The Documents You Must Bring

You need four categories 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 form of identification that shows your name and date of birth. You cannot explore without all four. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, but the categories themselves are federal requirements.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Some states accept digital copies on your phone if they are certified by the issuing agency, but most require you to hand over the physical document. Ask your state's DMV website which documents they accept before you go, because what works in one state may not work in another.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship or legal residency, a Social Security card or tax document, proof of your current address, and a photo ID showing your name and birth date.
  • Originals and certified copies are required; photocopies and digital images usually do not work unless your state DMV explicitly says they do.
  • Each state's DMV maintains its own list of acceptable documents, so check your state's website before your appointment.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.
  • Bring your current driver's license or passport even if it is expired, as long as the expiration is recent.

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 U.S. passport book or passport card satisfies this requirement on its own. So does a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribal government — it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or security features, not a photocopy from a hospital or funeral home.

If you were born outside the U.S., you can use a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a valid visa paired with your passport. Military dependents born overseas can use a Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State.

If your birth certificate is missing or damaged, you must order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. This takes one to four weeks depending on the state. You cannot move forward with your Real ID appointment until you have it.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need a document that shows your Social Security number. The easiest option is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or it is lost, you can use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a paystub that displays your full Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead — this is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring the IRS letter that assigned you the ITIN, or a tax return showing it.

If you have never had a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Real ID. This is a separate process that takes several weeks.

Proof of Your Current Address

You must show where you live now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Some states also accept a government-issued document with your current address, such as a property tax bill or vehicle registration.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring a document dated after your move — a new bank statement, a recent credit card bill, or a letter from your landlord confirming your move-in date. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them stating that you live there, plus the utility bill.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states allow you to use a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or a letter from a social service agency. Call your state DMV to ask what they accept in your situation.

A Photo ID Showing Your Name and Birth Date

You need one document that has your photograph, your full name, and your date of birth. Your current driver's license or state ID card is the standard choice, even if it is expired within the last year or two. A U.S. passport book or card works. So does a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport from another country paired with a U.S. visa.

If your ID is expired by more than a few years, call your state DMV to ask whether they will accept it. Some states have a grace period; others do not. If your ID is not accepted, you may need to bring a second form of identification that shows your name and birth date — such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate — along with something that shows your photograph, such as a school ID or employee badge.

Documents You Do Not Need

You do not need to bring your Social Security card in its original form if you have another document showing the number. You do not need to bring multiple forms of address proof — one recent utility bill or lease is enough. You do not need to bring documents proving your name change if you have a current ID in your new name; the DMV will see that your ID matches your process.

You do not need to bring documents proving your immigration status beyond what is required for the citizenship or residency category. You do not need to bring documents related to your driving record or traffic history — those are already in the DMV system.

How to Prepare Before Your Appointment

Check your state DMV's website for the exact list of documents they accept. Many states have a checklist you can print or a tool that lets you enter what documents you have and see whether they are acceptable. Some states let you upload photos of your documents before your appointment so staff can flag any problems ahead of time.

Gather all four categories of documents and put them in a folder. If any document is worn, faded, or hard to read, order a replacement now — this can take weeks. If your birth certificate is missing, order it from your state's vital records office when ready. If you do not have a Social Security card, request a replacement from the Social Security Administration.

Bring the originals to your appointment. Do not leave them at home thinking you can submit them later. The DMV will not process your Real ID without seeing them in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

Most states require originals or certified paper copies. A few states accept certified digital copies if they come directly from the issuing agency — for example, a digital birth certificate from your state's vital records office. Check your state DMV's website to see if they accept digital documents. When in doubt, bring the paper original.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to verify that you are the same person across all your documents. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the certified copy of that document.

Can I use my passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport book or card satisfies the citizenship requirement on its own, so you do not need a separate birth certificate. Bring your passport, your Social Security card or tax document, proof of address, and a photo ID if your passport is expired.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but I am a citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have one of these, bring your passport. You will also need the other three categories: Social Security proof, address proof, and a photo ID.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license if I am renewing it?

Yes, bring your current or expired driver's license. The DMV uses it to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. Even if it is expired, it counts as your photo ID for the Real ID process.