Start with your current ID and proof of residence

To get a Real ID, you need to bring two things to your state's DMV or equivalent office: a current driver's license or state ID card, and a document that proves where you live. That proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. Some states accept property tax bills or insurance documents instead.

Your current ID doesn't have to be a Real ID itself. A standard driver's license or state ID works fine as your starting point. If your ID is expired, most states will still accept it as long as the expiration happened within the last five years, though you should call your local DMV to confirm their specific rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID plus a document showing your current address, dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will need proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return.
  • Bring a document that proves your date of birth and citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
  • Real ID costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state, and processing takes one to two weeks in most places.
  • You can renew by mail in some states, but first-time Real ID applicants usually must appear in person at a DMV office.

Proof of your Social Security number

You must show your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you don't have it, bring a W-2 form from your employer, a tax return, or a Social Security statement — you can request one free from ssa.gov.

The DMV will not accept a document with just the last four digits of your number. It needs to show the full nine-digit number. If you've lost your card and can't find any of these documents, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though that adds time to the process.

Proof of citizenship and date of birth

You need one document that proves both your citizenship and your date of birth. A U.S. passport is the simplest option because it covers both. A certified birth certificate works too — order it from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, not from a genealogy website.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or passport. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.

What happens if you were born outside the U.S.

If you were not born in the United States, the process is the same except your citizenship document replaces the birth certificate. Bring your naturalization papers, Certificate of Citizenship, or passport. If you hold a valid U.S. passport, that single document satisfies both the citizenship and birth date requirement.

If your naturalization or citizenship documents are in another language, bring the original plus an official English translation. The DMV will not accept a translation you did yourself.

Name change documents if applicable

If your name on your current ID does not match your birth certificate or citizenship documents, bring the document that explains the change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a legal name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were married, then divorced and remarried, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree.

Cost and how long it takes

Real ID costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state. Some states charge the same price as a standard ID; others charge extra for the Real ID feature. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.

Processing time varies. In most states, you will have your Real ID within one to two weeks if you explore in person. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25, which cuts the time to three to five business days. A few states mail Real IDs within days, but this is less common.

Where to explore and whether you can use the mail

You must explore in person at your state's DMV office or equivalent agency — the Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State's office, or whatever your state calls it. First-time Real ID applicants cannot mail in their process, because the DMV needs to verify your documents and take your photo in person.

If you already have a Real ID and are renewing it, some states allow you to renew by mail or online. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option for you. Even if mail renewal is available, you will need to submit copies of your documents, so have them ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

A passport works for federal purposes like flying domestically and entering federal buildings, so you don't need a Real ID for those. However, a Real ID is cheaper than a passport and easier to carry. If you already have a passport, you can skip the Real ID unless you want a backup ID or prefer not to carry your passport.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., request your citizenship or naturalization documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services instead.

Can I bring photocopies instead of originals?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Photocopies you made yourself will not be accepted. If a document is certified, the seal or stamp from the issuing office must be visible on the copy.

What if my address on my ID is different from my current address?

Bring the proof of residence document showing your current address. The DMV will update your address when you explore for the Real ID. You don't need to change your address separately first.

How do I know if my state's DMV is open and what documents they specifically need?

Visit your state's DMV website directly — search "[your state] DMV real ID requirements" — because rules vary by state. Some states accept additional documents that others don't, and some have different fees or processing times. The official website will list exactly what your state needs.