Which documents the Department of Homeland Security accepts as proof of identity

Real ID requires you to prove your identity with a document issued by a federal, state, or tribal government. The Department of Homeland Security maintains a specific list of what counts. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card are the most common choices, but birth certificates, tribal IDs, and military documents also work — the key is that the document must have been issued by an official government body and must show your name and date of birth.

You do not need to bring the original document to your DMV appointment. Most states accept certified copies or photocopies, though some require originals for certain documents. Call your state's DMV before you go to confirm what form they will accept, because requirements vary by state even though the federal standard is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license already meets Real ID standards and does not require additional proof of identity.
  • If you use a standard state ID or driver's license, you must also bring a birth certificate, tribal ID, or military document to prove your identity.
  • Documents must be issued by a federal, state, or tribal government — school IDs, work IDs, and private certifications do not count.
  • Your state DMV may accept photocopies or certified copies of birth certificates and other identity documents, but some require originals; contact them before your appointment.

Documents that satisfy the identity requirement on their own

If you bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license, you have already met the identity requirement. These documents are issued by federal or state governments, contain your photograph and date of birth, and are recognized across all states. You will still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address, but you do not need a second identity document.

Military ID cards issued by the Department of Defense also stand alone as proof of identity for Real ID purposes. If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent with a valid military ID, that document alone satisfies the identity portion of the Real ID checklist.

Birth certificates and state-issued identity documents

A birth certificate is the most common second document people bring to prove identity when they are upgrading a standard driver's license to Real ID. It must be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — not a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy you made yourself. Most states accept certified copies, which you can order from your state's vital records department, usually by mail or online.

State ID cards that are not enhanced (meaning they do not meet Real ID standards on their own) can also serve as identity proof if you are upgrading to a Real ID driver's license. The same applies to state-issued ID cards from other states, though you will need to bring your current ID plus another document from the list below.

Tribal and U.S. territory documents

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe counts as proof of identity. The tribe must be on the Department of Interior's list of federally recognized tribes, and the ID must show your name and date of birth. If you hold tribal citizenship, this is often the fastest route because many DMVs process tribal IDs without requiring additional documents.

If you were born in a U.S. territory — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands — a birth certificate from that territory works the same way as a state birth certificate. You will need the official certified copy from the territory's vital records office.

Military and government employment documents

A military discharge document (DD Form 214) or a current military dependent ID card can serve as proof of identity. If you are a federal employee, a federal employee ID card also counts. These documents must be current or, in the case of discharge papers, must clearly show your name and date of birth.

A Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also satisfies the identity requirement. These documents are issued by the federal government and contain your name and date of birth, making them acceptable to all state DMVs.

What does not count as proof of identity

School IDs, work IDs, library cards, and credit cards do not count, even if they have your photograph and name. The document must be issued by a government body — federal, state, tribal, or territorial. Insurance cards, including health insurance and auto insurance, are not government-issued and will not be accepted.

A hospital birth certificate (the document given to you at birth) is not the same as an official birth certificate and will not work. You must order a certified copy from your state's vital records office. Similarly, a photocopy of your birth certificate that you made yourself will not be accepted; the copy must be certified by the vital records office or come directly from them.

How to get documents if you do not have them

If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Most states allow you to order online or by mail, and certified copies usually arrive within one to three weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee. You can find your state's vital records office through the National Center for Health Statistics website.

If you need a tribal ID, contact your tribe's enrollment office directly. If you need military discharge papers, you can request them from the National Archives or through your branch's records office. If you were naturalized as a U.S. citizen and do not have your Certificate of Naturalization, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport card is issued by the federal government and meets Real ID standards on its own. You do not need to bring a birth certificate if you bring a passport card, though you will still need proof of your Social Security number and address.

Do I need to bring the original birth certificate or can I bring a photocopy?

Most state DMVs accept certified copies of birth certificates ordered from the vital records office. Some require the original. Call your state DMV before your appointment to confirm what they will accept, as this varies by state.

What if I was born outside the United States?

If you were born in a U.S. territory, use that territory's birth certificate. If you were born in another country, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or bring your U.S. passport. These federal documents satisfy the identity requirement.

Is an enhanced driver's license the same as a Real ID?

An enhanced driver's license meets Real ID standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. However, not all states offer enhanced licenses. A standard Real ID driver's license works the same way for these purposes, so you do not need to choose enhanced unless your state offers it and you want it.

Can I use my military ID alone, or do I need a birth certificate too?

A current military ID or military dependent ID satisfies the identity requirement on its own. You do not need to bring a birth certificate if you bring valid military ID, though you will still need proof of your Social Security number and address.