The Documents You'll Need to Bring

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Your state's DMV will also ask for your birth certificate or passport. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You cannot explore online or by mail for a Real ID. You must go to your state's DMV office in person and bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The DMV staff will verify each document before you leave, so bring everything on the first visit to avoid a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card — one of these is required and photocopies do not count.
  • Bring a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security card, W-2, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number.
  • You must appear in person at your state's DMV office with all documents; Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online.
  • Processing times vary by state but typically take two to six weeks after your in-person visit.

Proof of Identity Documents

Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your passport or birth certificate will be rejected. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born outside the United States.

If your birth certificate is from another country, you will need a Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) along with it. Some states also accept a valid foreign passport if you are a permanent resident. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list, as a few states have additional options.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the legal change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order must be an original or certified copy.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need to show your nine-digit Social Security number. The DMV accepts your original Social Security card, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID.

If you bring a tax return or W-2, it must show your full nine-digit number — a document with a partial or redacted number will not work. If you bring a Social Security statement, print it directly from ssa.gov or request it by mail; the DMV will not accept a screenshot or photo of the page.

Proof of Your Current Address

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a voter registration card or tax return.

The document must be in your name and show the address where you currently live. If you recently moved and your old address still appears on some documents, bring one that shows your new address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address.

If you live with someone else and the utility bill or lease is in their name, some states will accept a notarized affidavit or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming you live there. Check your state's DMV website first, because not all states accept this option.

What to Bring If You Are Renewing or Replacing Your License

If you already have a valid driver's license or state ID card, you still need to bring the same documents listed above. The DMV will not waive the identity, Social Security, or address requirements just because you have held a license before.

If your current license is expired, you can still use it as one form of identity, but you will still need to bring your birth certificate or passport as your primary identity document. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required in all states.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your passport book if you have a passport card, or vice versa — either one counts as proof of identity. You do not need to bring both a birth certificate and a passport; one is enough. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category just to be safe; the DMV will tell you if something is missing before you leave.

You do not need to bring documents proving your citizenship beyond what is listed above. If you are a U.S. citizen, your birth certificate or passport is sufficient. You do not need to bring documents related to your driving record or any traffic violations — those are already in the DMV system.

How to Prepare Before You Go to the DMV

Gather all your documents at home before you schedule your appointment. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because a few states have minor variations. Make a checklist: birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or tax return, and an address document dated within 60 days. If your name has changed, add your marriage certificate or court order.

Bring the originals or certified copies. If you have a certified copy of your birth certificate, that is better than the original because you will not risk losing it. If you do not have a certified copy, order one from your state's vital records office before your DMV appointment — this can take one to three weeks depending on the state.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, even if it is expired. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though a tax return or W-2 will work if you do not. Do not bring originals of documents you might need elsewhere — bring certified copies instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV must see and verify the original documents or certified copies in person. Photos, screenshots, and photocopies will not be accepted. This is why you must go to the DMV office yourself — you cannot mail in your documents or send them electronically.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport or passport card instead. If you do not have either, you will need to order a certified copy of your birth certificate from your state's vital records office before you can get a Real ID. This process takes one to three weeks depending on the state.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

You can bring a copy of your Social Security card if it is certified, but most people bring the original. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form showing your full nine-digit number instead. A statement from ssa.gov also works.

What counts as proof of my current address if I just moved?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you moved very recently and do not have a document yet, some states accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter confirming your address. Check your state's DMV website first.

Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me if I cannot go to the DMV?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your documents. Real ID requires in-person verification and you cannot send someone else on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. Schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.