Documents Required for Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your state residency all at once. You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must appear in person at your state's driver's license or ID office with originals or certified copies. The specific documents your state accepts vary slightly, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Real ID is a federal standard that makes your driver's license or state ID card acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It is not a separate card — it is a designation on your existing license. If your state has already issued you a Real ID (marked with a star or other symbol), you already have it and do not need to do anything.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, current address, and state residency to your state's DMV office in person.
  • A passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate counts as proof of identity; a driver's license alone does not.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can prove your Social Security number.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days proves your current address.
  • The fee for a Real ID ranges from $0 to $30 depending on your state and whether you renew your license at the same time.

Proof of Identity Documents

Your state will accept one document from this list as proof of your identity. A current driver's license from another state does not count — you need a document issued by a federal or state government that shows your photograph and full legal name.

Valid identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, tribal ID card, or permanent resident card (green card). If you have a passport or passport card, bring that — it satisfies both identity and citizenship requirements at once. A certified birth certificate must have an official raised seal and come directly from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born; a photocopy or hospital-issued copy will not work.

If you were born outside the United States, a passport from your country of origin counts as proof of identity, but you will also need a separate document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.

Proof of Social Security Number

You need one document showing your full Social Security number. The easiest option is your original Social Security card. If you do not have it, the Social Security Administration can issue a replacement, though that takes about two weeks.

If you cannot get your card in time, your state will accept a W-2 form, tax return, or other IRS document showing your full nine-digit number. A pay stub works if it shows your complete Social Security number. Bank statements, insurance policies, and medical records do not count — the document must be an official government or employer record.

Proof of Current Address

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. The document must show your full name and the address where you currently live.

If you have recently moved and your bills have not caught up, ask your utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your new address and service date. Some states accept a letter from a government agency, employer, or school on official letterhead if it includes your name and current address. A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address does not count unless it is from an official source like a bank or government office.

Proof of State Residency

Most states require a second address document to prove you have lived in that state for a certain period — usually 30 days to 6 months, depending on the state. This can be the same document you used for current address (like a utility bill), or a different one. Some states accept a lease, mortgage, property tax bill, or a letter from an employer or school showing your address and employment or enrollment date.

If you are moving to a new state, check your new state's DMV website before you go to the office. Some states let you bring a lease or employment letter dated before you arrived; others require documents showing you have already been there for the minimum period. A few states have no residency requirement beyond your current address proof.

Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence

If your identity document is not a U.S. passport or passport card, you need a separate document proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A certified birth certificate counts as proof of citizenship if you were born in the United States. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Certificate of Citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), your green card itself serves as proof of lawful presence. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 document or employment authorization document (EAD) showing your status. Temporary visa holders and those on work permits should check their state's specific rules, as some states have different requirements for non-citizens.

What to Bring to the DMV Office

Gather all your documents before you go. Make a list of what you are bringing and check it against your state's DMV website, because some states have additional requirements or accept different documents than others. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring your Social Security number written down in case you need it. If you are renewing your license at the same time as getting Real ID, ask whether the fee covers both or if you pay separately. Some states charge nothing for Real ID if you renew; others charge $10 to $30. Bring a payment method your DMV office accepts — not all take cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or certified copy instead of an original?

Certified copies (issued by the government office that created the document) are accepted for most documents, such as birth certificates. Photocopies are not. Originals are always safest — bring them if you have them. Your DMV office will not keep them; you get them back after they verify them.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport from your country of origin as proof of identity, plus a separate document proving U.S. citizenship: a naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are a permanent resident, your green card counts as proof of lawful presence instead.

Do I need to renew my license to get Real ID?

No. If your license is still valid, you can get Real ID without renewing. Some states charge a small fee for the Real ID designation alone; others waive it if you renew at the same time. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost in your situation.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get Real ID without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. This takes several weeks. Some states offer an alternative ID card for people without Social Security numbers, but it is not Real ID and will not work for federal building entry or domestic air travel.

How long does it take to get Real ID after I explore?

Most states issue Real ID on the spot or mail it within one to two weeks. Some states are slower during busy seasons. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times. If you need it for air travel, plan ahead — do not wait until the week before your flight.