Bring proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or immigration status

Your Real ID appointment requires three categories of documents: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The DMV will not process your appointment without all three. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The staff will examine each document in person, so you cannot mail them ahead or submit them digitally.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card if you have one. If you are renewing, bring the card itself. If you are explore for the first time, bring any photo ID issued by a government agency — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. The DMV uses this to verify your identity matches the documents you are submitting.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate — photocopies and certified copies from the county are not the same thing, and the DMV will reject one or the other depending on your state.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and your name together, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card itself, because the DMV will ask for it and you cannot look it up during the appointment.
  • If you changed your name, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — or the DMV will not process the name change on your ID.

Proof of identity: what the DMV will accept

Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency — not a copy you made yourself. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or Enhanced Driver's License from another state. If you do not have any of these, you will need a birth certificate.

A birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. Many people bring a photocopy they made at home or a certified copy they ordered years ago and assume it will work. The DMV will reject it if the seal is faded, if the signature is missing, or if it does not match the exact format the state vital records office currently issues. If you are uncertain whether your copy meets the standard, order a fresh one from the vital records office before your appointment — it usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30.

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your original passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) alone is not enough for Real ID — you must show either naturalization papers or a valid passport. If you have a green card and no other document, contact your local USCIS office to request a replacement Certificate of Permanent Residence before scheduling your appointment.

Proof of residency: documents that show your current address

Your proof of residency must show both your name and your current address on the same document. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. Insurance statements, bank statements, and credit card statements also work if they show your address.

If you recently moved and your name does not yet appear on a utility bill or lease in your new address, bring two documents: one showing your name at your old address (even if it is older than 60 days) and one showing your new address with any name on it. The DMV will accept this combination as proof you have moved. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there, plus a copy of the bill itself.

Do not bring a cell phone bill, a credit card statement, or a bank statement as your only proof of residency — many DMVs reject these. Call your local DMV before your appointment to confirm what documents they accept, because the rules vary by state and sometimes by individual office.

Social Security number and tax identification

The DMV will ask for your Social Security number during your appointment. Bring either your Social Security card or write your number down on a piece of paper before you arrive. You cannot look it up on your phone during the appointment, and the DMV staff cannot look it up for you. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you.

If you have never had a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN, you cannot get a Real ID. You must first explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. This process takes several weeks and requires proof of identity, residency, and immigration status — the same documents you would bring to the DMV. explore at your local Social Security office before scheduling a Real ID appointment.

Name change documents: if your name differs from your birth certificate

If your current name does not match the name on your birth certificate, bring the legal document that changed your name. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. The document must be an original or certified copy. If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring the marriage certificate. If you were divorced and changed your name back, bring the divorce decree showing the name change.

If you changed your name through a court order, bring the order itself — not a letter from the court or a certified copy of the order. Some courts issue certified copies that the DMV will accept; others issue letters that the DMV will not. Call the court clerk's office in the county where you filed the name change and ask what document they issue for DMV purposes. Order it before your appointment if you do not already have it.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing your ID

If you already have a driver's license or state ID card, bring it to your appointment. The DMV uses it to verify your identity and to pull up your existing record. If your current ID is expired, bring it anyway — an expired ID still works for this purpose. If your ID was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one, though it is not required.

If you are renewing your ID and nothing has changed — your name, address, and citizenship status are all the same as on your current card — you may not need to bring proof of residency or citizenship again, depending on your state. Some states allow renewal by mail or online without new documents. Call your local DMV or check the state DMV website before your appointment to see whether you can skip any documents.

Documents you do not need to bring

Do not bring a passport card if you also have a full passport — bring the full passport. Do not bring a green card as your only proof of citizenship — it does not work for Real ID. Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office. Do not bring a bank statement or credit card statement as your only proof of residency.

Do not bring original documents you cannot afford to lose, such as a passport or naturalization certificate, unless you are prepared to leave them with the DMV. Some states photograph documents and return them; others keep originals on file. Call ahead to ask what your state does. If you are worried about losing an original, order a certified copy from the issuing agency and bring that instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

Only if it is a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from the vital records office before your appointment — it usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?

Bring a signed letter from your roommate stating that you live there, plus a copy of the utility bill. Some DMVs also accept a lease in your name as an alternative. Call your local DMV to confirm what they will accept before your appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or just the number?

Either one works. If you bring the card, the DMV staff will copy the number. If you do not have the card, write your number down on paper and bring it. You cannot look it up on your phone during the appointment.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and only have a green card?

A green card alone does not work for Real ID. You must bring a valid passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you do not have one, contact your local USCIS office to request a replacement Certificate of Permanent Residence before your appointment.

Can I bring documents that are older than 60 days for proof of residency?

No, your proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved, bring one document showing your name at your old address and one showing your new address with any name on it. The DMV will accept this combination.