Bring These Documents to Your Real ID Appointment
You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your Real ID appointment. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but every state requires one document from each of these three categories. You cannot complete your appointment without all three, so check your state's DMV website before you go—it lists the specific documents your state accepts.
Bring the original documents, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and may make copies for your file. If you bring copies instead of originals, you will be turned away and have to reschedule. Bring your current driver's license or state ID card as well, even though it is not a Real ID yet.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number—originals only, not copies.
- A passport, passport card, or birth certificate counts as proof of identity in every state, but some states also accept other documents like military ID or tribal ID.
- Proof of residency usually means a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days, though some states accept bank statements or government mail instead.
- Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof, but you can also use a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement if your card is lost.
- Bring your current driver's license or state ID card to your appointment, along with any name-change documents if you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last ID.
Proof of Identity: What the DMV Accepts
A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted in every state and is the easiest single document to bring. If you have one, bring it. A birth certificate (original or certified copy) also works in all states. A military ID or military dependent ID counts in most states. Some states also accept a tribal ID, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document.
If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents. Some states accept a school ID, a consular ID card, or a foreign passport. The rules differ enough that you cannot assume what works in one state works in another. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call your local DMV office before your appointment rather than showing up with the wrong papers.
Proof of Residency: Documents That Show Your Address
A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof of residency. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days is accepted in most states. Some states also accept government mail like a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document that shows your current address.
The document must show your name and your current address—the address where you actually live now, not a previous address. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there. Check your state's rules on this before your appointment, because not all states allow it.
Proof of Social Security Number: Your Options
Your Social Security card itself is the simplest proof. Bring the original card. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return that shows your full Social Security number. A Social Security statement (the official document the Social Security Administration mails to you) also works.
If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card before your Real ID appointment. The Social Security Administration can mail you a new card, though it takes about two weeks. If your appointment is coming up soon, call the Social Security office in your area to see if they can issue a replacement faster, or ask the DMV whether they will postpone your appointment if you are waiting for a replacement card to arrive.
Name-Change Documents You May Need
If your name has changed since you got your current driver's license or state ID—because you married, divorced, or legally changed your name—bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change will work. Bring the original or a certified copy.
If you have changed your name more than once, bring all the documents that show each change in order. For example, if you married and then divorced and took back your maiden name, bring both the marriage certificate and the divorce decree. The DMV needs to see the chain of name changes to update your record correctly.
What to Leave at Home
Do not bring copies of documents unless your state's DMV website specifically says copies are acceptable. Most states require originals. Do not bring expired documents—they must be current or, in the case of birth certificates, issued within a reasonable time frame (usually within the last 10 years, though some states have no time limit for birth certificates).
Do not bring documents that are damaged, water-stained, or hard to read. If a document is in poor condition, request a replacement before your appointment. Do not bring documents in a language other than English unless they come with an official English translation. Some states accept foreign documents with a certified translation; others do not. Check your state's rules first.
What Happens If You Bring the Wrong Documents
If you arrive at your appointment without all three categories of documents, or if the documents you bring are not acceptable in your state, the DMV will not process your Real ID. You will have to reschedule and come back another time with the correct documents. This means taking another day off work or rearranging your schedule, so it is worth spending 10 minutes on your state's DMV website before you go.
If you are unsure about a specific document, call your local DMV office or use your state's online chat tool before your appointment. Most DMV websites have a phone number or email for questions. A quick call can save you a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo from my phone as proof of residency if I do not have a physical bill?
No. You must bring the original document or a certified copy. A photo of a bill on your phone is not acceptable because the DMV staff cannot verify it is real. If you do not have a physical copy of a utility bill, ask your utility company to print one or mail one to you, or bring a different document like a lease or mortgage statement instead.
What if my address on my birth certificate does not match where I live now?
That is fine. Your birth certificate is proof of identity, not proof of residency. You still need a separate document—like a utility bill or lease—that shows your current address. The birth certificate does not need to match your current address.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?
No. A tax return counts as proof of your Social Security number on its own. You do not need to bring the card itself. Bring whichever document you have that shows your Social Security number.
Can my spouse's utility bill count as proof of residency if we live together?
It depends on your state. Some states accept a bill in someone else's name if you bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. Other states require the bill to be in your name. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what they allow.
What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?
You can request a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The process takes one to four weeks depending on the state. In the meantime, if you have a military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card, any of those can work as proof of identity instead. Check your state's full list of acceptable documents on the DMV website.