The documents Real ID requires depend on what you're proving: your identity, your citizenship or immigration status, your Social Security number, and your current address

Real ID is a federal standard for state driver's licenses and ID cards. To get one, you bring documents to your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The agency checks those documents against federal databases before issuing the card. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must appear in person.

The specific documents you need vary slightly by state, but federal law sets a floor. You will need to prove four things: who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, your Social Security number, and where you live. Most people bring one document for identity, one for citizenship, your Social Security card or a tax return, and a recent utility bill or lease.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate — not a photocopy.
  • Your state DMV will verify your Social Security number against Social Security Administration records, so you need to bring a card, W-2, or tax return showing that number.
  • A current utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement proves your address; a bill dated within the last 90 days works in most states.
  • Your state may accept a passport or passport card as a single document that covers both identity and citizenship, reducing the number of papers you need to bring.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will need a passport, green card, or naturalization certificate — a driver's license from another country does not count as proof of citizenship.

Identity documents the DMV will accept

For identity, the DMV wants a document with your photograph, signature, and identifying information. A current passport or passport card is the strongest option because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you do not have a passport, a current driver's license or state ID from another state works. An expired license is usually accepted if it expired within the last five years, though some states are stricter.

Military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green card) also count as identity documents. If you have none of these, some states will accept a school ID, employee ID, or professional license if it has your photograph and signature. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because the rules vary.

Do not bring a photocopy of an identity document. The DMV needs to see the original. They will examine it for signs of tampering and may run it through a scanner to verify it is genuine.

Citizenship and immigration status documents

This is the document that proves you have the right to a Real ID. If you were born in the United States, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the standard choice. "Certified copy" means a copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, with an official seal or stamp. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if you made it yourself from the original, does not count.

If you were born outside the United States and are a U.S. citizen, bring a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card. If you are in the country on a visa or other temporary status, you cannot get a Real ID — the federal standard requires citizenship or permanent residency.

Some states will accept a passport card instead of a birth certificate. A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it is valid for identity and citizenship both. If you already have one, it may be the easiest route.

Social Security number verification

The DMV will ask for your Social Security number and verify it against Social Security Administration records. You do not need to bring a Social Security card itself, though you can. The DMV accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that shows your Social Security number. Any of these documents will work.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a document showing your number, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. That process takes about two weeks by mail. Alternatively, some DMVs will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number, which you can request online or by phone.

Proof of current address

Your address document must be recent — usually dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. Some states also accept a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your current address.

The document must show your full name and the address where you currently live. A bill addressed to "Resident" or a former address will not work. If you have recently moved and your utility bill has not caught up, a lease signed within the last 90 days is usually the fastest proof.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you bring a signed statement from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming that you live there. Check your state's rules before you go, because this varies.

What to bring if you were born outside the U.S.

If you were born in another country and became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. This is a formal document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when your citizenship was granted. If you became a citizen through marriage or descent (because one or both parents were U.S. citizens), bring a Certificate of Citizenship instead. Both are issued by USCIS and are equally valid.

If you are a lawful permanent resident but not yet a citizen, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). Real ID is available to permanent residents as well as citizens. If you are in the United States on a temporary visa — for work, school, or tourism — you cannot get a Real ID. You would need to change your immigration status first.

A foreign passport does not count as proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, even if you have lived in the United States for many years. You must have one of the documents listed above.

How to prepare your documents before you go

Make copies of everything before you visit the DMV. Keep the copies at home and bring the originals. The DMV will return your original documents, but if something goes wrong — a document is damaged, a name does not match across documents, or the agency needs to verify something — you will have copies to refer to.

Check that the name on all your documents matches. If your birth certificate says "Mary Jane Smith" but your driver's license says "Mary J. Smith," the DMV may ask for a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring any such documents with you.

If your address has changed since your last ID was issued, bring the address proof document. If you have moved multiple times in the last year, bring documents showing each address in order, because some states want to see a continuous chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of bringing separate identity and citizenship documents?

Yes. A passport card is a valid identity document and also proves U.S. citizenship. If you have one, you can bring it alone and skip the birth certificate. You will still need to bring proof of your current address and your Social Security number.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate does not count as proof of U.S. citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, you must have a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or green card. If you do not have one of these, contact USCIS or the State Department before going to the DMV.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?

A pay stub, W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your Social Security number works just as well as the card itself. You do not need the card. Bring whichever document you have that is easiest to find.

What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?

Some states will accept it if your roommate signs a statement confirming you live there. Other states require the bill to be in your name. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm whether a co-resident's bill is acceptable and what additional paperwork you need.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy, even of the original, will not be accepted. If you have lost your birth certificate, you can request a certified copy from your state's vital records office online or by mail.