What ID and Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The documents you'll bring to the DMV for Real ID

You'll need to bring three categories of documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The specific documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the general categories are the same everywhere. Most people can gather these from their home without special requests.

The DMV will examine originals, not copies, though you may be asked to leave some documents with them. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get separated during processing. If you're renewing a Real ID rather than getting one for the first time, you may need fewer documents — check your state's DMV website for the renewal path.

Key Takeaways

You need one document proving your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one proving citizenship or legal residency (passport or immigration document), and one showing your current address (utility bill or lease).
The DMV examines originals but you keep most of them; some states keep a copy of your birth certificate or citizenship document on file.
Your current name on documents must match what you're explore under, or you'll need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration paperwork; if you were born in a U.S. territory, bring a certified birth certificate from that territory.
Your Social Security number will be verified against federal records, so bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

Proof of identity documents the DMV accepts

A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) is the strongest proof of identity because it contains your photograph and signature. If you have one, bring it — the DMV will examine it but return it to you. A certified birth certificate (the long-form version with raised seal, not a photocopy) also works, though it doesn't have your photograph. Some states accept a foreign national ID card or a tribal ID card if you're a Native American.

If you don't have a passport or birth certificate yet, you can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This typically takes one to three weeks and costs between $15 and $35. If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, order the certified birth certificate from that territory's vital records office, not from the mainland.

A current state ID or driver's license from another state also counts as proof of identity, even if it's expired. Military ID, a passport card, or a certificate of naturalization (if you're a naturalized citizen) will work as well. The key is that the document must show your name and either your photograph or your signature.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

A U.S. passport is the easiest document here because it proves both identity and citizenship at once. If you don't have a passport, a certificate of naturalization (issued when you became a U.S. citizen) or a certificate of citizenship (issued to people born abroad to U.S. citizen parents) will work. Both are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have official seals.

If you're a permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card or your I-551 Permanent Resident Card. If you have a work visa or other immigration status that allows you to be in the United States, bring your I-94 arrival/departure record, I-94A, or I-20 (for students). The specific document depends on your immigration category, so check your state's DMV website for the full list.

If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship. If you were born in a U.S. territory, bring the certified birth certificate from that territory — it proves you're a U.S. citizen by birth. Some states also accept a U.S. passport card or a Trusted Traveler Program card (like a NEXUS card) as proof of citizenship.

Proof of your current address

The DMV needs to confirm where you live now. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common document. A lease or rental agreement also works, as long as it's signed and shows your name and current address. A mortgage statement or property tax bill serves the same purpose.

If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, other documents the DMV may accept include a bank statement, credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer showing your address. Some states accept a government check or tax return. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list, because accepted documents vary.

If you've recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document (like a new utility bill) along with a document explaining the move, such as a forwarding address notice from the U.S. Postal Service. If you live with someone else and have no documents in your name, some states allow a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, confirming you live there.

Name changes and documents that prove them

If your name on your identity document doesn't match the name you're explore under, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate proves a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage document proves a name change after divorce. A court order for name change (issued by a judge) proves a legal name change for any reason.

The document must be an original or certified copy with an official seal. A photocopy won't work. If you changed your name through marriage and later divorced and changed your name again, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree so the DMV can see the chain of name changes.

Your Social Security number and how to prove it

The DMV will ask for your Social Security number and will verify it against federal records. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you don't have the card itself, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. A letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number also works.

If you don't have a Social Security number because you're not a U.S. citizen, you won't be able to get a Real ID. You can get a standard state ID or driver's license instead, which does not require a Social Security number and does not meet federal Real ID requirements for air travel or federal building access.

What to do if you're missing a document

If you don't have a birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This is the most common missing document and usually takes one to three weeks. If you don't have a passport, you can explore for one at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office or library) while you wait for your birth certificate, or you can wait and bring the birth certificate to the DMV instead.

If you don't have proof of your current address, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a statement or letter showing your name and address. Most will provide this for free or a small fee. If you've just moved and have no documents yet, a notarized letter from someone at your new address can work as a temporary solution in many states.

If you're missing a document proving a name change, contact the court that issued the order, the county clerk's office, or the vital records office in the state where the change occurred. They can issue a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or does the DMV need the original?

The DMV examines originals. You keep most documents and take them home, but the DMV may keep a copy of your birth certificate or citizenship document on file. Bring originals, not photocopies, because the DMV needs to verify security features and seals.

What if my documents have my old address on them?

Bring at least one document showing your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The DMV uses this to confirm where you live now. Your identity documents can show an old address without causing a problem.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or just know my number?

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or any document showing your number (tax return, W-2, or a letter from Social Security). The DMV will verify your number against federal records, so they need to see it written down, not just hear it from you.

Can I use a foreign passport as proof of identity?

Yes, a valid foreign passport works as proof of identity. However, you'll still need a separate document proving U.S. citizenship or legal residency, such as a green card, I-94, or certificate of naturalization.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport or a certified birth certificate from the country where you were born. You'll also need a document proving you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, such as a naturalization certificate or green card. If you were born to U.S. citizen parents abroad, bring a certificate of citizenship from USCIS.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.