The documents you must bring to the DMV

To get a Real ID, you need to show the DMV four things: proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or lawful status. You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must bring originals or certified copies to your local DMV office in person. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Start by gathering what you have at home before you go to the DMV. Most people already own the documents they need; the problem is not knowing which ones count. Bringing the wrong papers wastes a trip and delays your Real ID by weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at the DMV with original documents or certified copies — no online or mail submission is allowed.
  • Proof of identity usually means a passport, birth certificate, or current driver's license; proof of Social Security means your card or a tax return.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days in most states.
  • Proof of citizenship or lawful status requires a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa — the document depends on your status.
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies and photos on your phone will not be accepted.

Proof of identity: what the DMV will accept

A valid passport is the easiest proof of identity because it covers identity, citizenship, and Social Security number all at once. If you have a passport, bring it — you may not need anything else.

If you do not have a passport, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy) plus one of these: a current or expired driver's license, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a school ID with a photo, or an employee ID with a photo. The ID does not have to be current, but it must have your photo on it.

Some states also accept a passport card, a permanent resident card (green card), or a visa. Check your state DMV website to see the full list for your location, because a few states have different rules.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it. If you cannot find it, bring one of these instead: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full nine-digit number.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, tell the DMV when you arrive. Some states have a process for this, though it may delay your Real ID. Do not guess or leave this blank — the DMV will catch it during processing.

Proof of residency: documents dated within 60 days

Bring a document showing your current address that was issued or dated within the last 60 days. The most common documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a car insurance policy. The document must have your name and your current address on it.

A few states also accept a voter registration card, a school enrollment letter, or a letter from a government agency. Some states do not accept cell phone bills or online statements printed from a website, so check your state DMV website first.

If you have just moved and do not have a document dated within 60 days at your new address, bring two older documents from your new address plus a document showing your move — a lease, a utility bill transfer confirmation, or a change-of-address letter from the post office. Rules vary by state, so call your DMV ahead of time if this is your situation.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a tribal ID. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office of the country or state where you were born.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful status, bring your permanent resident card (green card), your visa, your employment authorization document (EAD), your arrival/departure record (I-94), or your refugee or asylee documentation. The document must be current or recently expired — most states accept documents expired within the last year, but check your state's rules.

If you are undocumented, you cannot get a Real ID. Some states offer a state ID card without Real ID features for people without lawful status; check your state DMV website to see whether this option exists where you live.

Original documents versus certified copies

The DMV wants to see originals whenever possible. If you bring an original, the DMV will look at it, make a copy, and hand it back to you. You keep your documents.

A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original — usually the vital records office for birth certificates, the court for naturalization papers, or the government agency that issued the ID. Certified copies cost money (usually $10 to $30) and take time to order, but they are accepted if you cannot get the original.

Do not bring a photocopy you made yourself, a photo of a document on your phone, or a document you printed from a website. These will be rejected, and you will have to come back with the real thing.

What to bring on the day you go to the DMV

Gather all four categories of documents before you leave home: identity, Social Security number, residency, and citizenship or lawful status. Bring the originals or certified copies in a folder so they do not get lost or damaged. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one.

Bring a completed Real ID process form — you can read it from your state DMV website or fill one out at the DMV office. Some states require you to fill it out online before you arrive. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections.

Bring a recent color photo if your state requires one for a Real ID card (some states use the photo from your current license instead). Bring payment — the cost varies by state, usually between $30 and $100. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee and whether they take credit cards or cash only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents on my phone instead of bringing the originals?

No. The DMV must see the physical original document or a certified copy. Photos on your phone will be rejected, and you will have to return with the real documents. This is a common mistake that wastes a trip.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

You can use it, but it must be a certified copy from the vital records office of the country or state where you were born — not a photocopy you made. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the vital records office in that location and request one. This can take several weeks.

Do I need all four types of documents, or can I skip one if I have a passport?

A passport covers identity, citizenship, and Social Security number, so you only need to bring proof of residency in addition. If you have a passport, you can skip the other identity and citizenship documents.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Tell the DMV when you arrive. Some states have a process for people without a Social Security number, but it may delay your Real ID or make you ineligible depending on your immigration status. Call your state DMV ahead of time to ask what options exist.

Can I use a utility bill from a roommate's name if we share the same address?

No. The document must have your name on it. If you rent a room and the lease or utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a lease in your name, a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your address, or a bank statement in your name. Check your state DMV website for other options.