The documents you need depend on which ones you already have

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and proof of citizenship or lawful status. The exact documents that work vary by state — some accept a passport card, others do not; some accept utility bills, others require a lease or mortgage statement. Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents they accept in each category, and you should check that list before you go to the office.

You cannot submit documents by mail or online. You must appear in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office with the originals (not copies) of the documents you plan to use. Bring more than one option in each category if you have them, because a document might be rejected if it is damaged, expired, or does not match your name exactly as it appears on your other papers.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status.
  • Each state's DMV accepts different documents in each category, so you must check your state's specific list before you visit.
  • You must bring original documents in person — copies, digital images, and mail-in submissions are not accepted.
  • Bring backup documents in each category if you have them, because documents with damage, expiration, or name mismatches may be rejected on the spot.

Proof of identity documents

A valid passport (book or card) works in every state and is often the easiest single document to bring because it covers identity, citizenship, and address all at once. A driver's license or state ID card from another state also works, though some states require it to be unexpired while others accept expired ones. A military ID is accepted in all states.

If you do not have any of those, your state will accept one document from a longer list that usually includes a birth certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), a passport card, a tribal ID, a school or work ID with a photo, or a document issued by a U.S. territory. Check your state's DMV website to see which of these they accept, because the list differs.

Documents that have been altered, damaged so the information is hard to read, or issued under a different name than the one you are using now may be rejected. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Proof of your Social Security number

A Social Security card is the most straightforward document. If you do not have one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a bank statement that shows your full Social Security number. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

The document must show your full nine-digit number — documents that show only the last four digits will not work. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of the other documents listed, you will need to request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV.

Proof of your current address

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is accepted in most states and is usually the easiest option. A lease or mortgage statement also works in all states. A bank or credit card statement works in most states, though some require it to be recent (usually within 60 or 90 days).

Other documents that many states accept include a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a government check or benefit statement, a paystub, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your current name and current address — a bill addressed to a former address or a former name will not work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new address, bring a lease, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead confirming your move-in date.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

A U.S. birth certificate is the most common document for citizens. It must be an official certified copy (not a photocopy you made yourself), and it must show the state seal or official marking. A valid U.S. passport or passport card also works and covers this requirement on its own.

If you are a permanent resident or have lawful status but are not a citizen, bring your permanent resident card (green card) or your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Some states also accept a visa, a travel document, or a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirming your status. Check your state's list to see which documents they accept for non-citizens.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, you will need an official birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus proof of citizenship or lawful status. The process for obtaining these documents varies by country, and you may need to contact your country's consulate or embassy in the United States.

What to do if you are missing a document

If you do not have one of the four required types of documents, you have two options: obtain the missing document before you visit the DMV, or ask the DMV office whether they can issue a temporary Real ID while you gather the missing document. Not all states offer this option, and the rules vary widely.

If you need a birth certificate, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $50. If you need a Social Security card, you can request one from the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person at a local office — this usually takes one to two weeks and is free. If you need a permanent resident card or other immigration document, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or your nearest immigration office.

Do not delay this process. The DMV cannot issue a Real ID without all four types of documents, and obtaining missing documents can take several weeks.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself if you have another document showing your number, such as a paystub or tax return. You do not need to bring multiple documents in each category — one valid document per category is enough. You do not need to bring copies; the DMV will make copies of your documents for their records.

You do not need to bring proof of residency if your driver's license or state ID already shows your current address. You do not need to bring a letter of recommendation, a character reference, or any document not on your state's official list. Bringing extra documents that are not on the list will not speed up the process and may confuse the staff reviewing your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires original documents in person. Digital copies, photos, and scanned versions are not accepted. You must bring the physical originals to the DMV office.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring a legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to confirm that you are the same person on all your documents. If your name has changed multiple times, bring documents for each change in order.

Do I need to bring documents if I already have a regular driver's license?

Yes. A regular driver's license is not the same as a Real ID. You must bring all four types of documents to upgrade to a Real ID, even if you already have a valid driver's license from the same state.

What if one of my documents is expired?

An expired document may still work for proof of identity or address, depending on your state's rules. Some states accept expired documents; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to ask whether a specific expired document will be accepted before you make the trip.

Can someone else bring my documents to the DMV for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV with your original documents. The DMV will not process a Real ID process without you present.