The documents you need depend on which type of proof you bring

Real ID requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. The exact documents that work vary by state, but every state accepts the same core list. You will bring one document from each category — identity, address, and citizenship — plus your current driver's license or ID card if you have one.

Most people can walk in with a passport, a utility bill, and their current license and be done. If you do not have a passport, the process takes longer because you need to gather more paperwork. The state DMV website for your state lists which specific documents they accept, because some states add options beyond the federal minimum.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one proving your current address (utility bill or lease), and one proving citizenship (passport or birth certificate).
  • A passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so you only need to bring a passport and an address document.
  • Your current driver's license or ID card counts as identity proof, so you do not need a separate identity document if you already have one.
  • Each state's DMV website lists which documents that state accepts, because some states allow additional options beyond the federal list.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and digital images do not work.

Identity documents the DMV will accept

Your current driver's license or state ID card counts as identity proof, so if you already have one, you do not need to bring a separate identity document. If you do not have a current license or ID, you can use a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state.

A birth certificate also works as identity proof in every state. It must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you will need an official translation along with the original.

Some states also accept military ID, tribal ID, or a certificate of naturalization as identity documents. Check your state DMV website to see the full list for where you live, because the options vary.

Address documents the DMV will accept

The DMV needs to see proof that you live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — works in every state. The bill must be recent, usually from the last 60 days, and must show your current address.

A lease or rental agreement with your name and current address also works. If you own your home, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy will work. Bank statements and credit card statements are accepted in most states, though some states have stopped accepting them.

If you do not have any of these documents in your name, some states will accept a notarized letter from a family member or landlord confirming your address. Ask your DMV what they accept before you visit, because the rules differ by state.

Citizenship documents the DMV will accept

A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest citizenship proof — it counts as both identity and citizenship, so you only need to bring it plus an address document. If you do not have a passport, your original birth certificate or certified copy works in every state.

A certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a valid green card also work as citizenship proof. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must come with an official English translation.

Military discharge papers (a DD-214) work as citizenship proof in most states. Some states also accept a tribal ID or a valid visa, though the rules vary. Check your state DMV website to confirm what they accept.

What to bring if you were born outside the U.S.

If your birth certificate is from another country, you need the original document plus an official English translation. The translation must be certified — a translation you do yourself or one from an online service will not work. You can get a certified translation from a court, a notary, or a professional translation service.

If you have a U.S. passport, that counts as both identity and citizenship proof and you do not need a birth certificate at all. If you have a green card or a certificate of naturalization, either one works as citizenship proof on its own.

Original documents vs. certified copies

The DMV requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images do not work. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the agency that issued the original, confirming it is a true copy.

You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. You can get a certified copy of a mortgage statement or property tax bill from your lender or your county assessor's office. Most agencies charge a small fee per copy, usually between $5 and $25.

If you bring an original document to the DMV, they will return it to you after they verify it. If you bring a certified copy, they may keep it in your file. Ask ahead of time whether the DMV will return your documents or keep them.

What happens if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing one category of document, you cannot get Real ID at that visit. The DMV will tell you what you need and send you home. Some people choose to get a standard ID instead, which does not require citizenship proof and can be used for most purposes except federal buildings and airplane travel.

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, a passport is the fastest path — it counts as both identity and citizenship proof. If you do not have proof of address, ask whether the DMV will accept a notarized letter from someone who knows you, because many states allow this.

Call your state DMV before you visit to ask what documents they accept and whether they can help you find alternatives if you are missing something. Some DMVs have staff who can walk you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a picture of my documents?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. A photocopy, a photo on your phone, or a scanned image will not work. If you need a copy of a document you do not have the original of, contact the agency that issued it and ask for a certified copy.

Does my address document have to be in my name?

Yes, in most states. The utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement must show your name and your current address. Some states will accept a notarized letter from a family member or landlord if you cannot get a document in your name, but call your DMV first to ask.

What if my birth certificate is from another country and I do not have a translation?

You will need to get an official English translation before you go to the DMV. Contact a court, a notary, or a professional translation service in your area. The translation must be certified, meaning it is stamped and signed by the translator or the service confirming it is accurate.

Can I use my green card as citizenship proof?

Yes. A valid green card works as citizenship proof in every state. You will still need to bring an identity document (your current license, passport, or birth certificate) and an address document (utility bill or lease).

What if I do not have a current address document?

Some states will accept a notarized letter from a family member, landlord, or friend confirming your address. Call your DMV and ask what they accept if you cannot get a utility bill or lease in your name. You may also be able to use a bank statement or credit card statement, depending on your state.