Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and your current address

Real ID requires you to show three things in person at your DMV: who you are, that you're a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and where you live. You don't need to bring everything listed below—you need one document from each category. The exact documents your state accepts vary slightly, so check your DMV's website before you go, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will look at the real document, verify it's genuine, and hand it back to you. If you bring a photocopy, they'll turn you away. Bring your current driver's license or ID card too, even if it's expired—it speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), one photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), and one proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
  • Bring original documents only—photocopies will not be accepted, and the DMV will return them to you after verification.
  • Your state DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because some states allow additional options like tribal IDs or consular documents.
  • If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • Real ID appointments often book weeks in advance, so check availability and bring all documents on your first visit to avoid a second trip.

Proof of citizenship: what counts

You must bring one of these original documents. A U.S. passport is the easiest because it covers citizenship and identity in one document. If you don't have a passport, bring your birth certificate—the long-form version with the raised seal, not a wallet card or abstract. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the U.S., or a Certificate of Citizenship if you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent.

If you were born outside the U.S. and don't have naturalization papers, some states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a valid passport from your country of origin plus an I-551 Permanent Resident Card (green card). Check your state's list first—not all states accept every option.

Photo ID: what the DMV will accept

Bring one original photo ID. Your current driver's license or state ID card counts, even if it's expired. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also works. If you don't have any of those, some states accept a tribal ID, a federal employee ID, or a passport from another country.

The photo ID doesn't have to be current—an expired license is fine. The DMV is checking that the photo matches your face and that the document is real, not that the ID is still valid.

Proof of address: documents from the last 60 days

Bring one document showing your current home address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement also work. Some states accept a cell phone bill or an insurance policy if it shows your address.

The document must have your name and full address on it. A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address counts in most states. If you've moved recently and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or rental agreement instead. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask your DMV what documents they accept—some states have alternatives.

Name changes: bring proof if your name has changed

If your name on your citizenship document (birth certificate or passport) doesn't match the name you use now, bring the legal document that explains the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The DMV needs to see how your name changed so they can verify your identity correctly.

If you've had multiple name changes—for example, you were married, divorced, and remarried—bring all the documents in order. The DMV staff will review them and create a record that connects all your names.

What to do if you don't have a document

If you don't have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you need Real ID faster, ask your DMV whether they accept an alternative—some states will accept a hospital birth record, a baptism certificate, or a census record if you explain why you don't have a birth certificate.

If you don't have proof of address, ask your DMV what they accept. Some will take a letter from your landlord, a utility company statement showing your name, or a piece of government mail. If you're living in a shelter or with family, bring whatever document you have that shows your current address, and ask the staff what else they need.

Bring these documents to your appointment

Gather everything before you go. Make a checklist: one proof of citizenship (original), one photo ID (original), one proof of address from the last 60 days (original), and any name-change documents if they explore. Bring your Social Security number or card—you'll need it to fill out the form. Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DMV will scan or photograph your documents, verify they're real, and return them to you. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll pay a fee (usually $15 to $30 depending on your state) and receive a Real ID card or driver's license in the mail within two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy or a photo of my documents?

No. The DMV must see and verify the original documents. They will return them to you after checking. Photocopies and photos on your phone will not be accepted.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my proof of address?

Bring both documents anyway. The DMV will update your address on your new Real ID card. Bring the document that shows your current address (the utility bill or lease), and the staff will use that one.

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most DMVs require an appointment for Real ID. Check your state's DMV website to book one. Walk-in service is rare and usually has long waits. Appointments often book weeks ahead, so plan ahead.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the country where you were born to order a birth certificate. If that's not possible, ask your DMV what alternatives they accept—some states will take a passport, a consular document, or a naturalization certificate instead.

Can my spouse or family member bring my documents for me?

No. You must be present in person. The DMV needs to verify that your photo matches your face and that you're the person named on the documents.