The documents you need depend on which ones you already have

A Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. You do not need all of them at once — your state's DMV will tell you which combination works for you based on what you bring in. The most common path is a birth certificate plus a driver's license or passport, but if you do not have those, other documents work instead.

Every state accepts the same categories of documents, but the specific list varies slightly by state. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website for the exact documents they accept, because some states have added or removed items from their list in recent years.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and one showing your current address.
  • A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers count as proof of citizenship; a driver's license or state ID card counts as proof of identity.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, and some states have different rules than others.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work, and the DMV will not accept them.

Proof of identity documents

Your state will accept one of these to prove who you are. A current or expired driver's license or state ID card is the fastest option because the DMV already has your information on file. If you do not have either, a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID works. Some states also accept a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

If you have none of these, you can use a school ID, employee ID, or even a library card — but only if it has your photo and signature. The document does not have to be current; an expired driver's license from another state still counts. The point is that the DMV needs something with your face on it to match against you in person.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

This is the document that proves you have the right to be in the United States. A U.S. birth certificate is the most common choice. If you were born outside the U.S., a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Status as a Permanent Resident (the green card itself or a copy) all work. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born to a U.S. citizen overseas.

Your birth certificate must be an official copy — a photocopy or a hospital-issued copy will not work. If you were born in the U.S., you can order an official copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the U.S. State Department or the embassy or consulate of the country where you were born.

If you have a valid U.S. passport, you do not need a separate birth certificate — the passport itself proves both identity and citizenship at the same time, which saves you a step.

Proof of your current address

The DMV needs to know where you live now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Some states also accept a property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency with your name and address on it.

The document must show your full name and current address. If you just moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, some states will accept it if you bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, saying you live there. Check your state's rules before you go, because this varies.

A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill usually works, but some states do not accept them. Your state DMV website will list which documents they take.

What to bring to the DMV

Bring the originals of all your documents, not photocopies. The DMV staff will look at them in person and may make copies for your file, but they need to see the real thing first. If you cannot get an original — for example, if your birth certificate is in another country — bring a certified copy. A certified copy is an official reproduction made by the government office that issued the original.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, like a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DMV when you call or visit; they have a process for that. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process.

Bring a completed process form — your state DMV website has it as a PDF you can print and fill out at home, or you can fill it out at the DMV. Bring a recent photo if your state requires one for Real ID (most do not, because they take one at the DMV, but check your state's website). Bring payment for the fee, which varies by state but is usually between $20 and $50 for a Real ID card or license.

Documents that do not work

Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents do not count. The DMV needs originals or certified copies. A hospital-issued birth certificate — the one you received when you were born — does not work; you need an official copy from the vital records office. A school ID without a photo does not work. A Social Security card by itself does not prove citizenship.

A lease or utility bill with a PO box instead of a street address does not work for proof of current address. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, talk to the DMV about alternatives; many states have workarounds, but you have to ask.

If you cannot find a document

If you lost your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can usually order a copy online or by mail for a small fee, and it arrives in one to four weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., contact the country's embassy or consulate in the U.S., or the vital records office in the country where you were born.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Real ID — the DMV has a form for that. If you do not have proof of address because you just moved, a lease agreement or a signed letter from your landlord works. If you have no documents at all, the DMV can sometimes work with you, but the process is slower and you may need to bring additional paperwork. Call your state DMV before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport proves both identity and citizenship, so you do not need a birth certificate if you have a passport. Bring the passport, proof of your current address, and your process form.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use both to verify your identity and update their records.

Do I need to bring originals or can I send copies by mail?

You must bring originals or certified copies in person to the DMV. Photocopies and faxes do not work. Some states let you mail in documents after your in-person visit, but you have to show the originals first.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I submit my documents?

Processing time varies by state, usually between two and six weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. Check your state DMV website for current wait times in your area.

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

Bring a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad — any of these proves citizenship. If you have none of these, contact the U.S. State Department or the embassy or consulate of the country where you were born to get a Consular Report.