The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You also need to show that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The exact documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You must appear in person at your state's motor vehicle office. You cannot mail in your process or use a third-party service. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, one proving your address, and one proving citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of both identity and citizenship, so it can cover two requirements at once.
  • Your state's motor vehicle office has a list of which documents they accept, because some states take documents others do not.
  • You must go in person with originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • The fee ranges from about $15 to $30 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or upgrading an existing license.

Proof of identity

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, passport card, military ID, state ID, driver's license from another state, or a permanent resident card (green card). Some states also accept a tribal ID card or a U.S. certificate of naturalization.

The document must not be expired, though some states will accept an ID that expired within the last year. Check your state's rules before you go, because this varies. If you do not have any of these, a few states will accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a school ID plus a utility bill — but this is slower and requires asking your motor vehicle office in advance what they will take.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a paystub with your full Social Security number on it. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even though it has your name.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the motor vehicle office. This takes about two weeks. If you cannot wait, some states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number, which you can request online or by phone.

Proof of address

Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill usually does not work because credit card companies often mail bills to a different address than your home address.

If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, some states will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a property manager confirming your address. A few states also accept a voter registration card or a piece of mail from a government agency. Call your motor vehicle office before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring a passport, passport card, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or military discharge papers (Form DD-214). A birth certificate must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy will not work.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your permanent resident card (green card) or a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If your green card is expired, bring it anyway along with a notice from USCIS showing that you have applied for a renewal.

What to bring on the day you go

Bring all four categories of documents listed above, your completed process form (which your state's motor vehicle office provides), and your payment. Bring originals or certified copies only — photocopies, scans, and photos of documents will be rejected.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are upgrading an existing license to Real ID, the office will take your old one. Wear something you can use for your photo — the office will take a new photo of you on the spot, so dress as you would for an ID photo.

Some states require you to make an appointment online before you go. Check your state's motor vehicle office website to see whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you must book a time slot in advance.

Real ID vs. standard ID: what documents differ

The main difference is proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. A standard state ID or driver's license does not require you to prove citizenship — you only need to prove your identity, address, and Social Security number. Real ID adds the citizenship requirement.

If you already have a standard driver's license, you do not have to upgrade to Real ID unless you want to use it for federal purposes. Standard licenses work for driving and most everyday uses. Real ID is required only if you want to use your ID to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Motor vehicle offices require original documents or certified copies. Photos, photocopies, and digital images will not be accepted. If you have a certified copy, that works the same as an original.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

You need a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. An uncertified copy or a photocopy will not work. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office, though it usually takes one to three weeks.

Do I need all four types of documents, or can one document count for more than one category?

A single document can count for more than one category. For example, a passport proves both identity and citizenship, so it covers two requirements. However, you still need to bring documents that cover all four categories — you cannot use the same document twice.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. If you are a lawful permanent resident without a Social Security number, you can get a standard state ID instead, which does not require one. Contact your state's motor vehicle office to ask what documents you can bring.

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

Processing time varies by state, from same-day to several weeks. Some states issue a temporary ID on the spot and mail the Real ID card later. Ask at your motor vehicle office what to expect for your state.