Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and your current address

To get a Real ID, you need to show the DMV three things: who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and where you live. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. You cannot get a Real ID without all three, so check your state's DMV website before you go — some states accept different documents than others, and showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. It looks like a regular driver's license or ID card but has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have that star, you will need to renew it and bring the documents listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — a photocopy is not enough.
  • A current driver's license, passport, or military ID serves as your identity document, and the DMV will not accept expired versions.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — a photo ID with your address on it does not count.
  • Some states require a Social Security number verification letter from the SSA if your number is not in the DMV database, so call ahead if you have never had a license before.
  • Bring the originals or certified copies; photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

This is the document the DMV checks first. You need an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work, even if you notarize it. The DMV will not accept digital images on your phone or tablet.

Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate (long-form, with your parents' names), a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a green card or naturalization certificate, a valid passport is your best option. If your birth certificate is a short-form version (the wallet-sized card many states issue), contact your state's vital records office to request the long-form certified copy — the DMV will reject the short form.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are in the process of becoming a citizen and have a work permit or travel document, that is not enough on its own — you will need to wait until your naturalization is final or bring a green card.

A current photo ID for identity verification

The DMV needs to see that the person in front of them is the person on the process. Bring a current, unexpired photo ID. An expired ID will not work, even if it expired last month.

Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, current driver's license from any state, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a school ID, work ID, or foreign passport, but rules vary — call your DMV before you go. Do not bring a Social Security card, birth certificate, or credit card; the DMV does not count these as photo ID.

Proof of your current address

The DMV needs to confirm where you live right now. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a tax return or voter registration card all work.

A photo ID with your address on it — such as your current driver's license — does not count as proof of address, even though it has your address printed on it. The DMV treats that as your identity document, not your address proof. If you recently moved and your lease has not arrived yet, a signed letter from your landlord with your name, the property address, and the move-in date may work in some states, but call ahead to confirm.

If you live with family or a roommate and the utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, plus the bill. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot get a bill in your name.

Your Social Security number and signature

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have your card, a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration works. Some states will look up your number in their database if you have had a license before, but if this is your first ID or you are new to the state, you may need to show proof.

You will also sign your process at the DMV, so bring a pen. The DMV will not accept a signature in pencil or a signature someone else signs on your behalf.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing a license

If you already have a driver's license or state ID and are renewing it to add the Real ID star, the rules are simpler in many states. You may not need to bring proof of citizenship again — the DMV already has that on file. However, you still need to bring your current license, proof of address, and your Social Security number or card. Some states require you to bring the citizenship document again even for a renewal, so check your state's website first.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you are replacing it rather than renewing it. Bring the same documents as a new applicant: proof of citizenship, a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. If you cannot find your birth certificate, a passport works just as well.

Documents that will not work

The DMV will reject photocopies of citizenship documents, even if they are notarized. It will reject digital images, screenshots, or photos on your phone. It will reject expired photo IDs. It will reject documents older than 60 days for proof of address. It will reject a Social Security card as your only form of identity. It will reject a school ID, work ID, or library card as your primary photo ID unless your state specifically lists it on its website.

If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your state DMV or check its website before you go. A 10-minute phone call beats a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a digital copy of my birth certificate on my phone?

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy in paper form. You can bring a certified copy you ordered online and printed, but it must be an official document from your state's vital records office, not a screenshot or PDF you downloaded.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A valid U.S. passport or passport card works as proof of citizenship. If you do not have either, contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

Can I use a lease that is not in my name?

Not on its own. If the lease is in a roommate's or family member's name, bring the lease plus a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. Some states also accept a notarized affidavit of residency instead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or just the number?

You need to show proof of your number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have had a license in that state before, the DMV may already have your number on file and will not ask for it again.

What if my address on my driver's license is outdated?

Bring a separate proof of address document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your new Real ID card.