Bring proof of citizenship or lawful status first

Your Real ID appointment requires one document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country. This is the single most important item — without it, the appointment will not proceed. The DMV will not accept a photocopy or digital image; you must bring the original document.

Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (issued by a state vital records office, not a hospital), Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). If you were born outside the U.S., bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. Some states also accept a valid foreign passport paired with an I-94 arrival/departure record or I-797 approval notice.

If your birth certificate is from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands), it counts as proof of citizenship. Bring the original certified copy with the raised seal — a photocopy will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring the original (not a copy) of one citizenship document: a passport, birth certificate, Green Card, Certificate of Naturalization, or equivalent.
  • Bring two documents proving your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security number written down or bring your Social Security card, since you will need to provide it during your appointment.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired, to speed up the identity verification process.
  • Bring your current passport or passport card if you have one, because it serves as both citizenship proof and a Real ID alternative.

Bring two documents that prove your current address

The DMV needs to confirm where you live right now. Bring two separate documents, each showing your name and current address. Both documents must be dated within the last 60 days — older documents will not be accepted. Photocopies are acceptable for address proof, unlike citizenship documents.

Common documents that work include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a W-2 form. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DMV what alternatives they accept in your state — some allow a letter from a shelter or social services agency.

If your address on file at the DMV is already current, you may still need to bring these documents to confirm it has not changed. Do not assume your old address will be updated automatically.

Bring proof of your Social Security number

You will need to provide your Social Security number during the appointment. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card or prefer not to carry it, you can write your number on a piece of paper and bring that instead — the DMV will not require the physical card.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your appointment. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement card or confirm your number. This process takes time, so do it as soon as you schedule your Real ID appointment.

Bring your current ID, even if it is expired

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card to your appointment, regardless of whether it is still valid. The DMV uses this to verify your identity and speed up the process. If your ID is expired, that is fine — you are there to get a Real ID, which is a replacement.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID (for example, if you are a first-time applicant), bring a passport or passport card instead. If you have none of these, ask your DMV office what alternative identity documents they will accept — some allow a military ID, tribal ID, or employee badge.

Bring your passport or passport card if you have one

A U.S. passport or passport card serves double duty: it proves citizenship and it is already a Real ID-compliant document. If you have one, bring it to your appointment. You do not need a Real ID if you already have a passport for federal travel, but many people get both because a Real ID is easier to carry and does not expire as quickly.

Your passport does not need to be valid — an expired passport still proves citizenship. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.

Bring any name-change documents if your name has changed

If your name has changed since your last ID was issued, bring the document that proves the change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. Bring the original certified copy, not a photocopy.

The DMV will compare the name on your citizenship document to the name you want on your Real ID. If they do not match, you will need to show the legal document that explains why. Without it, the DMV may issue the ID under the name on your citizenship document instead of the name you requested.

Bring your completed process form

Most states allow you to fill out your Real ID process online before you arrive, or you can complete it at the DMV office. Check your state's DMV website to see if pre-filling is available — it can shorten your appointment time significantly.

If you are filling out the form at the office, bring a pen. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will have already provided most of this information when you scheduled the appointment, so the form is usually a confirmation step rather than new paperwork.

What to leave at home

Do not bring originals of documents you do not need to present. For example, if you are bringing a birth certificate as your citizenship proof, you do not also need to bring your passport. Carrying fewer documents reduces the risk of losing something important while you are at the DMV.

Do not bring your Social Security card unless you want to — writing your number on paper works just as well. Do not bring multiple address documents if two will suffice. The DMV will tell you if it needs anything else once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires the original certified birth certificate with the raised seal for citizenship proof. Photocopies are not accepted. However, photocopies are fine for address documents like utility bills or bank statements.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can write your Social Security number on a piece of paper and bring that instead. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov before your appointment to get it.

Do I need to bring my passport if I already have one?

No, but it helps. A passport already proves citizenship and is Real ID-compliant, so bringing it speeds up the process. If you do not have a passport, bring your birth certificate or other citizenship document instead.

What if my address on my driver's license is outdated?

Bring two documents showing your current address dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address during the Real ID appointment. Your old driver's license address does not matter as long as you can prove where you live now.

Can I bring digital copies or photos of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents for citizenship proof and will not accept photos or digital copies. You can bring photocopies of address documents, but the original citizenship document must be in hand.