The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you're using to prove your identity

Every state accepts a current passport or passport card as proof of identity and citizenship — that's the simplest route if you have one. If you don't have a passport, your state will accept one document from a specific list, and that list varies. Most states accept a birth certificate, but some require it to be certified and raised-seal, not just a photocopy. A few states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. The point: call your state's DMV or check their website before you gather anything, because showing up with the wrong version of a document wastes a trip.

Beyond identity and citizenship, you'll need to prove your Social Security number, your current address, and your name change history if applicable. You also need to bring the document you're replacing — your current driver's license or state ID card. Bring originals, not copies, unless the DMV specifically says copies are acceptable.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving identity and citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or state-specific alternative), one proving your Social Security number, one proving your address, and your current ID card.
  • Birth certificates must usually be certified with a raised seal; a photocopy or uncertified version will be rejected at the counter.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts, because the rules differ by state and change occasionally.
  • Bring originals unless the DMV says otherwise, and bring your current driver's license or ID card even if it's expired.

Proof of identity and citizenship — which document to bring

A current U.S. passport or passport card covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you have either, bring it and you're done with this part.

If you don't have a passport, you need a certified birth certificate — one with a raised seal from the vital records office, not a photocopy or a document printed from an online service. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A few states accept a valid foreign passport plus an I-797 form (USCIS approval notice) as proof of lawful status. Check your state's list before ordering anything, because ordering the wrong document costs time and money.

If you were born outside the U.S. and naturalized, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring the Consular Report of Birth Abroad if your state accepts it, or a passport if it doesn't.

Proof of your Social Security number

You need one document showing your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration card itself is the most common choice, but it's not the only one. An original or certified W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your full Social Security number works. So does a current or recent paystub with your full number, a bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a utility bill in your name with your number on it.

If you don't have your Social Security card and can't find a document with your number on it, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. That takes about two weeks. Alternatively, some states let you bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number instead of a document with the number printed on it.

Proof of your current address

Your address proof must be recent — most states accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, court document) all work. The document must be in your name and show your current address.

If you've moved recently and don't have a document yet in your new name and address, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address. A lease or utility bill in your new name counts as proof of the move. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask your DMV what they accept — some states allow a notarized letter from the person whose address you're using, or a shelter letter.

Your current driver's license or state ID card

Bring the ID you're replacing, even if it's expired. The DMV needs to see it to process your REAL ID process. If you've lost your current ID, tell the DMV when you arrive — they'll ask you to sign a statement saying it's lost or stolen, and they'll proceed without it.

If your current ID is from another state, bring that instead. If you've never had a driver's license or state ID, you don't need to bring anything for this step, but you will need to provide additional documents — usually a second proof of identity or a second proof of address. Ask your state DMV what they require for first-time applicants.

Name change documents if applicable

If your name on your birth certificate or passport doesn't match the name on your current ID, bring the document that explains the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you've changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed it, then divorced and changed it again, bring the birth certificate, the marriage certificate, and the divorce decree.

What to do before you go to the DMV

Visit your state's DMV website and look for the REAL ID document checklist specific to your state. Print it or take a photo of it on your phone. The checklist will tell you exactly which documents your state accepts and whether certified copies are required. Some states have different rules for different situations — for example, different documents if you're explore in person versus by mail, or different documents if you're under 18.

Call the DMV if the checklist doesn't answer your question. Showing up with the wrong documents is the most common reason people have to make a second trip. A five-minute phone call saves you an hour at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified one?

No. Most states require a certified birth certificate with a raised seal from the vital records office. A photocopy or a document printed from an online vital records portal will be rejected. Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.

What if I don't have a Social Security card and can't find any document with my number on it?

Request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration — it takes about two weeks. Alternatively, contact the Social Security Administration and ask for a letter confirming your number, which some states accept in place of a document with the number printed on it. Call your DMV to confirm they'll accept a letter before you request one.

Do I need to bring originals, or are copies okay?

Bring originals unless your state's DMV checklist specifically says copies are acceptable. Most states require originals for identity and citizenship documents, but accept copies of address proof or Social Security proof. Check your state's list before you go.

What if my address on my birth certificate doesn't match my current address?

That's fine. Your birth certificate proves identity and citizenship; your current address proof shows where you live now. They don't have to match. Bring both documents as listed on your state's checklist.

Can I bring documents from another country if I'm not a U.S. citizen yet?

No. REAL ID is for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents only. If you're a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card plus the other required documents. If you're not yet a permanent resident, you cannot get a REAL ID at this time.