The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for citizenship, a driver's license or state ID for identity, and a recent utility bill or lease for address. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

You cannot use a photocopy or digital image of most documents — you must bring the original or a certified copy. The Department of Homeland Security sets the federal standard, but your state's DMV decides which specific documents it will accept, so check your state's DMV website before you go. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an original birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth abroad to prove citizenship; a photocopy will not work.
  • A current driver's license, state ID, or passport serves as proof of identity and does not need to be original.
  • Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
  • Your state DMV's website lists exactly which documents it accepts, because rules differ between states.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

An original or certified birth certificate is the most common document for this. It must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself. A hospital-issued birth certificate does not count.

If you were born outside the United States, a U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad works instead. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal residency, bring your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or other USCIS-issued document showing your status. Some states also accept a valid visa paired with an I-94 arrival record.

Proof of identity

A current, unexpired driver's license or state ID card is the standard choice. It does not have to be from your current state if you are moving. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you do not have any of these, some states accept a military ID, tribal ID, or foreign passport.

The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. It does not have to be original — a photocopy is acceptable for this category, though bringing the original is faster and safer.

Proof of current address

Your document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement all work. The name on the document should match the name on your process, though some states allow a spouse's utility bill if you live at the same address.

A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you live with family or in a shared space and have no bill in your name, some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there. Check your state's rules before you rely on this option.

Social Security number documentation

You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you have your Social Security card, bring it. If you do not, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. A bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it also works.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Real ID. That is a separate process handled by the Social Security Administration, not the DMV.

What your state's DMV accepts

Every state DMV publishes a list of acceptable documents on its website. Some states are stricter than others — for example, some accept a utility bill from a family member, while others do not. Some accept a foreign passport as proof of identity; others do not. Checking your state's specific list before your appointment prevents rejection.

If you cannot find the document your state wants, contact your state DMV directly by phone or through its website. Many DMVs have a chat feature or email option. Calling ahead takes 10 minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Documents you cannot use

Photocopies of your birth certificate, passport, or citizenship document will not work — you must bring the original or a certified copy. Digital images on your phone do not count, even if they are clear and recent. A hospital-issued birth certificate, even if original, is not acceptable; you need the certified copy from the vital records office.

Expired documents do not work for proof of identity. A document older than 60 days does not work for proof of address. A lease or utility bill in someone else's name does not work unless your state specifically allows it and you bring proof you live there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself will be rejected.

What if my address on my driver's license is old?

Bring a separate document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Your driver's license does not have to match your current address.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. A tax return, W-2, or bank statement showing your number works instead. If you have the card, bringing it is faster.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad. If you have none of these, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to request a consular report, which takes several weeks.

Can my spouse's utility bill count as proof of my address?

Some states allow it if you live at the same address and bring proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate. Other states do not. Check your state DMV's website or call before you go.