The documents you need depend on which state you're in and what you already have

Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) publishes its own list of acceptable documents, and you'll need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work.

Most people can complete Real ID with documents they already own. The challenge is that different states accept different combinations, and some documents cost money to obtain if you don't have them. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's Real ID webpage to see which documents it accepts for identity, residency, and citizenship proof.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport or birth certificate).
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • Each state maintains its own list of acceptable documents, so you must check your state DMV's Real ID page before visiting.
  • If you don't have a birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office, which usually takes one to four weeks and costs $15 to $35.
  • Social Security cards and school IDs do not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes.

What counts as proof of identity

Your state will accept one document from this category. A U.S. passport (book or card) is the strongest option because it proves identity and citizenship at the same time. A passport card costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks through routine processing, or one to two weeks for expedited service (add $60).

If you don't have a passport, most states accept a birth certificate issued by a state vital records office. This must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp — the kind you order directly from the state, not a photocopy from a hospital or family records. A state-issued ID or driver's license from another state also works, as does a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card.

Documents that do not count: school IDs, work IDs, Social Security cards, credit cards, or library cards. Some states also accept a consular ID from your country of origin if you're a lawful permanent resident, but you'll need to verify this on your state's list.

What counts as proof of residency

You need one document showing your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement also works, as does a property tax bill or homeowner's insurance statement.

Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, a government benefits letter (such as unemployment or Social Security), or a vehicle registration. A few states will accept a cell phone bill or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. Check your state's list because acceptance varies — for example, some states won't accept cell phone bills, and others require the document to be dated within 30 days rather than 60.

Documents that typically do not work: a PO box address (you must use a street address), documents older than the state's time limit, or documents that show only a partial address. If you've recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.

What counts as proof of citizenship or legal residency

A U.S. passport (book or card) covers this requirement on its own. A certified birth certificate from a U.S. state or territory also proves citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., you can use a Certificate of Naturalization (issued by USCIS when you became a citizen) or a Certificate of Citizenship (issued to people born abroad to U.S. citizen parents).

If you're a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card itself, or a passport from your country of origin plus an I-797 approval notice from USCIS. Some states also accept a consular ID paired with an I-797. You cannot use a green card as your proof of identity — it only satisfies the citizenship/residency requirement.

If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands), a birth certificate from that territory counts as proof of U.S. citizenship.

How to get documents if you don't have them

A certified birth certificate is the most common missing document. Order it from your state's vital records office (search "[your state] vital records" online). You'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and parents' names. Processing takes one to four weeks depending on the state, and costs $15 to $35. Expedited service is available in most states for an extra fee.

If you need a passport, explore at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Routine processing takes four to six weeks; expedited takes one to two weeks. A passport book costs $130 for adults, a passport card costs $35, or both together cost $165. You'll need a birth certificate and a photo ID to explore.

If you don't have a current utility bill or lease, contact your utility company or landlord and ask for a statement or letter on company letterhead showing your name and address. Some utilities will email or mail this at no cost. If you're homeless or living with family, some states accept a notarized letter from the property owner confirming you live there, though this varies by state.

What to bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies of all required documents. Do not bring photocopies or photos of documents on your phone — the DMV will not accept them. Bring your Social Security number (you can write it on a piece of paper if you don't have your card). Bring a completed process form, which your state DMV provides online or at the office.

Bring a current photo ID if you have one, even if it's not from your state. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you're renewing it for Real ID. If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Some states require a passport-style photo; others use the photo from your current ID. Check your state's website to see whether you need to bring a photo or whether the DMV will take one on-site.

Documents that won't work and why

A Social Security card is not proof of identity because it doesn't include a photo and the Social Security Administration doesn't verify identity when issuing it. A school ID or work ID won't work for the same reason — they're not government-issued identity documents. A credit card or debit card proves you have an account but not who you are.

A photocopy of a birth certificate won't work even if it's notarized. The DMV needs an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp, issued by the state vital records office. A hospital birth certificate (the one given to newborns) is not a certified copy and is not accepted.

A PO box address doesn't satisfy residency requirements because Real ID is tied to physical location. If your utility bill shows a PO box, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. Documents older than your state's time limit (usually 30 to 60 days) won't work, so if your utility bill is from six months ago, get a recent one before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified paper copies. A photo or PDF on your phone is not accepted. You must bring the physical certified copy issued by your state's vital records office.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but I'm a U.S. citizen?

Bring a Certificate of Naturalization (if you became a citizen through the naturalization process) or a Certificate of Citizenship (if you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents). Both are issued by USCIS. If you have a U.S. passport, that works instead.

Can I use my green card as proof of identity?

No. A green card only proves you're a lawful permanent resident; it doesn't serve as photo ID for Real ID purposes. You'll need a separate identity document like a passport, birth certificate, or state ID, plus your green card to show residency status.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you don't need the physical card. You can write the number on your process or tell the DMV staff. If you have the card, bringing it can speed up the process.

What if my lease doesn't have my full address?

Your residency document must show your complete street address. If your lease lists only an apartment number or partial address, bring a utility bill or other document that shows the full address instead.