The documents you need depend on which state you live in, but the core list is the same everywhere

Every state requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Most also require a birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship. Beyond that, the exact paperwork varies slightly by state — some accept a utility bill for address proof, others want a lease or mortgage statement. Your state's DMV website lists what it will and will not accept, and that list is the one that matters for your process.

The good news: you probably already have most of these documents at home. The tricky part is knowing which versions count. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work; you need the certified copy with the raised seal. A credit card statement with your name on it works for address proof in some states but not others. This section walks you through what each category means and what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a certified birth certificate (with a raised seal), not a photocopy, plus a valid passport or state ID to prove citizenship.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 — the DMV accepts all of these.
  • For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.
  • Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents it accepts; requirements differ slightly between states, so check yours before you go.
  • Bring the originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and bring your current driver's license or ID card even if it is expired.

Proof of citizenship: birth certificate or passport

You must bring one of these two documents. A certified birth certificate is the original document issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, and it has a raised seal embossed into the paper. You can order one online from your state's vital records office, by mail, or sometimes in person. The cost is usually between $15 and $30, and it takes one to two weeks by mail, though expedited options exist in most states.

A valid U.S. passport or passport card also works and proves citizenship at the same time. If you already have one, bring it — you do not need the birth certificate too. If you do not have a passport and do not want to get one, order the birth certificate instead.

Photocopies, certified mail copies, or documents without a raised seal do not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your green card plus your passport.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring one document from this list: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. The Social Security card itself is the easiest if you have it. If you have lost it, a recent tax return or W-2 works just as well — the DMV only needs to see your number, not a specific document type.

If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. That takes about two weeks. Do not bring a bank statement or credit card statement for this purpose — the DMV does not accept those as proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of identity

Bring your current driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity for Real ID purposes. If you do not have any of these, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a military ID, tribal ID, or foreign passport.

The document needs to have your photo, your name, and an issue or expiration date. School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count.

Proof of your current address

Bring one recent document with your name and your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days. Acceptable documents include:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • A mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • An insurance policy or insurance statement
  • A government document such as a tax return or voter registration card

A PO box does not count as a current address. If you live at a PO box, bring a document showing your physical street address instead. If you have recently moved and your documents still show your old address, bring a lease or utility bill from your new place — the DMV understands that documents take time to update.

What to bring on the day you go

Bring the originals of all documents, not photocopies. Bring your current driver's license or state ID even if it is expired. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or whichever document you are using as proof of your Social Security number. Bring your birth certificate or passport. Bring your proof of address.

If any document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation. Some DMVs have translators on staff; others do not. Call your local DMV ahead of time to ask whether you need to bring a translation or whether they can provide one.

Bring your completed Real ID process form if your state requires you to fill it out ahead of time. Most states let you fill it out at the DMV, but a few want it done online or on paper before you arrive. Check your state DMV website to see which applies to you.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a passport if you have a birth certificate. You do not need to bring multiple proofs of address — one recent document is enough. You do not need to bring pay stubs, employment letters, or school enrollment documents. You do not need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change document unless your name on one of your documents differs from your name on another, in which case bring the document that explains the change.

You do not need to bring your green card unless you were born outside the United States. You do not need to bring a notarized copy of anything — the DMV wants originals or certified copies, not notarizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring the original certified birth certificate with the raised seal, or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A digital image or a photocopy does not work. Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office if you do not have the original.

What if my address on my documents does not match my current address?

Bring a recent document (dated within 60 days) showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID based on that document, even if your other documents show an old address.

Do I need to bring my green card if I was born in the United States?

No. If you were born in the United States, a birth certificate or passport is enough. Bring your green card only if you were born outside the United States and do not have a Certificate of Naturalization.

Can I use a bank statement for proof of Social Security number?

No. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement. Bank statements and credit card statements do not work for this purpose, though they do work as proof of address.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a tax return?

Contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card, which takes about two weeks. If you need your Real ID sooner, ask the DMV whether you can bring a Social Security statement instead — you can request one online from ssa.gov.