current driver's license or passport for the photo ID requirement?

Some states accept military ID, tribal ID, school ID, or work ID with your photo. Call your state DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation, because rules vary by state.

Can I bring documents that are expired?

Your photo ID can be expired in most states, though some allow only IDs expired within the last year. Your address document must be recent, usually within 60 days. Your citizenship document (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers) does not expire.