Bring proof of identity, residency, and citizenship to your DMV appointment

You need four types of documents: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, one that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and your Social Security number. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Most people bring a passport or birth certificate, a recent utility bill or lease, and their Social Security card.

You cannot get a Real ID without all four categories filled. If you show up missing one, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to reschedule. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving citizenship: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
  • Proof of identity means a document with your photo and signature, such as a current passport, military ID, or state-issued ID — a Social Security card alone is not enough.
  • Proof of residency requires a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You must provide your Social Security number; bring your Social Security card or a tax return or W-2 that shows it.
  • Check your state DMV website before your appointment because a few states accept slightly different documents or require additional items.

Proof of citizenship: what counts

A U.S. passport is the easiest proof of citizenship because it covers identity, citizenship, and residency all in one document. If you have a valid passport, bring it and you are done with three of the four categories.

If you do not have a passport, bring an original or certified birth certificate. It must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — a photocopy or a hospital-issued copy will not work. Order it online or by mail from your state's vital records office if you do not have it already; this can take one to three weeks.

Other documents that prove citizenship include a naturalization certificate (if you became a citizen through naturalization), a permanent resident card (green card), or a Certificate of Citizenship. Military discharge papers (DD-214) also count if you served in the U.S. armed forces.

Proof of identity: documents with your photo and signature

The DMV needs a document that shows your face and your signature. A Social Security card does not count because it has neither. A state ID or driver's license from another state works, as does a military ID, passport, or passport card.

If you do not have any of those, some states accept a tribal ID, school ID (if it has a photo), employee ID (if it has a photo), or U.S. Merchant Mariner card. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they accept, because the list varies.

If you have no photo ID at all, you will need to bring two documents that together prove your identity — typically a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a birth certificate plus a bank statement in your name. Again, check your state's rules first.

Proof of residency: recent documents showing your address

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement also work.

The document must be in your name and show your street address — a P.O. box does not count. If you recently moved and your lease or utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new lease or a recent bill from your new address instead.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Others require a bill in your own name. Call your DMV ahead of time if you are unsure.

Your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. You cannot get a Real ID without providing your number — the DMV will not accept a verbal statement or a promise to provide it later.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax document, you can order a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment. This takes about two weeks.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents will not work. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, even if it is expired. You will also need to sign forms at the DMV, so bring a pen. Some states require you to bring your completed process form, so check your state DMV website to see whether you should fill it out before you arrive or at the office.

If you are explore for someone else — a minor child or an elderly parent, for example — bring their documents plus a document proving your relationship to them, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

Documents you do not need

You do not need a passport card if you have a full passport. You do not need both a birth certificate and a passport — one is enough. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card if you have a W-2 or tax return. You do not need to bring multiple utility bills; one recent bill is sufficient.

You do not need to bring documents proving your name change if you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order — the DMV will note the change on your process. However, if you have a court order changing your name, bring it anyway because some states require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?

A passport card counts as proof of citizenship and identity, so yes. It is smaller than a full passport but serves the same purpose for Real ID. You will still need to bring proof of residency.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate does not prove U.S. citizenship on its own. You will need a naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or green card instead. If you are a permanent resident but not yet a citizen, your green card is sufficient.

Can I use a lease that is not yet signed?

No. The lease must be signed by both you and the landlord. An unsigned lease or a lease dated in the future will not work as proof of residency.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have one, you may be able to get a state ID instead, which does not require a Social Security number. Ask your DMV about non-Real ID options.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license if it is expired?

Bring it if you have it, but it is not required. It can speed up the process because the DMV already has your information on file. If you do not have it, bring the four required document categories and you will be fine.