Documents Required for a Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring five categories of documents to your state's driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of legal status, and your current driver's license or state ID. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. You cannot mail these in or submit them online—you must appear in person.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states began rolling out in 2020. It affects only the ID itself, not your driving privileges. If your state's driver's license office says your documents are acceptable, you will receive a Real ID-compliant card, usually marked with a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a Real ID by the important date your state sets, you will not be able to use a standard driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of five categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, legal status, and your current license or ID card.
  • Acceptable documents vary by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go to the office to avoid a wasted trip.
  • You must appear in person—no documents can be mailed in or submitted online.
  • Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether your documents need verification.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, most states accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state. If you do not have a passport, you can use a certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Some states also accept a valid foreign passport, though this varies.

A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or a birth certificate ordered online without an official seal will not work. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or naturalization certificate, contact your state's DMV office directly—they can tell you which documents they will accept in your situation.

Proof of Social Security Number

You need an original or certified copy of a document that shows your Social Security number. The most common option is your Social Security card itself. If you have lost it or never received one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that displays your full Social Security number.

The document must be current or recent—most states accept documents from the past year or two, though this varies. If the document is older than that, call your state's DMV to ask whether they will accept it. A photocopy of your Social Security card is usually acceptable, but an original is safer because it cannot be questioned.

Proof of Residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill usually works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the past two months or three months, depending on your state. Some states also accept a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease has not yet arrived in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement. If you live with family or a roommate and the utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a signed statement from the account holder confirming you live there, plus a document with your name and that address (such as a piece of mail from a government agency). Check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents, because some states are stricter than others.

Proof of Legal Status in the United States

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. U.S. citizens can bring a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you were born in the United States, a certified birth certificate counts as proof of citizenship.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can bring their green card or a Permanent Resident Card. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a green card, you cannot get a Real ID at this time. Some states may issue a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license to people with work visas or other temporary legal status, but that is a separate process—ask your state's DMV what options exist for your situation.

Your Current License or ID Card

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. If you have lost it, bring a police report of the loss or a written statement explaining what happened. If you have never had a driver's license or state ID, you do not need to bring one—just tell the DMV staff when you arrive.

If your current license or ID is suspended or revoked, you may not be able to renew it for a Real ID. Contact your state's DMV before you go to the office to find out whether you are may be able to access to get a Real ID in your situation.

What Happens at the DMV Office

Bring all five categories of documents with you when you go to your state's DMV office. The staff will examine each document, make copies of some of them, and verify that they meet the Real ID standard. They will take a new photo of you and ask you to sign a statement confirming the information on your process is correct.

Some states process Real IDs on the spot and hand you the card the same day. Others mail it to you within one to three weeks. A few states take longer if they need to verify your documents with another agency—for example, if your birth certificate needs to be confirmed with the state where you were born. Ask the DMV staff how long it will take in your state before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring originals, or can I bring photocopies?

Bring originals whenever possible. The DMV staff will make copies for their records. A photocopy of your Social Security card or a utility bill is usually acceptable, but an original is safer and faster because it cannot be questioned. Never bring only a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport—always bring the original.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's DMV to ask which documents they will accept. You may need to order a Consular Report from the U.S. State Department, which takes several weeks.

Can I get a Real ID if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name will work. The document must be an original or certified copy. If your current driver's license shows your old name, bring that too so the DMV can see the change.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, ask your state's DMV whether they offer a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license or ID card for people in your situation.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I submit my documents?

Processing time varies by state. Some states issue the card the same day. Others mail it within one to three weeks. A few states take longer if they need to verify documents with another agency. Ask the DMV staff for an estimate before you leave the office, and ask whether you can check the status online.