The documents Real ID requires

Real ID requires four separate documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. You bring originals or certified copies to the DMV in person — no mailing them in. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the four categories stay the same.

You cannot use a photocopy of your birth certificate or Social Security card. The DMV needs to see the original document or a certified copy issued by the government body that created it. A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the issuing agency.

Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV once you have everything. Bring all four documents at once. If you show up missing even one category, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to return another day.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID requires originals or certified copies of four documents: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status.
  • Photocopies do not work — the DMV must see an official document or a certified copy with a government seal.
  • Each state accepts slightly different documents within the four categories, so check your state DMV website before you go.
  • You must appear in person at the DMV with all four documents; you cannot mail them or submit them online.

Proof of identity documents

For proof of identity, bring your current passport, passport card, or an original or certified birth certificate. If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate is the standard choice. The birth certificate must show your name, date of birth, and place of birth, and it must be issued by the state or county where you were born.

Some states also accept a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a tribal ID card. A few states accept a current or expired military ID. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they take, because the list is not the same everywhere.

If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you will need a certified English translation along with the original. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or the issuing country's consulate.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy issued by the Social Security Administration. The card must show your full name and nine-digit number. A photocopy of your card will not work.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. The replacement takes about two weeks by mail. You do not need to wait for the replacement to arrive before you go to the DMV — you can bring the receipt or confirmation number showing you ordered it, though policies vary by state.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, some states allow you to use a tax return, W-2 form, or a letter from the IRS showing your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Proof of residency documents

Bring one document that shows your current address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and street address.

If you have recently moved and your name is not yet on a utility bill or lease, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease. Some states also accept a government check, a paycheck stub, or a vehicle registration.

A PO box does not count as proof of residency. If you receive mail at a PO box, you will need a physical street address on your residency document instead.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

For lawful status, bring your passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Form I-551). If you have a work visa or temporary status, bring your visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or I-94 arrival/departure record.

If you are a citizen but do not have a passport or birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship works. These documents are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and come with an official seal.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have any of these documents, you cannot get a Real ID. You can still renew or get a standard state ID or driver's license, which does not require proof of lawful status.

What to do if you cannot find a document

If you have lost your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Most states allow you to order online or by mail. The cost is usually between $15 and $30, and processing takes one to three weeks. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the right office.

If you have lost your Social Security card, visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. The replacement is free and arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you cannot locate your passport or green card, contact the State Department (for passports) or USCIS (for green cards) to request a replacement. These processes take longer — usually four to six weeks — so start early if you need your Real ID by a specific date.

Bringing documents to the DMV

Bring the originals or certified copies of all four documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Bring your current driver's license or state ID as well, even though it is not a Real ID document. The DMV will use it to look up your record.

Bring a pen and your glasses if you wear them. You will fill out an process form at the DMV, and you may need to read small text on documents. Some DMVs allow you to fill out the form online before you arrive, which can speed up the process — check your state DMV website.

If you are renewing an existing Real ID or standard ID, bring your current card. If you are getting a Real ID for the first time, bring all four documents even if you already have a standard state ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate or Social Security card?

No. The DMV must see an original document or a certified copy with an official government seal and signature. A photocopy will not work, even if it is notarized. If you have lost the original, order a certified copy from the issuing agency.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

If your birth certificate shows a different name than your Social Security card or current ID, bring a document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. The DMV will use these to verify that you are the same person across all documents.

Do I need to bring documents if I am renewing my Real ID?

No, not usually. If you are renewing a Real ID that is expiring and your information has not changed, you can renew by mail or online in most states. You only need to bring documents in person if you are getting a Real ID for the first time or if your name, address, or other information has changed.

Can I use a tribal ID as proof of identity?

Yes, most states accept a tribal ID card as proof of identity. However, some states have specific requirements about which tribal IDs they accept. Check your state DMV website or call your local DMV to confirm before you go.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, along with a certified English translation if the original is in another language. You will also need to bring proof of lawful status, such as a passport, green card, or visa. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your naturalization certificate instead.