Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and your current address
When you go to the DMV or your state's ID office for a Real ID, you will need to bring three categories of documents: one that proves you are a U.S. citizen, one that proves who you are, and one that shows where you live. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
You cannot get a Real ID without proof of citizenship. This means a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your birth certificate is a short form (wallet-sized), bring the long form instead — most states will not accept the short version. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals plus an official English translation.
Your identity document should be current and government-issued. A driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a school ID paired with a Social Security card, though this varies. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because what one state accepts another may reject.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers — because photocopies are not accepted.
- Bring a current government-issued ID such as a passport or military ID to prove your identity.
- Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address — a bill dated within the last 60 days works best.
- If any of your documents are in another language, bring the originals plus an official English translation certified by a translator.
- Bring your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card itself, because you will need to provide it during the process.
Address verification documents that DMVs accept
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Some states also accept insurance bills, property tax statements, or government mail.
If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring the new document even if it is dated less than 60 days ago. If you do not have any bills in your name — for example, if you live with family and they pay the utilities — ask the DMV what they will accept instead. Some offices will take a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.
Social Security number and additional items
Bring your Social Security card or write your number down before you arrive. The DMV will ask for it during the process. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment, but you do not have to — writing the number down is enough.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you already have one. If you are renewing a Real ID, bring the card itself. If you are getting a Real ID for the first time, this step does not explore. Some states also ask for your voter registration number or passport number if you have one, though this is not required everywhere.
What to do if you cannot find a document
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30. If you were born outside the United States, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or passport works instead.
If you have lost your passport and need it for citizenship proof, you can explore for a replacement at a passport acceptance facility or the State Department. This takes longer than a DMV appointment, so plan ahead. In the meantime, a birth certificate or naturalization papers will work for the Real ID.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, some states will let you use a combination of documents instead — typically a school ID plus a Social Security card, or a work ID plus a utility bill. Call your local DMV before you go to find out what combinations they accept.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your original Social Security card — writing the number down is fine. You do not need to bring multiple proofs of address; one recent bill or statement is enough. You do not need to bring a passport if you have a birth certificate, and you do not need to bring both.
You do not need to bring proof of name changes unless your current ID shows a different name than your birth certificate. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that documents the change. Without it, the DMV cannot issue an ID in your current name.
How to prepare before you go to the DMV
Make a checklist of what your state requires by visiting your DMV's website and looking for the Real ID section. Each state lists exactly what documents they accept. Print the list and gather your documents the day before your appointment so you do not forget anything.
If any of your documents are worn, faded, or hard to read, bring them anyway — the DMV staff will tell you if they cannot scan them. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the DMV ahead of time rather than showing up and being turned away. Most offices have a phone line or online chat where you can ask specific questions about your documents.
Bring the originals, not photocopies. If a document is a certified copy (stamped and signed by the issuing office), that counts as an original for DMV purposes. If you made the copy yourself at home, it will not be accepted.
Name changes and special circumstances
If you have changed your name, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The name on your Real ID must match the name on your birth certificate or citizenship document, unless you have a legal document showing the change.
If you are a transgender person and your birth certificate does not match your current identity, the rules vary by state. Some states will issue a Real ID in your current name with a court order or a letter from a doctor. Others will issue it based on your current legal name without additional paperwork. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to understand what you will need.
If you are a non-citizen with a visa or work permit, you cannot get a Real ID. You can get a standard state ID instead, which does not require citizenship proof. Bring your passport and visa or work permit to the DMV, and ask for a non-Real ID state identification card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
No. The DMV requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy you made at home will not work. If you have lost your original, order a certified copy from the state or county where you were born before your appointment.
What if my address on my utility bill does not match my ID?
Bring both documents anyway. The DMV will see that you have recently moved. If the bill is dated within the last 60 days and shows your current address, it will work as proof of address even if your ID shows an old one.
Do I need to bring my passport if I have a birth certificate?
No. A birth certificate alone is enough to prove citizenship. You do not need to bring your passport unless you want to. If you bring it, the DMV will accept it, but it is not required.
What counts as proof of address if I do not have any bills in my name?
A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name all work. If none of those are available, some states accept a notarized letter from someone else in your household stating that you live there. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Can I use a school ID as my only form of identity?
Most states require a school ID to be paired with another document, such as a Social Security card or work ID. A school ID alone is usually not enough. Check your state's DMV website to see what combinations they accept.