Bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number

You need four types of documents to get a Real ID: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name if it has changed. Most people bring a birth certificate for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for residency, and their Social Security card. The exact documents vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go — some states accept different forms of proof than others.

You cannot submit copies or photos of documents. You must bring the originals or certified copies, and the DMV staff will look at them in person. If a document is worn, faded, or hard to read, bring it anyway — the staff will tell you if it is acceptable. Bring more than one form of each type if you can, because having options speeds up the process if one document is rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and photos will not be accepted at the DMV counter.
  • Proof of identity usually means a birth certificate, passport, or foreign travel document; proof of residency usually means a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number can be provided on the process form itself if you do not have your card, but you will need to sign a statement under penalty of perjury.
  • If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your original birth certificate.
  • Each state's DMV has a slightly different list of acceptable documents, so visit your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm what you should bring.

Proof of identity documents

A birth certificate is the most common form of proof of identity for Real ID. It must be an original or a 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 a birth certificate, you can use a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa or travel document.

Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Military dependents can use a military ID card. If you are not sure whether your document will work, call your state's DMV before you make the trip — they can tell you in a few minutes whether to bring it.

Proof of residency documents

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address and issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name works — electric, gas, water, or internet. A lease or mortgage statement also works. Some states accept a bank or credit card statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration.

The document must show your full name and current address. A bill addressed to "Resident" or a P.O. box will not work. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage document instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask them for a document in your name, or bring a signed statement from the person whose name is on the bill, along with their ID.

Social Security number and proof

You need to provide your Social Security number on the Real ID process. If you have your Social Security card, bring it. If you do not have the card, you can still provide your number on the form — you will sign a statement saying you are providing it under penalty of perjury, and the DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

Do not worry if your card is old, faded, or damaged. The DMV only needs to see the number. If you have lost your card and do not remember your number, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, or you can call the DMV to ask whether they can look it up for you during your visit.

Documents for a name change

If your name on your birth certificate is different from the name you want on your Real ID, bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree works if you changed your name back. A court order for a legal name change works if you went through the court system.

Bring both the document showing the change and your original birth certificate. The DMV will check that the name on the change document matches the name on your birth certificate, and then issue your Real ID in your current legal name. If you have changed your name more than once, bring all the documents in order — for example, a marriage certificate and then a divorce decree.

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

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate from that country along with proof that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship all work. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) also works.

Your birth certificate from another country must be an original or certified copy. Some countries issue birth certificates in multiple languages — bring the version in the language of the country where it was issued. If the DMV cannot read it, they may ask you to bring a certified English translation, but call ahead to ask whether your state requires this before you go.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or ID card, though you can if you want. You do not need to bring tax returns, pay stubs, or employment letters. You do not need to bring school records or medical records. The DMV only needs the four types of documents listed above: identity, residency, Social Security number, and proof of any name change.

Do not bring originals of documents you might need elsewhere, like your passport, unless you are willing to leave it with the DMV while they process your process. Some states return documents the same day; others keep them for a few days. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether they will return your documents before you leave, or whether you should come back to pick them up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy or photo of my documents?

No. The DMV must see the original document or a certified copy. A photo on your phone or a photocopy will not be accepted. Certified copies are issued by the government office that created the original — for a birth certificate, that is the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?

You can use a document in your own name instead, like a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you only have a bill in your roommate's name, ask them to sign a statement saying you live there, and bring that statement along with their ID and the bill. Different states have different rules, so call your DMV first to ask what they will accept.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I know my number?

You do not have to bring the card. You can write your number on the process form and sign a statement saying you are providing it under penalty of perjury. The DMV will verify the number with the Social Security Administration. Bringing the card is faster, but not required.

What if my birth certificate is damaged or hard to read?

Bring it anyway. The DMV staff will look at it and tell you whether it is readable enough to accept. If it is not, they will tell you to get a certified copy from the vital records office. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from the office in the state or country where you were born.

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card works as proof of identity. If you have a passport, you do not need to bring a birth certificate. You still need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number.