The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to show your current driver's license or state ID card. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You cannot mail in your process or send documents by post. You must appear in person at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving your address — all originals or certified copies.
  • A passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate counts as proof of identity; a Social Security card or W-2 counts as proof of your number.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of address, but they must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must go to the DMV in person with your current driver's license or state ID card and pay the renewal or replacement fee.
  • Processing times vary by state, but most Real IDs arrive within two to four weeks of your visit.

Proof of identity documents that work

Your state will accept one of these as proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign passport with an approved visa or travel document.

A driver's license or state ID card from another state counts only if it is still valid and you are renewing your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, you will need one of the documents listed above instead.

The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy you made yourself or a hospital copy. If you were born outside the United States, the document must be in English or come with an official English translation.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring one of these: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a document from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Real ID. You can explore for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office; bring your proof of identity and proof of age to that appointment.

Proof of current address

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a tax return or benefit letter.

The document must show your full name and current street address. A PO box does not count as a current address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill or statement in your new name at your new address, ask your utility company or bank for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address.

What to bring to the DMV

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, all three categories of documents listed above (identity, Social Security number, and address), and the fee for your renewal or replacement. Most states charge between $100 and $150 for a Real ID, though the cost varies. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount before you go.

Bring originals or certified copies only. The DMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official certified translation along with the original.

Some states allow you to check in online or reserve an appointment slot before you visit. Look for this option on your state DMV website — it can save you time waiting in line.

Real ID vs. a standard ID

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. A standard driver's license or ID card does not have this star and does not meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID, a valid passport, a passport card, or a military ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you do not have one of these, you will not be allowed to pass security at the airport. A standard driver's license will no longer work for this purpose.

Processing time and what happens next

After you submit your documents at the DMV, the office will take your photo and process your process. Most states issue Real IDs within two to four weeks and mail them to the address you provided. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need your card sooner.

You will receive a temporary paper receipt at the DMV that you can use as proof of identity until your Real ID arrives. Keep this receipt in a safe place. If your Real ID does not arrive within the timeframe your state gave you, contact the DMV to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID by mail or online?

Most states do not allow mail or online renewal for a Real ID. You must appear in person at the DMV with your documents. A few states offer online renewal only if you are renewing a Real ID that is still valid and you have not changed your address or name since your last card was issued. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available to you.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Contact that office by phone or through its website to request a certified copy. The process usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. If you were born outside the United States and cannot obtain a certified birth certificate, a passport or passport card will work as proof of identity instead.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive locally?

You do not need a Real ID for driving. A standard driver's license works for driving in all states. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base. If you never do these things, you can keep your standard license.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my proof of address?

Your proof of address must match the address on your current driver's license or state ID card. If you have recently moved, update your address at the DMV first, then bring your new ID and a proof of address document dated after the address change. Some states allow you to update your address online before your in-person visit.

Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me?

No. Real IDs are mailed directly to the address you provide at the DMV. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person at the office. If you are concerned about mail delivery, ask the DMV if your state offers a find pickup option at the local office instead of mailing.