The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your citizenship or lawful status in the United States. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must appear in person at your state's motor vehicle agency with originals or certified copies of these documents.

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. It was created after the 9/11 attacks and requires states to verify more information before issuing a license. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star or star outline in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, address, and citizenship status to your state's motor vehicle office.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or state ID, but your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts.
  • Your proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The process takes place in person and usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Proof of identity documents

Your proof of identity must be an original document or a certified copy. A photocopy or a photo on your phone does not count. The most common documents are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, or a passport card. Some states also accept a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certificate of naturalization.

If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you use a passport, it can be expired. If you are using a state ID from another state, it must be current or have expired within the last five years.

Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states have additional documents on their approved list, and some do not accept all of the documents listed above. Your state's website will show you exactly which documents it takes and in what form.

Proof of your Social Security number

You need an original or certified copy of a document that shows your Social Security number. The most common options are your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A bank statement or pay stub that displays your full Social Security number also works in most states.

If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a tax document with your number on it, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks by mail. Some states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number if you cannot produce a document that shows it.

Proof of your current address

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually works too, though some states do not accept them — check your state's list first.

If you have moved recently and your name does not yet appear on a utility bill or lease at your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a signed lease agreement along with an older bill from your previous address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask your DMV office what documents they accept — some states have workarounds for this situation.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. U.S. citizens can bring a passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350).

If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If your green card is expired, bring it anyway — the DMV can verify your status through federal databases. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a Real ID, though you may be able to get a standard state ID card instead.

What to bring to the DMV office

Gather all four categories of documents before you go: identity, Social Security number, address, and citizenship status. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are renewing a Real ID, bring your current license too.

Bring a completed process form if your state requires it — most states let you fill it out online or at the office, but check your state's DMV website first. Bring a recent photo if your state requires one, though most DMVs take your photo on-site. Bring payment for the fee, which ranges from about $20 to $60 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or getting a new card.

Timeline and what happens next

The in-person appointment usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though you may wait longer depending on how busy the office is. The DMV staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. They will tell you when your Real ID will arrive — this is usually 7 to 14 business days by mail, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.

Your old license or ID will be returned to you or destroyed depending on your state's policy. Once your Real ID arrives, it will have a gold star or star outline in the upper right corner. This star is the only visible sign that your license meets the Real ID standard. You can use it to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without showing a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing originals?

No. The DMV must see original documents or certified copies. Photos on your phone or photocopies will not be accepted. If you do not have an original, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency — for example, a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address during the Real ID process. You do not need to change your address separately.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or go to federal buildings?

No. A standard state ID or driver's license is still valid for driving and most everyday purposes. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities. You can choose to keep a standard license if you prefer, though most states are phasing them out.

What if I was born outside the United States?

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. Your state's DMV website lists all accepted documents for people born outside the U.S.

Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me?

This depends on your state. Most states mail the Real ID directly to you, so no one else needs to pick it up. Some states allow a family member to pick it up if you sign a form authorizing them. Call your state's DMV or check their website to see what your state allows.