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, proof of your current address, and proof of your date of birth. Most states accept the same types of documents, though a few have variations. You do not need all of these at once — you need one document from each category.

Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies alone will not work. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation. Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV or your state's equivalent office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving your Social Security number, one showing your current address, and one showing your birth date — originals or certified copies only.
  • A passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license counts as proof of identity and birth date together, so you may need fewer documents than someone without one.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of address, but they must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even though you are replacing it, because the DMV uses it to look up your records.

Proof of Identity

You need one document that shows your name and photograph. A valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license works best because it also proves your birth date, which means you may not need a separate birth certificate. If you do not have a passport, bring your current driver's license or state ID card.

If your current license is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity for a Real ID process — the DMV will look up your records with it. A military ID, tribal ID card, or permanent resident card (green card) also counts. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. The Social Security card is the simplest option. If you have lost yours, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

A tax return, bank statement, or mortgage statement also works if your Social Security number appears on it. The document does not have to be recent, but it must show your full nine-digit number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact your state's DMV office directly — a small number of states have different rules for non-citizens.

Proof of Your Current Address

Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or rental agreement for your new place instead.

A government document with your address also works — a tax return, voter registration card, or benefit statement from Social Security or unemployment. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there, plus the utility bill. Some states accept a letter from a landlord or property manager on company letterhead instead.

Proof of Your Date of Birth

Your birth certificate is the standard document. It must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you were born in the United States, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.

If you have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need a separate birth certificate — the passport proves your date of birth. An enhanced driver's license or military ID also counts. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate plus an official English translation.

If Your Name Has Changed

Bring the document that shows the change. If you married, bring your marriage certificate. If you divorced, bring your divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court order, bring that order. These must be originals or certified copies.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than the one you use now, bring both the birth certificate and the document that shows the change. The DMV will update your records to match your current legal name. If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents showing each change in order.

What to Do Before You Go

Check your state's DMV website for a complete list of accepted documents, because a small number of states have different rules. Some states accept a utility bill in a household member's name; others do not. Some accept a notarized affidavit of residence; others require a lease or bill. Knowing your state's rules before you go saves a trip.

Gather all your documents and check that originals are not damaged and certified copies are clearly marked as certified. If you are missing a document, order it now — birth certificates and Social Security card replacements take one to three weeks. Bring your current driver's license or state ID card even if it is expired, because the DMV uses it to look up your file. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if you can, because wait times are usually shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the vital records office and costs $15 to $30. Order it from the state or county where you were born — most offices mail them within one to three weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact your state's DMV office before you go. A small number of states have different rules for non-citizens and people without a Social Security number. Some may ask you to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have a number.

Do I need to bring my current driver's license if it is expired?

Yes. Bring it even if it expired years ago. The DMV uses it to look up your records in their system. If you have lost it, tell the staff when you arrive — they can still find your file, but it may take longer.

Can I use a utility bill in someone else's name if I live with them?

It depends on your state. Some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus the bill itself. Others require a lease agreement or rental agreement in your name. Check your state's DMV website before you go.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I explore?

Most states mail your Real ID within two to four weeks. Some offer expedited service for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to one week. Ask the DMV staff about expedited options when you explore.