What Documents You Need to Get a Driver's Permit

Bring these documents when you explore for your permit

You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Most states also require your birth certificate or passport. The exact list varies by state — some ask for a second form of ID, others do not — so check your state's DMV website before you go, because showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will look at the actual document to confirm it is real. Some states will accept certified copies of your birth certificate (a copy stamped by the vital records office), but a photocopy you made at home will not work.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof you live in your state.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — check your state's rules, because some accept only certain types.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Minors usually need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms at the DMV, and some states require that parent to be present in person.

Proof of identity: what counts

Your primary ID should be a government-issued document with your photo on it. A driver's license from another state works. A passport works. A passport card works. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works in most states.

A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count as primary ID, even if it has your photo. Some states will accept these as a second form of ID to go with something else, but not as your main one. If you do not have a government photo ID yet, bring your birth certificate or passport as your primary identity document instead, and ask the DMV what secondary ID they will accept.

Proof of residency: documents the DMV will take

The DMV needs to see that you actually live in the state where you are explore. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days works. Some states accept a property tax bill or homeowner's insurance declaration.

The document must have your name and your current address on it. A bill addressed to "Resident" or to a previous address will not work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you bring a signed letter from that person saying you live there, but rules vary — call your DMV ahead of time to ask. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, ask the DMV what alternative proof they accept; most states have a process for this.

Proof of your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card itself, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return with your Social Security number on it will work. A letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number works. Some states will accept a birth certificate if your Social Security number is printed on it.

You do not need to bring the original card — a copy is fine for this one. If you have lost your card and do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though that takes a few weeks.

Birth certificate or passport

You must bring one or the other. An original birth certificate is cheapest — you can order one from your state's vital records office for $10 to $30, though it takes one to three weeks to arrive by mail. A passport costs more ($130 to $165 for a new one) but you can get it faster if you pay for expedited processing.

If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring it along with a certified English translation. A passport from any country works without translation. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560) counts as proof of citizenship and identity both.

Name changes: what to bring if your name is different now

If your name on your birth certificate does not match the name you use now, bring the legal document that shows the change. A marriage certificate shows a name change through marriage. A divorce decree or court order shows a name change through divorce. A court order for name change shows a legal name change. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you have been married more than once, bring all the marriage certificates and divorce decrees in order, so the DMV can see the chain of name changes. If you changed your name through a court order but have not yet updated your birth certificate, the court order is what counts — you do not need to update your birth certificate first.

What minors need to bring

If you are under 18, you will need all the documents listed above, plus a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the DMV. Some states require that parent or guardian to be physically present. Other states allow you to bring a signed, notarized consent form instead. Check your state's DMV website to see which applies to you.

If you live with a guardian who is not your parent (such as a grandparent or aunt), bring proof of guardianship — a court order or custody agreement. If your parents are divorced and you live with one parent, that parent can sign the consent form; you do not need both parents' permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

A certified copy — one stamped by the vital records office that issued it — usually works. A photocopy you made yourself will not. Ask your DMV whether they accept certified copies before you order one, because some states require the original.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You will need to get one before you can get a permit. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore. The process takes about two weeks. You can explore in person at a local Social Security office, or by mail if you are a U.S. citizen.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just proof of the number?

Just proof of the number. Your card, a tax form, a W-2, or a letter from Social Security all work. You do not need to bring the original card — a copy is fine.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your original birth certificate plus a certified English translation, or bring your passport. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship also works.

Can my parent sign the consent form at home and mail it, or do they have to come to the DMV with me?

It depends on your state. Some states require the parent to be present in person. Others allow a notarized consent form. Check your state's DMV website or call them to find out which rule applies where you live.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.