The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but all states require proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal status
Every state's Real ID program requires the same federal categories of documents, but the specific documents that satisfy each category vary by state. You will need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Most states also require you to appear in person at a driver's license office; you cannot complete this by mail or online.
The three core categories are identity, residency, and citizenship or legal presence. Some states add a fourth requirement: proof of your Social Security number. A few states have additional rules based on name changes or immigration status. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts for each category, and this list sometimes changes.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID — photocopies do not work.
- Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, and must show your current address.
- You must prove citizenship or legal status with a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card — the exact document depends on your state.
- Many states require a separate document proving your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.
- Your state DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts; requirements differ between states and sometimes change.
Proof of identity: what counts and what does not
A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) is accepted in all states as proof of identity. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) works in most states. A current state ID or driver's license from another state also works, as does a military ID. Some states accept a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe.
Documents that do not work include school IDs, work IDs, library cards, and expired documents. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — you must bring the certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states will accept a passport instead, but you should check your state's DMV website first.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you will need to bring proof of that change as well. This usually means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states require a certified copy; others accept originals.
Proof of residency: current address documents
A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common form of proof. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill also work in most states. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days works in many states. Some states accept a government check or benefit statement (such as unemployment or Social Security) showing your current address.
The document must show your name and your current address. A bill addressed to "Resident" or a previous address will not work. If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you bring a signed letter from the resident confirming you live there, but this varies — check your state's rules first.
Post office change-of-address notices, cell phone bills, and insurance policies are not accepted in most states as proof of residency for Real ID purposes.
Proof of citizenship or legal status
A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and is accepted in all states. An original or certified birth certificate works in most states. A Certificate of Naturalization (if you became a citizen through naturalization) is accepted everywhere. A Permanent Resident Card (green card) proves legal status and is accepted in all states.
If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, you may have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240 or DS-1350), which proves citizenship. Some states also accept a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If you do not have a birth certificate and were born in the U.S., you can request one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually costs between $10 and $30 and takes one to four weeks. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a passport or naturalization papers, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you were born.
Proof of Social Security number
Many states require a separate document showing your Social Security number. A Social Security card (original or certified copy) is the most straightforward option. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax return showing your Social Security number also works. Some states accept a benefit statement from Social Security, Medicare, or the Veterans Administration.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration for free. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
What to bring: a checklist by state
Because requirements vary, the safest approach is to check your state's DMV website before you go. Most state DMV sites have a "Real ID" or "REAL ID" section that lists accepted documents. Some states provide a downloadable checklist; others have an interactive tool where you enter your situation and it tells you which documents you need.
If your state's website is unclear, call the DMV directly. Many states have a Real ID hotline or a general customer service line that can tell you exactly which documents to bring. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed Real ID.
| Document Category | Accepted Documents | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, tribal ID | Must be original or certified copy. Photocopies do not work. Expired documents are not accepted. |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, property tax bill, government benefit statement | Must be dated within last 60 days and show your current address and name. Post office change-of-address notices do not work. |
| Citizenship or Legal Status | Passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, consular report of birth abroad | Must be original or certified copy. If born outside U.S., passport or naturalization papers are most reliable. |
| Social Security Number (if required by your state) | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, benefit statement | Not all states require this. Check your state's requirements first. |
Name changes and special circumstances
If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution judgment proves a name change through divorce. A court order proves a name change through legal petition. These must be originals or certified copies.
If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you changed your name through marriage and then through court order, bring both the marriage certificate and the court order.
If you are a transgender person and your identity documents do not reflect your current gender, requirements vary by state. Some states allow you to change the gender marker on your Real ID based on a signed statement; others require a court order or a letter from a healthcare provider. Check your state's DMV website for the specific process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not work. If you do not have your original, order a certified copy from the vital records office — this usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to four weeks.
What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?
Some states will accept it if you bring a signed letter from your roommate confirming you live there, but this varies. Check your state's DMV website first. If your state does not accept this, bring a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name instead.
Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?
Your state's DMV website will specify. Most states accept either an original or a certified copy. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration for free at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement usually arrives within one to two weeks.
What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a passport?
You will need either a birth certificate issued by the country where you were born, a Certificate of Naturalization (if you became a U.S. citizen), or a Permanent Resident Card (if you are a legal permanent resident). If you do not have any of these, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you were born to request a passport or other citizenship document.
Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. All states require proof of a Social Security number to issue a Real ID. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Real ID. This process takes one to two weeks.