The Documents You Must Bring
A Real ID requires you to bring four categories of documents to your state's driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. You cannot complete the transaction without all four. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.
You do not need to gather every document listed below — you need one from each category. Most people find the documents they already have at home work fine. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not be accepted.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security, residency, and citizenship or legal presence.
- A passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license counts as proof of identity and citizenship together, which means you need fewer documents overall.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of residency if they show your current address and are dated within the last 60 days.
- Your state's driver's license office website lists the exact documents your state accepts, because some states add or remove options.
- Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will be rejected at the counter.
Proof of Identity
You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid passport is the strongest option and also covers citizenship, so bringing a passport means you can skip the separate citizenship document. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) works the same way.
If you do not have a passport, an enhanced driver's license from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card) all work. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity because it has no photograph.
Some states also accept a foreign passport or a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate. Check your state's list before you go, because acceptance varies.
Proof of Social Security Number
You need one document that shows your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the simplest option — bring the original. If you have lost your card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub from your employer all work.
A tax return (federal or state) with your Social Security number printed on it is also accepted. If you are self-employed or have not filed taxes recently, a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number will work. You can request this letter online through your Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Bank statements and insurance documents do not count, even if your Social Security number appears on them. The document must be an official record from the government, your employer, or the Social Security Administration itself.
Proof of Residency
You need one document that shows your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works. So does a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a renter's insurance policy.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and medical bills also count if they show your current address and are recent. Some states accept a letter from a government agency, a school, or an employer that shows your address. A few states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member if you have no other way to prove your address.
Documents with an old address will be rejected. If you have recently moved, bring a document dated after your move. If you have not received a bill at your new address yet, a lease agreement or a notarized letter from your landlord is usually your fastest option.
Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence
You need one document proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to be in the country. A U.S. passport or passport card covers this and also covers identity, so if you have either one, you can skip this category entirely.
A birth certificate (original or certified copy) proves citizenship. A naturalization certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also works. If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Birth Abroad serves the same purpose.
If you are not a citizen but have legal permission to live in the U.S., bring your permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, or an I-94 arrival/departure record. Some states also accept a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document or a Notice of Action showing you have filed for asylum.
What Happens If a Document Is Missing or Expired
If you arrive without one of the four required documents, the office will not process your Real ID process that day. You will need to return with the missing document. Some offices will let you schedule another appointment; others operate on a walk-in basis and you will have to come back without a may provide time slot.
An expired document is usually still accepted as long as it is not so old that the information on it is no longer accurate. A birth certificate has no expiration date. A passport that expired five years ago is still valid proof of identity and citizenship. Ask your state's driver's license office about their specific rules if you are unsure whether an old document will work.
If your birth certificate is missing or damaged, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $30. Some states now offer expedited service for an additional fee.
How to Find Your State's Specific List
Every state's driver's license office publishes its own list of accepted documents on its website. Search "[your state] Real ID documents" or "[your state] REAL ID requirements" to find the official page. The list will show you exactly which documents your state accepts in each category and whether any documents have been added or removed recently.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state's driver's license office directly. The phone number is on the state's DMV website. Having the official list in front of you when you call means you can ask about your specific documents rather than asking general questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy or a photo of my documents instead of the original?
No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. A photocopy, a photo on your phone, or a scanned PDF will be rejected. The only exception is if your state's office specifically says it accepts digital copies — check your state's website first.
What if my name has changed since I got my birth certificate?
Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states require the name-change document to be certified. Call your state's office to confirm what they need before you go.
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 categories of documents as adults. A parent or guardian cannot bring documents on behalf of a child — the child must be present.
What if I was born outside the U.S. but am a citizen?
Bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Birth Abroad, or a naturalization certificate. If you have a U.S. passport, bring that instead — it covers both identity and citizenship. If your citizenship document is from another country, it will not work; you need a U.S. government document.
Can I use a lease agreement if my name is not on it?
No. The residency document must show your name and your current address. If you are not on the lease, bring a utility bill, a bank statement, or another document in your name instead. If you have no documents in your name, ask your landlord for a notarized letter confirming your address.