The Documents You'll Bring to the DMV

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your date of birth. Most people bring a single document that covers more than one of these — a passport covers identity and date of birth, for example — so you typically won't need four separate pieces of paper.

The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID rules set a baseline that all states follow. Your state's DMV website lists what it will accept, and you can call ahead to confirm before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport or passport card covers identity and date of birth, so you only need to bring proof of address and your Social Security number alongside it.
  • A state ID or driver's license from another state counts as identity proof, but you'll still need documents for your Social Security number, address, and date of birth.
  • Your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return can all prove your Social Security number — you don't have to bring the actual card.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days proves your current address and is accepted in all states.
  • Birth certificates, hospital records, and adoption papers all count as proof of date of birth if your other documents don't show it.

Identity Documents That Work

For proof of identity, bring a document issued by a government agency that includes your photograph. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license all work. If you have a current driver's license or state ID from another state, that counts too — you don't need to surrender it to get a Real ID in your new state.

If you don't have a passport or driver's license, a military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) will work. Some states also accept a U.S. Merchant Mariner card or a NEXUS card. The key is that the document must be issued by a government body and must have your photo on it.

If none of these explore to you, ask your state DMV what alternative documents it accepts. A few states have workarounds for people without photo ID, though the process takes longer.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You don't have to bring your Social Security card itself — in fact, many DMVs prefer you don't, since it's a document you shouldn't carry around. Instead, bring one of these: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a bank statement that shows your Social Security number.

If you were born outside the United States and don't have a Social Security number yet, you'll need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Real ID. Your state DMV can tell you where to do this.

Proof of Your Current Address

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. Some states also accept a property tax bill, an insurance bill, or a government notice addressed to you at your current address.

If you've recently moved and don't have a 60-day-old document yet, ask your DMV what it will accept. Some will take a lease signed within the last 60 days even if it's dated earlier, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. A few states will accept a utility bill process or a change-of-address confirmation from the post office.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a document in your name (a bank statement, insurance bill, or lease) or bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, saying you live there. Requirements vary by state, so call ahead if you're unsure.

Proof of Your Date of Birth

Many documents you're already bringing — your passport, driver's license, or state ID — show your date of birth, so you may not need anything extra. If they don't, or if you're using documents that don't include it, bring your birth certificate, a hospital record from your birth, an adoption decree, or a court order that shows your date of birth.

Your birth certificate should be an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy you made at home. If you were born outside the United States, bring the official document from that country's vital records office, or bring a U.S. passport (which already proves your date of birth).

What Happens If a Document Is Missing or Expired

An expired document usually still works for Real ID purposes — the DMV cares that the document is real, not that it's current. An expired passport, an old driver's license from another state, or an outdated utility bill will all be accepted as long as they clearly show the information you need to prove.

If you can't find a document you need, ask your DMV what alternatives it will take. If you don't have a birth certificate, for example, some states will accept a hospital record, a baptism certificate, or a court document instead. If you can't prove your Social Security number, some states will let you sign a statement saying you don't have one, though this is rare.

If you're missing a critical document and your state won't accept an alternative, you may need to order it first. Birth certificates come from your state or county vital records office and usually take one to four weeks. Social Security statements can be printed when ready from the Social Security Administration website.

Documents You Don't Need to Bring

You don't need to bring your original Social Security card, even though it's one of the documents that can prove your number. You don't need to bring a passport if you have another form of ID — a driver's license works just as well. You don't need to bring multiple documents that prove the same thing; one proof of address is enough.

You also don't need to bring your green card or work visa unless you're using it as your proof of identity. If you have a driver's license, that's sufficient. Some people bring extra documents "just in case," but the DMV will tell you what it needs, and bringing extras won't speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from a school ID or work badge instead of a government ID?

No. Real ID requires a government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, military ID, or similar document. School and work IDs don't count because they're not issued by a government agency. If you don't have a government photo ID, you'll need to get one first, usually through your state DMV or the federal government.

What if my address on my driver's license doesn't match where I live now?

Bring a current address document (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) that shows your new address. The DMV will update your address when you get your Real ID. You don't need to update your old driver's license first.

Do I need to bring originals, or can I bring copies?

Bring originals or certified copies. The DMV needs to see the real document to verify it's genuine. Photocopies you made yourself won't work. If you have a certified copy (one stamped by the issuing agency), that's acceptable.

Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued ID and proves both your identity and date of birth. It works exactly the same as a full passport for Real ID purposes.

What if I was born in another country and don't have a U.S. birth certificate?

Bring your passport or the official birth certificate from the country where you were born. If you have a green card, that also proves your identity and date of birth. The DMV will accept official documents from other countries as long as they're clearly issued by a government vital records office.