What to Bring When You explore for a Real ID

You need four types of documents to get a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status in the United States. The exact documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Most people bring a birth certificate for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for the number, a utility bill or lease for residency, and a passport or green card for lawful status.

You cannot use a photocopy or digital image of most documents—bring the originals or certified copies. The DMV will look at them in person, verify they are real, and return them to you. Some documents, like utility bills, can be printed from your online account as long as they show your name and current address. Plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes at the window while staff examine your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified documents in all four categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status.
  • A birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and passport or green card will work in most states and cover all four requirements.
  • Your state DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts, because some states allow alternatives like a driver's license for identity or a mortgage statement for residency.
  • Bring documents that show your current legal name; if you changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that proves the change.
  • The DMV will return your original documents to you after verifying them, so you do not lose them in the process.

Proof of Identity Documents

For proof of identity, most states accept a birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign birth certificate works, but it must be an official document from the government that issued it—not a translation or photocopy. Some states also accept a passport, a driver's license issued before Real ID took effect, or a school ID with your photo.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that proves the change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DMV staff will check that the name on your birth certificate matches the name you are using now, or that you have paperwork showing the transition between them.

Proof of Social Security Number

The simplest document here is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card, bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return that shows your full Social Security number. You can also bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number—you can request this online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The document must show your full nine-digit number. Some states will also accept a pay stub or bank statement if it displays your Social Security number, though this varies. Check your state DMV website to see what it accepts before you go, because some offices are stricter than others.

Proof of Residency

A utility bill in your name is the most common proof of residency. This includes electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills. The bill must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. You can print it from your online account if the printout shows your name and address clearly.

If you do not have a utility bill, other documents work depending on your state: a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or benefit statement, or a letter from a government agency. Some states accept a notarized affidavit from a landlord or family member if you live with someone else and cannot get a bill in your own name. Call your DMV ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will work.

Proof of Lawful Status in the United States

A U.S. passport is the easiest document for this category. If you do not have a passport, a green card (Permanent Resident Card), a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), or a visa in your passport all work. You can also bring a birth certificate if you were born in the United States, because that proves citizenship directly.

If you are a citizen but do not have a passport or birth certificate, some states accept a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a state-issued birth certificate. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad. Bring whatever document you have that shows you have the right to be in the country legally.

Name Changes and Special Situations

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves it. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order must be an original or certified copy. The DMV will check that your current legal name matches what you are presenting, and that the name change is documented.

If you are transgender and your birth certificate does not match your current legal name and gender, bring your court order for name change and, if available, your amended birth certificate. Not all states require you to change your birth certificate to get a Real ID, but some do. Contact your state DMV or your state vital records office to find out what you need in your situation.

How to Get Documents You Do Not Have

If you need a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can usually order one online or by mail for $15 to $30. It takes one to three weeks to arrive by mail, though some states offer rush delivery for an extra fee. If you were born outside the United States, contact the government agency in that country that issues birth certificates.

If you need a Social Security card, go to ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement. You can explore online if you have a My Social Security account. If you need a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number, you can request it the same way. If you need a corrected or amended birth certificate because of a name change, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What to Do Before You Go to the DMV

Check your state DMV website for the exact list of documents it accepts, because some states have different rules. Many state DMV sites have a checklist you can print or a tool that tells you which documents work for your situation. Gather all four documents before you go, and bring originals or certified copies—do not bring photocopies.

Make sure the name on all your documents matches, or that you have paperwork showing why it does not. If your address on your documents is old, bring a recent utility bill or lease to show your current address. Arrive early, because DMV offices can have long waits. Bring your documents in a folder so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV needs to see the original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy or digital image will not work. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring the document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will verify that the name change is legal and documented. If you changed your name but do not have the paperwork, you will need to get it before you can get a Real ID.

Do I need to bring all four documents, or can I bring alternatives?

You need documents in all four categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status. Your state DMV website lists which specific documents work for each category. Some states accept more alternatives than others, so check before you go.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your foreign birth certificate (original or certified copy), your Social Security card or tax return, proof of residency, and your passport, green card, or work permit. If your birth certificate is not in English, some states require a certified translation. Check your state DMV website to see if translation is needed.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I turn in my documents?

The DMV returns your documents to you the same day after verifying them. Your Real ID card itself takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, though some states offer rush delivery. Check your state DMV website for the exact timeline in your area.