What Documents You Need to Get a Real ID

The Documents Real ID Requires

You need four types of documents to get a Real ID: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will bring originals or certified copies to your state's DMV or equivalent office — photocopies alone will not work. The exact documents that satisfy each category vary by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go, because showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

Real ID is a federal standard that applies to all 50 states, but each state decides which documents it will accept in each category. For example, some states accept a passport card as proof of identity; others do not. Some accept a utility bill for address; others require a lease or mortgage statement. Your state's DMV website lists the specific documents it takes, usually in a downloadable checklist.

Key Takeaways

You must bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies will be rejected at the DMV counter.
Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts for identity, citizenship, Social Security, and address proof, and these lists differ between states.
Proof of address must be recent (usually within 30 to 90 days) and in your current legal name.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need the document that proves the change.

Proof of Identity Documents

Proof of identity means a document with your photo, name, and date of birth. A current or expired passport, passport card, or driver's license from another state all work in most states. Some states also accept a military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license. A few states accept a foreign passport if you are a permanent resident.

The document does not have to be current — an expired passport or out-of-state driver's license is usually fine. However, it must be the original or a certified copy. A photocopy of your passport, even a notarized one, will not satisfy this requirement. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain one first, which typically means explore for a passport through the State Department or a passport acceptance facility.

Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is where the requirements split. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can use a birth certificate, passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital-issued copy or a photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the U.S. and are a citizen, a naturalization or citizenship certificate from USCIS is the standard document.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or have another form of legal residency, your state will accept your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or an I-94 arrival/departure record. Some states also accept an I-797 notice of action from USCIS. Check your state's list because not all states accept all of these documents. If you are in the U.S. on a visa, you cannot get a Real ID — you can only get a standard driver's license.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need an original or certified copy of a document showing your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the most straightforward option. If you have lost your card or never received one, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. Some states also accept a 1099 form or a bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it.

The document must show your full name and your complete Social Security number. A photocopy of your Social Security card is usually not accepted — you must bring the original card or a certified document from an employer or government agency. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID in most states; you would be limited to a standard driver's license.

Proof of Your Current Address

You need a document showing your name and your current street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work in most states. The document must be recent — typically within the last 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. It must also be in your current legal name; if you recently married or changed your name, a bill in your old name will not work.

Some states accept a bank statement, insurance policy, or government letter (such as a tax notice or benefit statement) as proof of address. A few states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager if you do not have a utility bill. Check your state's list because the accepted documents vary. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask your state whether it accepts a notarized statement from the bill holder or a lease in your name instead.

Name Changes and Additional Documents

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you must bring the document that proves the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These documents must be originals or certified copies.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order. For example, if you were born under one name, married and changed it, then divorced and changed it again, bring your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree. Your state's DMV will review these documents to confirm that your current legal name is what you claim it to be.

What to Bring to the DMV

Before you go to the DMV, read your state's Real ID checklist from its website and gather all four categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — not photocopies. Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; if not, bring a document from your employer or the Social Security Administration. Bring a recent utility bill or lease in your current name for address proof.

If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Some states also require you to fill out an process form before you arrive; check your state's website to see whether you can fill it out online or must do it at the DMV. Arrive during a time when the DMV is not busy — early morning or mid-week is usually faster than late afternoon or Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A hospital-issued copy, a photocopy, or a notarized photocopy will not work. Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office or the equivalent agency in the country where you were born.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Real ID without a Social Security number. You can still get a standard driver's license, which works for most purposes but cannot be used for federal buildings, airports, or military bases. If you are may be able to access for a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to explore.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate alone is enough to prove citizenship. You only need a passport if you do not have a birth certificate or if your state does not accept birth certificates. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents it prefers.

Can I use a utility bill from a roommate's name?

Not usually. The bill must be in your current legal name. If the bill is in your roommate's name, ask your state DMV whether it accepts a notarized letter from your roommate or a lease in your name instead. Some states do accept these alternatives.

What if my name on my birth certificate doesn't match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document that proves your name change — your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these documents together to confirm your legal name history.

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.