What to Bring When You explore for Real ID

You need four types of documents to get a Real ID: proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a government-issued photo ID. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for citizenship, a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN, a utility bill or lease for your address, and a current driver's license or passport for the photo ID. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, because some states take different forms than others.

You cannot use a photocopy or digital image of most documents — you must bring the original or a certified copy. The one exception is your Social Security card: some states let you show a copy if the original is lost. Bring your documents in person to your DMV appointment; you cannot mail them in or submit them online.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth to prove citizenship or legal residency.
  • Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return proves your SSN; a copy of your Social Security card is sometimes accepted if the original is unavailable.
  • A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days proves your current address.
  • A current driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID serves as your government-issued photo ID.
  • Check your state DMV's website before you go, because accepted documents vary by state.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is the document that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the country. A birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp — a photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport or consular report of birth abroad works instead.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are lawfully present, bring your permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), refugee travel document, or advance parole document. Some states also accept a visa paired with your passport. Check your state DMV's list before you explore, because not all states accept every form of legal residency documentation.

If your birth certificate is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. Some states let you bring a court order or adoption decree instead if you cannot get a birth certificate.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need a document that shows your full Social Security number. A Social Security card is the simplest option. If you have lost your card, most DMVs will accept a copy of it, though a few states require the original. If you do not have a Social Security card at all, bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past year — any of these shows your SSN.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks. Some states also accept a benefit statement from Social Security, a Medicare card, or a hospital or medical record that displays your SSN, though these are less common.

Proof of Your Current Address

You must show that you live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most straightforward choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. If you rent and do not have a lease, a bank statement or credit card statement from the last 60 days with your current address printed on it will do.

The document must show your name and your current address — a bill addressed to someone else at your address will not work. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a change of address confirmation from the post office along with a newer document. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states let you bring a notarized letter from the homeowner or landlord confirming you live there, though you should check your state's rules first.

Your Government-Issued Photo ID

You need one photo ID to prove who you are. A current driver's license is the most common. If you do not drive, a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID works instead. Some states also accept a state ID card (a non-driver photo ID issued by the DMV) or a permanent resident card.

The ID must not be expired, though some states give a grace period of a few months after expiration. If your current ID is lost or stolen, you will need to replace it first before you can get a Real ID. If you are explore for your first driver's license or state ID, bring a school ID, work ID, or passport instead.

What Happens If a Document Is Missing or Damaged

If you arrive at the DMV without one of the four required documents, you will not be able to complete your Real ID process that day. The DMV will tell you what is missing and send you home to get it. This is why checking your state's DMV website before your appointment saves time — you can gather everything in advance.

If a document is damaged or faded, bring it anyway and ask the DMV staff whether it is acceptable. Some documents with minor wear are still readable and will be accepted. If it is too damaged, you will need to order a replacement. For birth certificates and Social Security cards, this usually takes one to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital photo or photocopy of my documents?

No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. The only exception is your Social Security card — some states let you show a photocopy if you have lost the original. Always check your state DMV's website to confirm what they accept.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

If your birth certificate shows a different name than your current ID (for example, after marriage or a legal name change), bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to verify the connection between your old and new names.

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

No. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 form is enough to prove your SSN. You do not need to bring your actual Social Security card unless your state specifically requires it. Check your state DMV's list to be sure.

What if I was born outside the United States but am a citizen?

Bring your U.S. passport or consular report of birth abroad. If you have a naturalization certificate, that works too. A green card or visa is not enough — you need a document that proves citizenship, not just legal residency.

Can someone else bring my documents to the DMV for me?

No. You must be present in person with your original documents. The DMV staff will verify your identity and check the documents themselves. You cannot mail them in or send someone on your behalf.