What Documents You Need to Get a State ID

What to bring when you explore for an ID

To get a state ID, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but most states follow the same basic pattern. You will also need to be present in person at your local DMV or ID office — you cannot complete this by mail or online.

The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, you will need to bring a certified English translation along with the original. Some states charge a small fee for certified translations, so call your DMV ahead of time if you have documents in another language.

Key Takeaways

You need one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number — originals or certified copies only.
A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for identity; a utility bill or lease works for address; a Social Security card or tax return works for your number.
You must explore in person at your state's DMV or ID office, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Each state has a slightly different list of acceptable documents, so check your state DMV website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
If you do not have a Social Security number, some states will issue an ID without one, but you will need to bring a letter from Social Security explaining why you do not have one.

Proof of identity documents

Your proof of identity must show your full legal name and your date of birth. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization papers, a birth certificate from your country of origin is usually accepted, but it must be an official certified copy with an official seal.

If you have a current or expired passport, bring that — it is the fastest document to verify because it already has your photograph on file with the federal government. If you have a naturalization certificate or permanent resident card, those are equally strong. A birth certificate takes longer to verify because the DMV has to contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

Do not bring a school ID, work ID, or library card as your primary proof of identity. Some states will accept these as a secondary document to support a birth certificate, but they are not strong enough on their own.

Proof of address documents

Your proof of address must show your current street address and your name. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days — if it is older than that, the DMV will not accept it.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government benefit letter with your address will work in most states. If you are homeless or living with someone else and do not have a document in your name, ask the DMV what they accept — some states will take a notarized letter from the person whose address you are using, confirming that you live there.

Do not bring a credit card statement or cell phone bill. These are not considered reliable proof of address because they can be obtained without verifying where you actually live.

Proof of your Social Security number

Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof. If you have it, bring the original. If you have lost it, a Social Security benefit letter, a tax return from the IRS, a W-2 form from an employer, or a 1099 form all work. These documents must show your full Social Security number.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks by mail. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask what other documents they can provide as proof of your number.

If you do not have a Social Security number at all — because you are not a U.S. citizen or for another reason — bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have one. Some states will issue an ID without a Social Security number if you provide this letter, though a few states require one. Check your state DMV website to see whether your state allows IDs without a Social Security number.

How to prepare before you go to the DMV

Call or visit your state DMV website before you go. Each state has a slightly different list of acceptable documents, and some states have additional requirements based on your age or immigration status. The DMV website will tell you exactly which documents your state accepts and whether you need to bring anything else.

Make copies of all your documents before you go, and keep the copies at home. The DMV will not take your originals — they will look at them, verify them, and hand them back to you. If a document is damaged or hard to read, bring it anyway; the DMV staff can usually still verify it.

If you are under 18, check whether your state requires a parent or guardian to sign the process or be present with you. Most states do, but the rules vary. If you are explore for a Real ID (which is required for domestic air travel), you may need additional documents — check your state's website for the Real ID requirements.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DMV will verify your documents while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If everything checks out, they will take your photograph and fingerprints, and you will be done. Your ID will arrive by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state.

If the DMV cannot verify one of your documents — for example, if your birth certificate does not match their records — they will tell you what the problem is and what you need to do to fix it. You may need to contact the vital records office in the state where you were born, or you may need to bring a different document. The DMV will not issue your ID until the problem is resolved.

If you are in a hurry, some states offer expedited ID service for an extra fee. This usually means your ID arrives within one week instead of three. Ask the DMV staff whether your state offers this option.

If you are missing one of the three document types

If you do not have one of the three required documents, do not go to the DMV yet. Instead, contact your state DMV by phone or email and ask what alternatives they accept. Most states have a list of backup documents for each category.

For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, some states will accept a passport, naturalization certificate, or even a baptism record from a church. If you do not have a utility bill, some states will accept a letter from a landlord or a bank statement. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request one from Social Security before you explore for your ID.

The DMV website usually lists these alternatives, but if you cannot find them, call the DMV directly. They would rather answer a question on the phone than have you make a trip with the wrong documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. or foreign passport, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card all work instead. If you have none of these, contact your state DMV to ask what other documents they accept — some states will take a baptism record, a school record, or a court document showing your date of birth.

What if my address on my lease or utility bill does not match my ID process?

The address on your proof-of-address document must match the address you write on your ID process. If you recently moved, bring a utility bill or lease from your new address. If you have not received a bill at your new address yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your address, or bring a notarized statement from someone who lives with you.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a tax return instead?

Either one works. A Social Security card is fastest because the DMV can verify it when ready. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 takes a few minutes longer to verify, but the DMV accepts all of them. Bring whichever one you have.

Can someone else pick up my ID for me, or do I have to go to the DMV myself?

You must go in person to explore. The DMV needs to take your photograph and verify your identity face-to-face. Once your ID arrives by mail, someone else can pick it up for you if your state allows it — call the DMV to ask whether they will release it to someone other than you.

How much does a state ID cost?

The cost varies by state, usually between $10 and $30 for a standard ID. Some states charge more for a Real ID or for expedited service. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee, and bring cash or a debit card — not all DMV offices accept credit cards.

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.