What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The Documents Real ID Requires

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 date of birth. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card for the number, a recent utility bill or lease for address, and the same birth certificate covers date of birth. You do not need all of these as separate documents — one document often covers two categories.

The specific documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID standard requires evidence in each of those four categories. Some states accept a driver's license from another state as proof of identity; others do not. Some accept a tribal ID; others require a passport or birth certificate. Before you go to your DMV, check your state's DMV website for the exact list of what they will accept, because showing up with the wrong document wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

• You must bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, current address, and date of birth — though one document can cover more than one category.
• A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or state ID from another state usually works for identity; a Social Security card or tax return works for your number; a utility bill or lease works for address.
• Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents that state accepts, and the list differs from state to state.
• Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.

Proof of Identity Documents

For identity, the most common documents are a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a driver's license or ID card from another state. Some states also accept a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a military ID, or a foreign passport if you are a permanent resident. A few states accept a school ID or work ID, but most do not.

The birth certificate must be an official copy with a raised seal or certified by the vital records office — a photocopy or a picture on your phone will not work. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate is acceptable only if you are a U.S. citizen and can show naturalization papers or a passport proving citizenship. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of Social Security Number

The easiest proof is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that shows your Social Security number. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Real ID. That process is separate and takes several weeks. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov to start that process.

Proof of Current Address

A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in your name works for this. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days — an old bill from six months ago will not be accepted. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a bank statement, a credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check (such as a tax refund or Social Security payment) addressed to you at your current address.

If you live with someone else and the bills are in their name, ask if you can bring a letter from them on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of their utility bill. Policies vary by state, so call your DMV first to ask whether they accept a notarized letter of residency.

Proof of Date of Birth

Your birth certificate covers this, so if you are bringing one for identity, you have already satisfied this requirement. If you are using a different document for identity — such as a passport or another state's driver's license — that document also shows your date of birth, so you do not need a separate one. Only if your identity document does not show your date of birth do you need to bring something else, such as a birth certificate or passport.

In rare cases, if none of your identity documents display your date of birth clearly, the DMV may ask you to bring an additional document. Check with your state's DMV website to see whether they have specific rules about this, since most states do not require a separate proof of birth date if your identity document already shows it.

Original Documents vs. Copies

The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — your county vital records office can issue a certified copy of your birth certificate, for example. A photocopy you made yourself, a scan, or a picture on your phone is not acceptable, even if you bring the original alongside it.

Some documents, such as a utility bill or lease, do not have certified versions. For those, bring the original. If you are worried about losing an important document like your birth certificate, leave it at home and bring a certified copy instead. The DMV will return your documents to you after they verify them, so you will get them back the same day.

What Happens If You Are Missing a Document

If you arrive at the DMV without one of the four required categories of proof, you will not be able to get a Real ID that day. The DMV staff can tell you exactly what document you need and where to get it. For a birth certificate, contact your county or state vital records office — you can usually order one online and have it mailed to you within one to two weeks. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office or request a replacement through ssa.gov.

Some states allow you to submit missing documents by mail after your appointment, but most require you to come back in person once you have everything. Check your state's DMV website to see whether they offer the mail-in option. Having a plan before you go saves you a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid proof of identity for Real ID in all states. It is smaller than a passport book and works the same way for Real ID purposes.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Minor differences — such as a middle initial on one document but the full middle name on another — usually do not cause a problem. If your name is significantly different, bring a document showing the legal change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV staff will let you know if they need clarification.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A tax return, W-2, or pay stub that shows your Social Security number is sufficient. You do not need to bring the card itself.

Can I use a bank statement from my phone instead of a printed copy?

No. The DMV requires a printed or original document. read and print your bank statement before you go, or bring the original if your bank mailed it to you.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can use a foreign birth certificate as proof of identity only if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your naturalization certificate, passport, or green card to prove citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot get a Real ID.