The documents Real ID requires

A Real ID requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States. You will need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Most people bring a birth certificate for identity, a Social Security card for the number, a recent utility bill or lease for residency, and a passport or green card for legal presence. If you do not have one of these, your state's DMV website lists alternatives in each category. You cannot substitute documents across categories — for example, a passport counts as both identity and legal presence, but you still need a separate proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document from each of four categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and legal presence.
  • Originals or certified copies are required; photocopies and digital images will be rejected at the counter.
  • A passport or passport card covers both identity and legal presence, reducing the number of documents you need to bring.
  • Your state DMV website lists all accepted documents in each category, and some alternatives exist if you lack the common ones.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID even though you are replacing it, because the DMV uses it to look up your record.

Proof of identity documents

A birth certificate is the most common proof of identity. It must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a photocopy or a document from a hospital will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, usually for $10 to $30.

If you do not have a birth certificate, most states accept a passport, passport card, military ID, or naturalization certificate. Some states also accept a driver's license or state ID from another state, though this varies. Check your state DMV's list before you order anything, because the accepted alternatives differ.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the standard document here. It must be the original or an official replacement from the Social Security Administration. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

A few states accept a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement as an alternative if you do not have the card itself. These documents must show your full name and complete Social Security number. The Social Security statement is available free from ssa.gov/myaccount if you create an online account.

Proof of residency

A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is the fastest way to prove you live where you say you do. The document must show your name and current address. If you rent, your lease counts even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it is still active.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, most states accept bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail like a tax notice or voter registration card. Some states also accept a letter from a shelter, halfway house, or other institution if you are unhoused or in temporary housing. Call your state DMV to confirm what counts as proof of residency in your situation.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

A U.S. passport or passport card is the simplest document here — it proves both identity and legal presence at once. A green card (permanent resident card) also works. If you are a citizen but do not have a passport, a birth certificate combined with your other documents will establish legal presence.

Non-citizens must have a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or valid visa. Temporary visa holders should bring their passport with the visa stamp. If you are in the process of adjusting status or have a pending case, contact your state DMV before you go, because the rules for people with pending applications vary by state.

What to bring on the day you explore

Bring originals or certified copies of all four documents, your current driver's license or state ID, and a completed process form. Most states let you fill out the form online or read it before you go, which saves time at the counter. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections by hand.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you are nervous about remembering it, though you will also write it on the form. If you have changed your name since any of your documents were issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring your phone number and email address so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem with your process.

Documents you do not need

You do not need to bring a copy of your birth certificate if you have a passport — the passport covers both identity and legal presence. You do not need to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or employment letters unless your state specifically lists them as alternatives for one of the four categories. You do not need to bring your Social Security statement if you have your card.

You do not need to bring a notarized letter or affidavit unless your state DMV tells you to. Some people think they need to bring proof of citizenship or a naturalization certificate if they were born outside the United States, but a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory is sufficient. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate.

If you are missing a document

If you do not have a birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail, though expedited options cost more. While you wait, you can gather your other documents and fill out your Real ID process form.

If you cannot get a birth certificate because you were born outside the United States and do not have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, contact the U.S. State Department's Office of Authentications to request one. This process takes longer and may require a lawyer if your case is complicated. Your state DMV can tell you whether you need this document or whether an alternative will work in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy with a raised or embossed seal. A photocopy, even if notarized, will be rejected. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Does my passport count as proof of residency?

No. A passport proves identity and legal presence but not residency. You still need a separate document like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring a legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record to match. If your documents show different variations of the same name (like "Robert" and "Bob"), bring a document that explains the connection.

Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid Real ID document and counts as both identity and legal presence, just like a full passport.

Do I need to bring my current driver's license even though I am getting a Real ID?

Yes. The DMV uses your current license to look up your record in their system. Bring it even if it is expired.