Who qualifies for a Real ID
You can get a Real ID if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a person authorized to work in the United States. The federal government does not issue Real IDs to people without legal status. If you have a valid visa, work permit, or green card, you meet the citizenship requirement. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly—they can tell you in one conversation whether you are may be able to access.
Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It is not a separate document you explore for through the federal government. Instead, you explore through your state DMV, and they issue it to you if you meet both the federal requirements and your state's requirements. Some states have additional rules beyond the federal baseline, so what works in one state may not work in another.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or person authorized to work in the United States to get a Real ID.
- You explore through your state DMV, not through a federal office, and the process takes the same steps as renewing a regular driver's license.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and documentation of your legal status—the exact documents vary by state.
- If you do not have the required documents, you can still get a standard driver's license or ID card that works for most purposes except federal buildings and domestic flights.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required for Real ID fall into four categories: identity, Social Security number, residency, and legal status. Your state DMV will tell you which specific documents satisfy each category, but the general pattern is the same across all states.
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your number. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. For legal status, bring your passport, green card, work permit, visa, or birth certificate—the document depends on your citizenship or immigration status. Some states accept a combination of documents; others require originals rather than copies. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm which documents they will accept.
Age and state-specific rules
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Real ID in most states, though some states allow younger people to get a Real ID with parental consent. If you are under 18, you will usually need a parent or guardian to sign the process and bring documents proving their identity and relationship to you.
Some states have additional requirements. A few states require you to pass a vision test or a written knowledge test. Some states charge a higher fee for Real ID than for a standard license. A small number of states have not yet fully implemented Real ID, so they may issue a standard license that does not meet federal standards. Check your state DMV's website to learn what applies where you live.
What happens if you do not meet the requirements
If you cannot provide proof of legal status or citizenship, you cannot get a Real ID. You can still get a standard driver's license or identification card from your state DMV. A standard license works for driving, entering state buildings, and most everyday purposes. It does not work for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base.
If you are missing one or two documents but have proof of legal status, ask your state DMV whether you can use alternative documents. Some states accept notarized statements, utility bills in a family member's name, or other substitutes. If your documents are from another country, some states will accept them if they are certified or translated by an official translator. The DMV can tell you what options exist in your state.
Real ID for people with work permits and visas
If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a valid work visa, or a temporary protected status (TPS) permit, you are authorized to work in the United States and can get a Real ID. Bring your work permit or visa as proof of legal status. The process is the same as for citizens or permanent residents—you explore through your state DMV with the required documents.
If your work permit or visa is expiring soon, some states will issue a Real ID that expires when your work authorization expires. Other states will issue a Real ID with a standard expiration date and require you to renew it when your work status changes. Ask your state DMV what their policy is before you explore.
Real ID for people with green cards
If you are a lawful permanent resident with a green card, you meet the federal requirement for Real ID. Bring your green card as proof of legal status, along with the other required documents (identity, Social Security number, and residency). The process process is the same as for citizens.
Your Real ID will expire according to your state's standard expiration schedule, not according to your green card's expiration date. If your green card expires, you can still use your Real ID as long as it is valid. You do not need to renew your Real ID when your green card renews.
Real ID for people without a Social Security number
Most states require a Social Security number to get a Real ID. If you do not have one, you cannot get a Real ID in most places. You can still get a standard driver's license or identification card. A few states have begun issuing Real IDs to people without a Social Security number if they have another form of federal identification, but this is not yet standard. Contact your state DMV to ask whether they have an exception.
If you are authorized to work in the United States but do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Some states accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for Real ID purposes. Again, your state DMV can tell you whether this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Real ID if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from Real ID. Your state DMV will run a background check, and they may deny a Real ID if you have certain convictions related to fraud, identity theft, or terrorism. Most other convictions do not prevent you from getting a Real ID. If you have a record and are unsure, call your state DMV and ask whether your specific situation would disqualify you.
Do I need a Real ID if I only drive within my state?
No. A standard driver's license works for driving anywhere in the United States. Real ID is required only for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base. If you never do those things, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose to get a Real ID or stick with a standard license—both are valid for driving.
Can I get a Real ID if I am homeless?
Yes, though you will need to provide proof of residency. If you do not have a lease or utility bill, some states accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office confirming your address. Call your state DMV and ask what documents they accept as proof of residency for people without a permanent address.
What if my documents are from another country?
Your state DMV can accept foreign documents if they are certified, translated by an official translator, or notarized. Bring the original document plus a certified English translation. Some states have a list of approved translators; others accept any certified translation. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm what they will accept.
Can I get a Real ID if I changed my name?
Yes. Bring your current ID and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your state DMV will issue a Real ID in your new name. The process is the same as for anyone else, except you also bring the name-change document.