The documents Real ID requires depend on what you're proving: your identity, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and your current address

To get a Real ID, you need to bring documents that prove four separate things. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security don't accept a single document that covers all four — you'll need at least two or three pieces of paper, and sometimes more. The exact documents vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You cannot use a document for more than one purpose. For example, a driver's license proves identity and date of birth, but you still need a separate document to prove your address and your Social Security number. Most people bring four to six documents to the DMV on their first visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must prove identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address with separate documents — one document cannot serve two purposes.
  • A passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license counts as your identity document and eliminates the need for a separate birth certificate.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can prove your Social Security number; a utility bill or lease can prove your address.
  • Each state's DMV maintains its own list of acceptable documents, so check your state's website before you go in person.
  • If you don't have a document in one category, some states allow you to bring two documents from another category instead, but this varies widely.

Identity documents that Real ID accepts

A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest identity document and also proves citizenship, so it eliminates several requirements at once. If you have one, bring it. A permanent resident card (green card) also works for identity.

If you don't have a passport, you need a certified birth certificate — not a photocopy, and not a hospital birth record. The certificate must be issued by the state or county where you were born and must have an official seal or raised stamp. You can order this from your state's vital records office, usually for $15 to $30. Bring this along with a photo ID, even if it's expired, to prove you're the person named on the birth certificate.

Some states accept an enhanced driver's license (marked with a star or special marking) as proof of identity and citizenship combined. These are available in about half the states and cost more than a standard license, but they serve double duty for Real ID purposes.

Proof of date of birth

If you brought a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate for identity, you've already covered date of birth — you don't need a second document. If you brought something else, you need a separate document showing your birth date.

Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document. Some states also accept a school record or hospital record from your birth, though these are less common and must be certified or official.

Proof of Social Security number

The easiest document is your Social Security card itself. If you've lost it, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Replacements are free and arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you don't have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax return showing your Social Security number. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works. Some states accept a benefit statement from Social Security, which you can print from your account at ssa.gov.

Do not bring documents that show only the last four digits of your Social Security number — Real ID requires the full number to be visible on the document you present.

Proof of current address

Your address document must show your name and current street address and must have been issued or renewed within the last 60 days (some states use 90 days). A utility bill — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the most common choice and usually meets this requirement.

Other acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card). Some states accept a vehicle registration or insurance policy showing your address.

A post office mail forwarding notice does not work as proof of address. If you've recently moved and your utility bill hasn't updated yet, bring two documents from the acceptable list — for example, a lease and a bank statement — even if one is slightly older.

What happens if you're missing a document

If you don't have one of the four required documents, your options depend on your state. Some states allow you to bring two documents from the same category to substitute for a missing category — for example, two utility bills instead of a Social Security card. Other states do not allow substitutions and will ask you to come back once you've obtained the missing document.

Check your state's DMV website before your visit to see whether substitutions are allowed. If they are, the DMV staff can tell you which combinations work. If they're not, you'll need to order the missing document first — usually a Social Security card replacement or a certified birth certificate.

Documents you cannot use

Real ID does not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images of documents, even if they're certified. You must bring the original document. The only exception is a document that's certified by a notary or government office — for example, a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by your state's vital records office.

Expired documents are generally not accepted, except for a passport that expired within the last five years (some states allow longer). An expired driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of identity for Real ID purposes, even if you're renewing it.

Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation. The translation must be certified by the agency that issued the original document or by a certified translator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of bringing four separate documents?

Yes. A valid passport or passport card proves identity, date of birth, and citizenship all at once. You still need to bring proof of your current address, but that's only one additional document. This is the fastest route if you have a passport.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is accepted only if it's accompanied by an official English translation and proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a naturalization certificate, passport, or permanent resident card. Check your state's DMV website for the exact requirements, as they vary.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, tax return, or paystub showing your full Social Security number works just as well as the card itself. You don't need both — bring whichever document you have readily available.

Can I use a recent bank statement as proof of both address and identity?

No. A bank statement proves your address but not your identity. You must bring a separate identity document — such as a passport, birth certificate, or photo ID — even if it's expired.

What if I don't have a utility bill for my current address?

Bring two documents from the acceptable address list instead — for example, a lease and a bank statement, or a mortgage statement and a vehicle registration. As long as they show your current name and street address, most states will accept the combination.