Bring These Documents to the DMV or License Office

When you go to get your driver's license, bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but these three categories cover what every state requires. You will also need to bring the documents that show you passed your written test and driving test, if you have not already done so at that same visit.

Most states let you bring originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a document stamped by the government office that issued it. Photocopies alone will not work. If you are renewing rather than getting your first license, requirements are lighter — usually just your current license plus proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of where you live (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax document).
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies do not count, and documents must be current or recently issued.
  • If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID, plus your birth certificate showing both parents' names.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because some states take documents others do not.
  • Arrive with all documents in one trip — going back for a missing document costs time and may delay your license.

Proof of Identity: What Works

Your proof of identity must show your name, date of birth, and usually a photo. A U.S. passport or passport card works in every state. A birth certificate (the long-form certified copy, not a hospital record) works in every state. A state ID card from another state works if it is current and not expired.

Some states also accept a military ID, tribal ID, school ID with a photo, or a certified copy of a court order (for name changes). A few states accept a consular ID from your country's embassy if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents it takes, because the list differs.

Documents must not be expired. If your passport expired five years ago, it will not work. If your birth certificate is damaged or the text is faded, bring it anyway and ask the clerk — they can often read it or accept it with a second identity document.

Proof of Residency: Current Address Documents

You need a document showing your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord works. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works if you own your home.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance bills also work in most states if they show your name and address and are dated recently. "Recently" usually means within the last two to three months. A bill from six months ago will likely be rejected.

If you live with family and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some states call this an "affidavit of residence." The letter must be signed in front of a notary public (banks, libraries, and UPS stores offer this service for a small fee). Bring the notary's stamp and signature on the letter, plus the utility bill or lease for the person who wrote it.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return showing your Social Security number. A pay stub from your employer works if it shows your full Social Security number. A letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number also works.

If you have never worked and do not have a tax document, you can bring a bank statement that shows your Social Security number, or a letter from Social Security (you can request this online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213). Do not bring a document with your number partially hidden or redacted — the DMV needs to see all nine digits to verify it.

Documents for Minors and Guardianship

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You must bring your birth certificate showing both parents' names, even if only one parent is present. If one parent has sole custody, bring the custody order from the court.

If you are in foster care or your guardian is not a parent, bring the court order naming your guardian. If a parent is deceased, bring a death certificate. Some states require the guardian to sign a parental consent form at the DMV; others do not. Call your state's DMV ahead of time to ask what your situation requires.

What to Bring If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen

If you have a green card (permanent resident card), bring it. If you have a work visa or student visa, bring your passport and the visa document. Some states issue licenses to people on temporary visas; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether your visa type qualifies.

If you are undocumented, some states issue licenses and some do not. States that do issue them usually require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS if you have one. A few states also accept a consular ID from your country's embassy as proof of identity. Again, your state's DMV website will tell you what it accepts.

Common Documents to Leave at Home

Do not bring a school ID alone — it works only as a second document if your state allows it, not as your main proof of identity. Do not bring a library card, gym membership, or credit card; these are not accepted anywhere. Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified (stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued it).

Do not bring documents that are water-damaged, torn, or have information crossed out or written over. The DMV will reject them. If your documents are damaged, contact the office that issued them (your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, the Social Security Administration for a Social Security card) and request a replacement before you go to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

Most states do not accept photos or digital copies. Bring the physical originals or certified paper copies. A few states are beginning to accept digital IDs through their apps, but this is rare. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask whether digital documents are accepted in your state.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) and request a certified copy. This takes one to four weeks by mail, or sometimes one to two days if you go in person. You can also use a passport or passport card instead of a birth certificate for proof of identity.

Do I need to bring my test results or appointment confirmation?

If you are taking your written or driving test at the DMV on the same day, bring your appointment confirmation or the email confirming your test time. If you already passed the test at a separate location, bring the pass certificate or letter the testing center gave you. The DMV will have your test results in their system, but bringing the paper copy speeds things up.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring both your old ID (with the old address) and a current proof of residency document (utility bill or lease with your new address). The DMV will update your address during the license process. You do not need to update your ID first.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go in person?

No. You must be present in person to get a driver's license. The DMV needs to verify your identity, take your photo, and have you sign the license process. A few states allow you to renew an existing license by mail, but you cannot get a new license without appearing at the office yourself.