The documents Real ID requires

A Real ID requires you to bring five things to your state's DMV or driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of lawful status in the United States, and your current driver's license or state ID card. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online in most states — you must appear in person.

The specific documents that count for each category vary slightly by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. Your state's DMV website lists which documents they accept in your state, and you should check that list before you go, because showing up with the wrong paperwork means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need five categories of documents: identity, Social Security proof, residency, lawful status, and your current license or ID card.
  • Your state DMV website shows which specific documents count in your state, because not all states accept the same documents in each category.
  • You must go to a DMV office in person — Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online.
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies usually do not count, and your DMV will tell you which documents need to be certified.

Proof of identity documents

For proof of identity, most states accept a U.S. passport, passport card, or a certified birth certificate. Some states also accept a foreign passport if you have a visa, or a Trusted Traveler card like a NEXUS or SENTRI card. A few states accept a Native American tribal ID or a military dependent ID.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, you may need to bring your naturalization papers or green card along with your birth certificate to prove you are a U.S. citizen.

Proof of Social Security number

You can show your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you will need to get one before you can get a Real ID.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not accepted. If you are using a tax document, it should be recent — most DMVs want something from the last three years.

Proof of residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address. Most states accept a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. Some states also accept mail from a government agency, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration.

The document usually needs to be recent — most DMVs want something dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage document instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, along with the utility bill.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

Lawful status means you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder), or a non-immigrant with legal permission to be here. The documents that count are a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a green card, a visa, an employment authorization document, or a state-issued ID that was already issued after you showed proof of lawful status.

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are a non-immigrant with a work visa or student visa, bring your visa and your I-94 arrival/departure record, which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. If you are not sure whether your status counts, call your state DMV before you go.

Your current license or ID card

Bring the driver's license or state ID card you have now. If you do not have one, you cannot get a Real ID — you have to get a standard driver's license or ID first, then upgrade it to Real ID at a later visit. Some states let you upgrade at the same time you renew, but not all.

If your current license or ID is expired, bring it anyway. Most states will still accept an expired card as long as it was issued by your state or another U.S. state.

What to bring to the DMV

Gather all five categories of documents before you go. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count for most documents. Check your state DMV's website to see which specific documents they accept, because the list varies by state.

Bring the documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. You will also need to fill out an process form when you arrive; most DMVs have these at the office, but some let you read and fill it out ahead of time. Bring a pen.

Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it, because it is the fastest proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have it, bring a tax document or a Social Security statement instead.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DMV will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your Real ID process. You will pay a fee, which varies by state — some charge $15 to $30 extra for a Real ID, while others include it in the regular license renewal fee. Ask what the fee is when you arrive.

Your new Real ID card will arrive by mail in one to three weeks in most states. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to fly or enter federal buildings while you wait for the card. Keep that paper license until your Real ID arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can get a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you were born in the United States, contact your state's vital records office — the address is on your state health department website. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the vital records office in that country, or ask your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help.

Can I use a passport instead of all the other documents?

A U.S. passport counts as proof of identity and proof of lawful status, so it covers two of the five categories. You still need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current driver's license or ID card. A passport does not replace those.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate from my birth country?

Bring your naturalization certificate or green card instead, along with a passport if you have one. If you do not have any of these, call your state DMV to ask what documents they will accept. You may need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or your nearest embassy for help getting proof of your status.

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most DMVs now require an appointment for Real ID, though a few still take walk-ins. Check your state DMV website to see whether you need an appointment and how to schedule one. If appointments are full, you may have to wait weeks, so book early.

What if my address on my driver's license does not match my proof of residency?

Bring both documents and explain the situation to the DMV staff. If you have moved recently, bring your lease or mortgage document showing your new address, and your old license showing your old address. The DMV will update your address when they process your Real ID.