The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. The exact documents vary by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must appear in person at your state's driver's license or ID office.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states began rolling out in 2020. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current driver's license or state ID does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, it does not meet the standard.

The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identity document to prove who you are.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return — the card itself is easiest.
  • Proof of residency means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address, dated within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of lawful status can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document, depending on your citizenship.
  • You must go to your state's driver's license office in person; there is no online or mail option for Real ID.

Proof of identity documents that work

A U.S. passport is the single easiest document because it covers identity, citizenship, and lawful status all at once. If you have a passport, bring it and you are halfway done.

If you do not have a passport, bring your birth certificate — an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy will not work. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

A few states accept a military ID or a tribal ID card as proof of identity on its own. Check your state's driver's license office website to see what it takes in your state, because the list differs.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the fastest option. Bring the original card — a photocopy is not accepted. If you have lost your card, you can get a replacement from your local Social Security office, but that takes time.

If you do not have your card, bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. The document must be an original or certified copy. A bank statement with your Social Security number also works in most states.

You cannot use a letter from the Social Security Administration or a benefit statement alone — it must be a tax or employment document.

Proof of residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name works — electric, gas, water, or internet. A lease or mortgage statement also works. A bank or credit card statement with your address works. Some states accept a property tax bill or a vehicle registration.

The document must show your full name and current street address. A post office box does not count as residency. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, ask your state's driver's license office what it will accept — some allow a letter from a shelter or a social services agency.

If you recently moved, bring a document dated after your move. If you have not yet received a utility bill at your new address, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord showing your move-in date.

Proof of lawful status

If you are a U.S. citizen, your birth certificate or passport proves lawful status. If you were born outside the United States, bring a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

If you are a permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you are in the country on a visa or work authorization, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or your visa and passport. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your Refugee Travel Document or your I-94 arrival record.

Each state has a list of documents it will accept for lawful status. Check your state's driver's license office website before you go, because some states accept more documents than others.

What to bring to the driver's license office

Bring originals or certified copies — no photocopies. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring all four categories of documents: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, because it is the easiest proof of your number.

Bring documents dated within the last 60 days for residency. If a document is older than that, it will not work. Bring documents in English or with an official English translation — if a document is in another language, you may need to have it translated by a certified translator.

Some states require you to fill out an process before you arrive. Check your state's website to see if you can fill it out online ahead of time, because doing so can speed up your visit.

What happens after you bring your documents

The driver's license office will check your documents, take your photo, and collect a fee. The fee varies by state — it is usually between $20 and $50 for a Real ID. You will get a temporary paper ID on the spot, and your Real ID card will arrive by mail in one to three weeks.

If a document is missing or does not meet the state's standard, the office will tell you what you need to bring back. You will have to return in person with the correct document. Some states allow you to submit missing documents by mail, but most require you to come back.

If you are renewing your license at the same time, the process is the same — bring all four categories of documents and you will get a Real ID renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have your original, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and order a certified copy — it usually takes one to two weeks.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

If your name is different on your birth certificate and your Social Security card — for example, because of a marriage or legal name change — bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The driver's license office will use the name on your birth certificate unless you show proof of a legal change.

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

No. A valid U.S. passport works for domestic flights and federal buildings instead of a Real ID. You do not need both. If you do not have a passport and do not plan to get one, you need a Real ID to fly domestically.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate with an official English translation, or bring your passport. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. The driver's license office will tell you if your document is acceptable.

Can I get a Real ID without a Social Security number?

No. Federal law requires proof of a Social Security number. If you do not have a number, you will need to explore for one at your local Social Security office before you can get a Real ID. This takes several weeks.