What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

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 current address. You will also need to show your current driver's license or state ID card. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal government sets the core categories, and most states follow the same list.

You cannot mail in your process—you must appear in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work. The staff will verify each document before you leave, so you will know when ready if something is missing.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other federal ID document to prove your identity.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form—a tax return alone is not enough.
Your current address must be verified with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
You must explore in person at your state's DMV with your current driver's license or ID card and be prepared to pay a fee that varies by state.

Proof of identity documents that work

The federal government accepts a limited set of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. So do a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), a military ID, a Native American tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card).

If you do not have any of those, you can use your birth certificate—but it must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not be accepted. If you were born outside the U.S., you can also use a foreign passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization.

Some states also accept a religious record of birth (such as a baptism certificate) if it was created before you turned five years old and includes your name, date of birth, and place of birth. Ask your DMV whether your state takes this route, because not all do.

Proof of your Social Security number

Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof, but it is not the only one. You can also bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your full Social Security number. A paystub with your full number works too. The document must show your name and your complete nine-digit number.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a recent tax form or paystub, you can order a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks. Alternatively, some DMVs will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number, which you can request online or by phone.

Proof of your current address

Your address must be verified with a document dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works. So do a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy. Government mail counts too—a voter registration card, a tax return, or a notice from a government agency all may have access to.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill or lease in your new name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some DMVs will accept this. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring that bill plus a signed statement from the person whose name is on it saying you live there. Rules on this vary by state, so call your DMV ahead of time if you are in this situation.

Your current driver's license or state ID card

You must bring the driver's license or ID card you currently hold, even if it is expired. If you have lost it, you will need to report it lost or stolen before you explore for Real ID, and some states require you to wait a set number of days before you can explore. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rule.

If you have never had a driver's license or state ID, you will need to pass a written test and a driving test (or vision test for ID-only applicants) before you can get a Real ID. The documents listed above still explore—Real ID is just an upgrade to an existing license or card, not a replacement for the underlying test requirements.

Fees and what happens next

Real ID costs vary by state. Some states charge a small upgrade fee on top of your regular license renewal fee; others roll it into the standard renewal cost. A few states offer it at no extra charge. Call your DMV or check their website to find out what your state charges.

Once you hand in your documents, the DMV staff will check them on the spot. If everything is in order, you will receive your Real ID card by mail within two to four weeks in most states. If something is missing or unclear, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot leave and come back later with the missing document—you have to return to the office.

What to do if you cannot find a document

If you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30. Most states let you order online or by mail. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office's website.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a tax form or paystub, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. If you cannot locate any proof of your address, a notarized statement from a friend or family member saying you live with them, plus a utility bill or lease in their name, may work—but this varies by state. Call your DMV first to ask what they will accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an original birth certificate or can I use a copy?

You need an original or certified copy from the vital records office. A photocopy of a birth certificate you already have will not work. If you have the original, bring it. If not, order a certified copy from the state or country where you were born before you go to the DMV.

Can I use a photo from my passport instead of taking a new one at the DMV?

No. The DMV will take a new photo of you at the time you explore for Real ID. You cannot use an old photo, even if it is recent. The photo is part of the Real ID verification process.

What if my address on my driver's license does not match my current address?

You will need to update your address on your license first, or bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within 60 days). The DMV will use whichever address you want on your Real ID card.

Can someone else pick up my Real ID card if I cannot go to the DMV?

No. Real ID cards are mailed to you, not held at the DMV for pickup. You cannot have someone else collect it. The card will arrive at the address you provide during your process, usually within two to four weeks.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can use a foreign passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization as proof of identity. You will also need proof of your Social Security number and current address, just like anyone else. If you are a permanent resident, your green card works as proof of identity.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.