Documents Required for Real ID

You will need to bring four types of documents to your state's motor vehicle office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Most people have these documents already at home.

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. You do not need to translate it yourself; your state's motor vehicle office can direct you to approved translators if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver's license.
  • Proof of your Social Security number requires either your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return — a number alone is not enough.
  • Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of citizenship requires a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal document — a green card does not count.
  • Bring originals or certified copies only; photocopies will be rejected at the counter.

Proof of Identity Documents

Your state will accept one document from this list as proof of identity. A U.S. passport or passport card works in every state. A birth certificate issued by a vital records office (not a hospital record) is accepted everywhere. A driver's license or state ID from another state counts, as does a military ID card or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

Some states also accept a permanent resident card (green card), a foreign passport, or a certificate of naturalization as proof of identity, though this varies. Check your state's motor vehicle website before you go — it will list exactly which documents that office accepts. If your birth certificate is worn, faded, or missing a seal, order a certified replacement from your state's vital records office rather than bringing the damaged original.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring a document that shows your actual Social Security number, not just state that you have one. An original Social Security card is the simplest option. If you have lost your card, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return showing your number will work instead. A Social Security statement mailed by the Social Security Administration also counts.

Bank statements, pay stubs, and insurance documents that show your Social Security number are accepted by some states but not all — again, check your state's list first. If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a tax document, you can order a replacement card from the Social Security Administration online or by visiting a local office before your motor vehicle appointment.

Proof of Residency

You need one document showing your current address within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) in your name is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill also work. Government mail counts too — a voter registration card, tax notice, or court document addressed to you at your current address will be accepted.

The document must show your full name and street address. A PO box does not count as residency proof. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with family and are not on the utility bill, ask the bill holder to bring the document with you and be prepared to sign an affidavit stating that you live there — your state's motor vehicle office will have the form.

Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence

This is the document that separates Real ID from a standard driver's license. You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status. A U.S. passport or passport card proves citizenship and counts for both identity and citizenship at once. A birth certificate issued by a vital records office also proves citizenship. A certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services works as well.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful presence, bring your permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), advance parole document, or tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. A green card alone does not prove citizenship, so if you are a permanent resident, you cannot get a Real ID — you can get a standard state ID instead. If you were born on a U.S. military base overseas, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).

What Happens If a Document Is Missing or Damaged

If you cannot find one of the four required documents, do not go to the motor vehicle office yet. Order a replacement first. A new birth certificate takes one to four weeks from your state's vital records office, depending on the state. A replacement Social Security card takes one to two weeks by mail from the Social Security Administration. A new utility bill or mortgage statement can usually be printed online or requested by phone within days.

If a document is damaged but still readable, bring it anyway — the staff member at the counter will decide whether to accept it. If it is too worn or the information is illegible, order a certified replacement. Bring all four types of documents to your appointment; if you are missing even one, you will be turned away and have to reschedule.

Documents You Do Not Need

You do not need to bring your Social Security number written on a separate piece of paper, a photocopy of your documents, or a letter from an employer or landlord vouching for you. You do not need a notarized statement or any kind of affidavit unless your state's motor vehicle office specifically tells you to bring one (for example, if you are using a family member's utility bill as proof of residency).

You do not need to bring your old driver's license, though it can help speed up the process if you already have one from your state. You do not need proof of your address history or any documents showing where you lived before. Bring only the documents listed on your state's Real ID checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of one from vital records?

No. A hospital birth certificate is a record of your birth but is not an official vital record. You must order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, which usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to four weeks. Check your state's vital records website to order online or by mail.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Small differences like a middle initial or a nickname usually are not a problem. Bring all documents showing the name variation and be ready to explain the difference — for example, if you changed your name after marriage. If the differences are large, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Do I need to bring documents for my children, or just myself?

Each person getting a Real ID must bring their own documents. Children need the same four types of documents as adults. A parent or guardian can bring the documents on the child's behalf, but the child's birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship are all required.

Can I use a lease that is not yet signed, or one that is about to expire?

A lease must be signed and current. If your lease expires next month, it still counts as proof of residency. If you have not signed it yet, bring a different document like a utility bill or mortgage statement instead. If you are moving soon and your current lease is ending, bring a utility bill in your name at your current address.

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

Bring your U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). If you do not have any of these, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the State Department to order a certificate of citizenship before your motor vehicle appointment.