Documents required for a Real ID

To get a Real ID, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your lawful status in the United States. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal standards are the same everywhere. Most people can complete this with documents they already have at home.

You must explore in person at your state's motor vehicle department — you cannot do this by mail or online. Bring originals or certified copies of everything; photocopies alone will not work. Some states let you upload documents before your appointment, which can speed up the process, but you still need to show up with the physical documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of lawful status in the United States.
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and lawful status at the same time, so if you have one, you need fewer total documents.
  • Your state's motor vehicle department website lists exactly which documents they accept, because some states take documents others do not.
  • You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will be rejected, and you cannot mail documents in or submit them online.

Proof of identity documents

A passport or passport card is the easiest single document because it proves both your identity and your lawful status. If you have one, bring it. If you do not have a passport, you will need a different identity document plus a separate proof of lawful status.

Other identity documents accepted in most states include a driver's license or state ID card from another state, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. Some states also accept a school ID paired with another document. Check your state's list before you go, because a few states have different rules.

Proof of Social Security number

You can prove your Social Security number with a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a paystub with your full Social Security number on it. If you have a Social Security card, bring that — it is the fastest option. If you do not have the card itself, a recent paystub or tax document works.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first at your local Social Security office. This is a separate step from getting your Real ID and can take several weeks.

Proof of your current address

Your address proof must be recent — most states require it to be dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you have moved recently and your other documents still show an old address, bring the new address proof anyway. The motor vehicle department will update your address on your Real ID. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask your state's motor vehicle department what they accept — some states have workarounds.

Proof of lawful status in the United States

If you have a passport or passport card, you are done — that document covers this requirement. If you do not have a passport, you need a separate document proving you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Accepted documents include a birth certificate (certified copy only), a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, or a tribal ID card. A birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or hospital birth certificate will not work.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a Real ID. You may be able to get a standard state ID card instead, which does not meet federal Real ID standards but works for most everyday purposes.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring a completed process form — your state's motor vehicle department website has the form, and you can often fill it out online before your appointment.

Bring proof of your name change if your name has changed since any of your documents were issued (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security card if you have it, even though you may not need it — having it on hand speeds things up if there are any questions.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. Real ID fees vary by state, ranging from about $20 to $100 for a new card or renewal. Some states charge extra if you want a Real ID instead of a standard ID.

How to find your state's specific requirements

Each state's motor vehicle department publishes its own list of accepted documents on its website. Search "[your state] real id documents" or go directly to your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency website. The federal Department of Homeland Security also maintains a list of which documents each state accepts, though the state's own website is always the most current.

Some states have changed their accepted documents or fees recently, so check the official website rather than relying on information from a few years ago. If you cannot find the answer online, call your state's motor vehicle department — they can tell you exactly what to bring before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or scanned image of my documents?

No. You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies, scans, and photos of documents will be rejected. A certified copy is an official copy issued by the government agency that holds the original — for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

You cannot use it. You need a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can order one online or by mail from that office, though it usually takes one to two weeks. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee.

Do I need to renew my Real ID every time I renew my driver's license?

No. Once you have a Real ID, your next renewal is a standard renewal. You do not need to bring all the documents again unless your state requires it as part of their renewal process — check your state's rules.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove your identity and lawful status, such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If you have none of these, contact your state's vital records office about getting a birth certificate, or ask your state's motor vehicle department what alternatives they accept.

Can I get a Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you are in the country on a visa or other temporary status, you cannot get a Real ID. You may be able to get a standard state ID card instead, which works for most purposes but does not meet federal Real ID standards.