The documents Real ID requires

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful status. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for the number, a utility bill or lease for where they live, and a green card or passport for lawful status. The exact documents your state accepts vary — some take a driver's license as proof of identity, others do not. Your state's DMV website lists what they will and will not take.

You must bring originals or certified copies. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. A utility bill with your name and current address will work for residency; a credit card statement usually will not. If you do not have one of the four categories, you cannot get Real ID at that visit — you have to get the missing document first, then come back.

You also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one, you will need to take the written test and vision test before you can get Real ID. Real ID itself does not require a new photo or test if you already have a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — photocopies do not work.
  • A birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill in your name, and green card or passport cover all four categories for most people.
  • Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents that state accepts, because rules differ by state.
  • If you already have a valid driver's license, you do not need to retake the written or vision test to upgrade to Real ID.

Proof of identity documents that work

A birth certificate is the most common proof of identity. It must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy from your parents' files does not count. If you were born outside the United States, a passport works instead.

Some states also accept a current or expired passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID as proof of identity. A few states accept a school ID or employee ID if it has your photo and signature. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents they take, because the list is not the same everywhere.

A driver's license or state ID card from another state counts as proof of identity in most places, but not all. If you are moving to a new state, call the DMV first to confirm whether your old license will work.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card is the easiest proof. If you do not have it, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return with your Social Security number on it will work. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works, though some states want the original and others accept a photocopy.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration. This takes several weeks. You cannot get Real ID until you have a number.

Proof of residency

A utility bill in your name and current address is the standard proof. Gas, electric, water, internet, or phone bills all work. The bill must be recent — most states want something from the last 30 to 90 days, though the exact window varies.

If you do not have a utility bill, other documents work depending on your state: a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement with your address, a government check or benefits letter, or a car insurance or homeowner's insurance policy. Some states accept a letter from a shelter or transitional housing program if you are unhoused.

A PO box does not count as proof of residency. If you use a PO box for mail, you still need a document showing your physical street address.

Proof of lawful status

A U.S. passport or passport card is the simplest proof. A green card, a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), a visa, or a birth certificate showing you were born in the United States all work. If you are a citizen of a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, a birth certificate from that territory counts.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a green card or work permit, you cannot get Real ID. You can get a standard state ID card instead, which does not require proof of lawful status, but it will not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

What to bring to the DMV

Bring all four documents — identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful status — in originals or certified copies. Bring your current driver's license or state ID card. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card, because you will need to provide it.

Some states ask you to fill out an process before you arrive. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can print it at home and fill it out beforehand, or whether you fill it out at the DMV. Filling it out ahead saves time.

Bring a second form of identification if you have one — a credit card, a passport, or a military ID. Not all states require this, but having it does not hurt. If your name has changed since you got your current ID, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Common reasons documents get rejected

The most common reason is bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if it is a good photocopy, will not work. You have to order a certified copy from the vital records office.

The second most common reason is a residency document that is too old. If your utility bill is from four months ago and your state wants something from the last 60 days, it will not work. Call the DMV before you go to confirm how recent the document needs to be.

The third is bringing a document that does not have your current name on it. If you got married and changed your name but your utility bill is still in your old name, bring the marriage certificate along with the bill so the DMV can see the name change is legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a lease or mortgage statement instead of a utility bill?

Yes, in most states. A lease or mortgage statement with your name and current address works as proof of residency. Some states prefer a utility bill, but they will accept a lease or mortgage if that is what you have. Call your state's DMV to confirm what they accept.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $30. You can order online, by mail, or in person. If you were born outside the United States and cannot get a birth certificate, a passport works instead.

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

Either works. If you have your card, bring it. If you do not, bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or paystub with your number on it. The DMV just needs to see the number and confirm it is yours.

Can I use a credit card statement as proof of residency?

Most states do not accept credit card statements. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of what they take, because it varies.

What if my address on my ID does not match my residency document?

Bring both documents and explain the situation to the DMV. If you recently moved, bring the old document showing your previous address and the new document showing your current address. The DMV will update your address when they issue your Real ID.