Bring These Documents to Get Your Real ID

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. Most people bring a passport or birth certificate for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for the number, a utility bill or lease for residency, and a green card or passport for status. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go — some states accept different forms of proof than others.

You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies alone will not work. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation certified by a translator.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of documents: one for identity, one for your Social Security number, one for where you live, and one proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident.
  • Originals and certified copies are required — photocopies will be rejected at the counter.
  • Your state DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts for each category, because rules differ between states.
  • If you do not have a document in one category, your state DMV can tell you what alternatives they will take instead.

Proof of Identity Documents

For identity, bring a current or expired passport, a state ID or driver's license from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a birth certificate. A passport is the fastest because it covers identity, citizenship, and Social Security number all in one document. A birth certificate works but is slower because you will still need to bring separate proof of your Social Security number.

If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official copy with the state seal, not a photocopy you made at home. Hospital birth certificates do not count. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring an official English translation along with the original.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. Your Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have the card itself, a recent tax return or W-2 works just as well — the DMV only needs to see your number on an official document.

If you have never worked and do not have a tax return, you can request a Social Security statement online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The statement arrives by mail in about two weeks and shows your number and work history.

Proof of Residency

Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice because almost everyone has one.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead saying you live there, plus the utility bill. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot get a bill in your name — ask your DMV whether they take this form.

Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Status

Bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a green card, a visa, a travel permit, or a certificate of naturalization. A passport covers this requirement on its own. If you were born outside the United States, bring a birth certificate issued by the country where you were born, plus proof that you became a U.S. citizen — usually a naturalization certificate or a passport.

If you have a green card or visa, bring the card itself. If you have a work permit or travel permit, bring that document. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) if you were born to a U.S. citizen overseas.

What to Do If You Are Missing a Document

If you do not have one of the required documents, call your state DMV before you go. Many states have alternative documents they will accept. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, some states will take a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID instead. If you do not have proof of residency, some states will accept a letter from a government agency, a school enrollment letter, or a lease agreement even if it is older than 60 days.

Getting a replacement birth certificate takes one to four weeks depending on the state where you were born. Getting a Social Security card replacement takes two to four weeks. If you need your Real ID quickly, ask the DMV whether you can come back with the missing document later, or whether you can bring a notarized statement in the meantime.

What to Bring in Person vs. What You Can Mail

You must bring all documents in person to the DMV office. You cannot mail them ahead or submit them online. Bring the originals or certified copies — do not leave them with the DMV unless the staff member specifically asks you to. Most DMVs return documents to you at the counter after they scan or photocopy them.

If you are renewing a Real ID by mail in a state that allows it, check your state's rules about which documents can be mailed. Some states require you to mail originals; others accept photocopies for renewals. Your renewal notice will tell you what to send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The DMV requires an official certified copy with the state seal. A photocopy you made yourself will be rejected. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — it usually costs $10 to $25 and arrives in one to three weeks.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring all documents showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these to verify that you are the same person across all your documents. If you changed your name and do not have official proof, ask the DMV what they need before you go.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?

No. A passport shows your identity and citizenship, so you still need separate proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement will work. If your passport is very recent and was issued after you got your Social Security number, some states may not require a second document — call ahead to ask.

Can I bring documents that are expired?

Yes, for most documents. An expired passport, birth certificate, or green card still counts as proof. The only exception is your proof of residency — that document must be dated within the last 60 days. An expired utility bill will not work.

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

Bring a passport, a green card, a visa, or a travel permit instead. If you have none of these, contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you were born and ask for a birth certificate or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This can take several weeks, so start early.