Who qualifies for a Real ID

You can get a Real ID if you are a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and you can prove your identity and residency with documents your state accepts. Most states require you to be at least 16 years old, though some allow 15-year-olds to explore. The specific documents you need vary by state, but every state requires proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address.

Real ID is not available to people on certain visa types or without lawful immigration status. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, contact your state's driver's license or ID office directly—they can tell you whether you are may be able to access before you gather documents or pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident to get a Real ID; temporary visa holders and undocumented immigrants cannot obtain one.
  • Most states require you to be at least 16 years old, though a few allow 15-year-olds to explore for a Real ID driver's license or ID card.
  • Every state requires proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your current address, but the specific documents accepted differ by state.
  • Your state's driver's license or ID office can confirm your may be able to access and tell you which documents to bring before you visit in person.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

Real ID is available only to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents. Lawful permanent residents are people with a valid green card. If you hold a temporary visa—such as an H-1B work visa, F-1 student visa, or tourist visa—you cannot get a Real ID, even if you have lived in the United States for years.

If your immigration status is unclear or you are not sure whether your visa type qualifies, do not guess. Contact your state's driver's license or ID office and ask directly. They have access to immigration databases and can tell you whether you meet the citizenship requirement. This conversation costs nothing and takes a few minutes by phone.

Age requirements and minors

Most states require you to be at least 16 years old to get a Real ID driver's license or ID card. A small number of states allow 15-year-olds to explore. If you are under 16, check your state's rules on its driver's license office website or by calling the office directly.

If you are a minor, you will usually need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. Some states allow one parent to sign; others require both. Bring the same documents you would bring as an adult—proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of address—plus documentation of your parent's or guardian's identity and relationship to you.

Documents you need to bring

Every state requires three categories of documents: proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. The specific documents accepted in each category vary by state.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate that lists your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one before you can get a Real ID.

Proof of identity: An original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of U.S. citizenship. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a tribal document. Your document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

Proof of address: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A few states accept other documents like insurance bills or government mail. Your name must appear on the document.

Check your state's specific list before you visit. Many state driver's license offices publish a checklist on their website, and calling ahead can save you a trip if you are missing something.

Lawful permanent residents and green card holders

If you hold a valid green card, you are a lawful permanent resident and you can get a Real ID. Bring your green card itself, plus the three standard document categories: proof of Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address. Your green card counts as proof of identity in most states, but confirm this with your state's office before you go.

If your green card has expired or is about to expire, you can still use it to get a Real ID while you are waiting for a renewal from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, if your green card was revoked or you are in removal proceedings, you are no longer a lawful permanent resident and you cannot get a Real ID.

What happens if you do not meet the requirements

If you do not have the citizenship or immigration status required, you cannot get a Real ID. You can still get a standard state driver's license or ID card in most states—these do not require proof of citizenship and are available to people on temporary visas and, in some states, to undocumented immigrants. A standard ID works for most everyday purposes, but it is not accepted as identification for federal buildings, military bases, or domestic air travel after the Real ID important date.

If you are missing documents but otherwise meet the requirements, your state's driver's license office can sometimes help you obtain them. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, the office can direct you to the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you explore for a Real ID.

How to confirm your may be able to access before you explore

The fastest way to confirm whether you meet the requirements is to call or visit your state's driver's license or ID office website. Most states have an online tool or a phone line where you can ask about citizenship requirements, age requirements, and which documents they accept. Having this conversation before you gather documents saves time and prevents wasted trips.

When you call, have your immigration status information ready. If you are a green card holder, have your card number. If you are on a visa, have your visa type. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can straightforward say so. The office staff can tell you in minutes whether you are may be able to access and what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if I am on an H-1B or student visa?

No. Real ID is not available to people on temporary visas, including H-1B work visas and F-1 student visas. You can get a standard state driver's license or ID card instead, which works for most purposes but is not accepted for federal building access or domestic air travel after the Real ID important date.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy 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. Your state's driver's license office can direct you to the right office and tell you what information you need to provide to request a copy.

Can I get a Real ID if I am a permanent resident but my green card is expired?

Yes. You can use an expired green card to get a Real ID as long as you are still a lawful permanent resident. Bring the expired card along with your other documents. If your green card was revoked or you are in removal proceedings, you are no longer may be able to access.

Do I need a Real ID to drive, or just to fly?

You do not need a Real ID to drive. A standard state driver's license works for driving in all 50 states. Real ID is required only for federal building access, military base entry, and domestic air travel—and only after the federal important date, which has been extended multiple times.

What if I was born outside the United States but I am a U.S. citizen?

You can get a Real ID. Bring a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of U.S. citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, along with proof of your Social Security number and current address. These documents prove your citizenship status to your state's driver's license office.