The Documents You Must Bring

You need four categories 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 accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents they accept in each category. Some states accept a broader range than others. For example, some accept a utility bill for residency while others require a lease or mortgage statement. Check your state's list before you go, because showing up with the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status.
  • Originals and certified copies work; photocopies do not.
  • Your state DMV website shows which specific documents they accept, and the list differs by state.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID even if it is expired, because it counts as proof of identity.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or birth certificate plus immigration documents showing your lawful status.

Proof of Identity

Bring one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A current or expired driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. If you do not have any of these, some states accept a tribal ID, a foreign passport, or a permanent resident card.

The document does not have to be current. An expired driver's license is still acceptable proof of identity. If you have lost your ID and do not have a passport, contact your state DMV to ask which other documents they will take — the list varies.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself. The card is easiest if you have it. If you have lost it, a recent tax return or W-2 from your employer works just as well.

You cannot use a birth certificate or driver's license to prove your Social Security number, even though they may have the number printed on them. The DMV needs a document that was issued specifically to prove the number exists.

Proof of Residency

Bring one document showing your current address in the state where you are getting the Real ID. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days or so — check your state's exact requirement, because some allow older documents.

If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, some states have workarounds. You may be able to use a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or another organization that can confirm your address. Call your state DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Proof of Lawful Status

If you were born in the United States, bring your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a birth certificate issued by another country, plus a document showing you have lawful status here. That document might be a green card, an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, an I-94 arrival/departure record, or a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in your birth state — most states now allow online orders, though there is usually a fee.

What to Bring to the DMV

Gather all four documents before you go. Bring the originals or certified copies — do not bring photocopies. Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, even if it is expired. Some states also ask you to fill out an process form before you arrive; check your state DMV website to see if you can read and complete it at home.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one, because some DMV staff ask for it. Bring your phone or a printed copy of your appointment confirmation if you booked a time slot online. If you changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Common Reasons Documents Get Rejected

The most common reason is bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy. The second is bringing a document that is too old — a utility bill from eight months ago will not work if your state requires one from the last 60 days. The third is bringing a document that does not show your current address, such as an old lease or a bank statement from a previous address.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, some people bring only a birth certificate and assume it proves lawful status. It does not. You must bring both the birth certificate and a separate document showing you have the right to live and work in the United States. If you are unsure whether your immigration documents count, call your state DMV or visit the USCIS website to see what they list as proof of status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

A certified copy works, but a photocopy does not. A certified copy is stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued it. You can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, usually for a small fee. Most states now allow you to order online.

What if my address on my driver's license does not match my current address?

Bring a separate document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will use that document as your proof of residency. You do not need to update your driver's license first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a tax return instead?

Either one works. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 is just as acceptable as the card itself. If you have lost your card and do not have a recent tax document, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number.

What counts as proof of lawful status if I am not a U.S. citizen?

A green card, employment authorization document (EAD), valid visa, I-94 record, or a letter from USCIS all work. You must bring one of these documents along with your birth certificate or passport. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, contact USCIS or your state DMV before you go.

Can I use a bank statement from my spouse's account if it shows our shared address?

Most states require the document to show your name, not just your address. Call your state DMV to ask whether they accept a joint account statement. If they do not, bring a utility bill or lease in your name instead.