The documents you need depend on your state and whether you are getting your first license or renewing

Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before they issue a driver's license. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement vary by state — what works in Texas may not work in New York. You will also need to pass a written test and a driving test, but those are separate from the document step.

The fastest way to know what your state accepts is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website directly and look for the "documents needed" or "what to bring" section. Most states list acceptable documents in order of preference. If you cannot find it online, call your local DMV office and ask them to read you the list — they can also tell you whether your documents need to be originals or whether copies are acceptable.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number — but which documents count varies by state.
  • A passport or passport card counts as identity proof in every state and also counts as proof of citizenship, which some states require separately.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency in most states, but they usually must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security card is the simplest proof of your number, but a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it will work in most states if your card is lost.
  • Bring originals unless the DMV website says copies are acceptable, and bring more documents than you think you need in case one is rejected.

Proof of identity documents that work in most states

A valid passport or passport card is accepted everywhere and is often the fastest single document to bring because it proves both identity and citizenship. If you do not have a passport, a state ID card (not a driver's license) works in all states. A birth certificate counts as identity proof in most states, though some require it to be certified — meaning it has an official seal and was ordered from the vital records office, not a photocopy you printed yourself.

A military ID, tribal ID, or school ID may work depending on your state. Some states accept a work ID if it has your photo and signature. Check your state's list before you bring any of these, because acceptance rules are stricter than they are for passport or birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card) — these count as both identity and citizenship proof.

Proof of residency: what your state will accept

A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the most common proof of residency and is accepted in all 50 states. The bill must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow bills up to 90 days old. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord works in most states. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also counts.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance bills (auto, home, or renter's) work in many states if they show your current address and are recent. Some states accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your address. A few states accept a cell phone bill, though this is less common. The key rule is that the document must show your name, your current address, and a recent date — usually within 60 days. Bring the original or a copy depending on what your state's DMV website says.

Proof of your Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the simplest document to bring. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you cannot wait for a replacement card, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return all show your Social Security number and work in most states. A bank statement or mortgage statement with your number printed on it also works. Some states accept a letter from your employer showing your Social Security number. Call your DMV to confirm which of these your state accepts before you bring them.

Citizenship and legal presence documents

Some states require separate proof that you are a U.S. citizen or have legal presence in the country. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate satisfies this requirement in all states. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card).

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal work authorization, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or your Permanent Resident Card. Some states issue driver's licenses to people without citizenship if they have legal presence; others do not. Check your state's rules before you go to the DMV, because this is one area where state rules differ sharply.

What to do if you do not have the documents you need

If you have lost your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30. You can order online through the state's vital records website or by mail. If you were born in another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate for instructions on getting a certified copy.

If you have lost your Social Security card, order a replacement through ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, ask a family member or roommate for a recent bill in their name and bring a lease or rental agreement showing your name and address alongside it — many states accept this combination. If you have no proof of residency at all, some DMVs will accept a notarized letter from someone who lives with you confirming your address, though this varies by state.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your number. You do not need to bring a certified birth certificate if you have a passport. You do not need to bring multiple utility bills — one recent bill is enough. You do not need to bring your old driver's license from another state, though bringing it can speed up the process because the DMV can verify your driving history.

You do not need to bring documents proving you have passed the written test or the driving test — you will take those tests at the DMV after you submit your documents. You do not need to bring proof of insurance or vehicle registration to get your license, though you will need insurance before you can legally drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states require a certified copy of your birth certificate, which has an official seal from the vital records office. A photocopy of a certified copy usually works, but a photocopy of an uncertified copy does not. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether they accept photocopies of certified documents.

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

A utility bill in someone else's name does not count as proof of your residency. Bring a lease or rental agreement in your name instead, or bring both the utility bill and a notarized letter from your roommate confirming that you live at that address. Some states accept this combination; others do not, so call your DMV first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have my birth certificate?

Your birth certificate does not prove your Social Security number, so you still need to bring proof of your number. A Social Security card is easiest, but a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your number works in most states.

Can I use a hotel bill or lease agreement dated more than 60 days ago?

Most states require proof of residency to be dated within 60 days. A hotel bill does not count as proof of residency because it shows temporary lodging, not a home address. A lease agreement older than 60 days usually does not work unless your state specifically allows older documents — call your DMV to ask.

What if I was born in another country and do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office or embassy of the country where you were born and request a certified birth certificate or equivalent document. If you have a passport from that country, it may count as proof of identity instead. Bring your Permanent Resident Card or Certificate of Naturalization as proof of legal presence in the United States.