The documents you'll bring to the DMV

A Real ID requires you to prove three things in person at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent): who you are, where you live, and that you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You'll need one document from each category: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. Some documents count for multiple categories, which can reduce how many papers you actually carry in. Bring everything at once, because going back for a missing document means another trip and another wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies are not accepted by any state DMV.
  • Proof of identity usually means a passport, birth certificate, or state ID; proof of residency means a utility bill or lease in your name; proof of citizenship means a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
  • Some documents satisfy more than one requirement — a U.S. passport, for example, proves identity and citizenship at the same time.
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because some states add or remove options based on their own rules.

Proof of identity: what counts

A U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest proof of identity and also proves citizenship, so it covers two categories at once. If you have one, bring it — you're done with identity and citizenship in one document.

Without a passport, you'll need a certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp, not a photocopy from the hospital). Some states also accept a state ID or driver's license from another state, though these don't prove citizenship, so you'd still need a separate citizenship document. A few states accept a tribal ID or military ID as identity proof.

Documents that don't work for identity alone: school IDs, work IDs, library cards, or Social Security cards. These might be useful to bring as supporting documents if your name has changed, but they won't satisfy the identity requirement by themselves.

Proof of residency: what counts

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address in your name. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice and is accepted everywhere. The bill must be recent — most states want it from the last 30 to 90 days, though the exact window varies by state.

Other documents that work include a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your address. Some states accept a government-issued document with your address, like a tax return or voter registration card. A few states will accept a letter from your employer or a letter from a government agency if it shows your address and is dated recently.

What doesn't work: a piece of mail addressed to you but not in your name, a hotel receipt, a temporary lease, or a document from someone else's account. The document must show your name and your current address.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status

If you're a U.S. citizen, a U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof. You can also bring an original or certified birth certificate — the same document you'd use for identity. A Certificate of Naturalization (the document you receive when you become a citizen through naturalization) also works.

If you're a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (also called a Green Card). Some states also accept a Refugee Admission Document, an Asylee Admission Document, or other immigration paperwork showing your status. Check your state DMV's website to see which documents they accept, because immigration documents vary and not all states recognize every type.

Real ID is not available to people without citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you're in the U.S. on a visa or other temporary status, you cannot get a Real ID, though you may be able to get a standard state ID or driver's license depending on your state's rules.

What to do if your name has changed

If your name on your identity document doesn't match your current legal name, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name change will do. The document must be an original or certified copy.

Some states also want to see the name change reflected in a Social Security record. You can check your Social Security name at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If your name there doesn't match, update it before you go to the DMV — it takes a few days and requires a separate process, so plan ahead.

Documents you don't need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, though you will need to provide your Social Security number. The DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration on their end.

You do not need to bring a passport card and a full passport — one or the other is enough. You do not need to bring multiple utility bills or multiple proofs of residency; one recent document is sufficient. You do not need to bring expired documents unless your state specifically asks for them as supporting evidence of a name change or address history.

How to get documents you don't have yet

If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states let you order online or by mail, though it takes one to four weeks. If you need a certified copy, specify that when you order — a regular copy won't work at the DMV.

If you need a passport, explore at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office, library, or courthouse). Passport processing takes several weeks, so explore well before your Real ID appointment. If you need a Green Card replacement or have questions about your immigration documents, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at uscis.gov or call 1-800-375-5283.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but we live together?

Most states require the residency document to be in your name. If your bill is in someone else's name, bring a different document — a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. If you have none of these, contact your DMV to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You'll provide your Social Security number at the DMV, and they will verify it with the Social Security Administration. Bring your card only if you're worried you might forget the number; the card itself is not required.

Can I use a temporary ID from another state?

A temporary ID typically won't satisfy the identity requirement for Real ID. Bring a permanent document like a birth certificate, passport, or state ID instead. Check your state DMV's website to confirm what they accept.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get a Real ID if you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Bring a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or a birth certificate issued by the U.S. State Department. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you may need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) instead of a standard birth certificate.