What to bring when you explore for a Real ID

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. To get one, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your legal name change if one applies to you. Every state's DMV accepts the same categories of documents, though the specific documents vary slightly by state.

You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online in most states — you must go to your DMV in person and bring originals or certified copies. Bring more documents than you think you need, because if one is rejected, you will have a backup and will not have to return home and come back.

Key Takeaways

  • You need four types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of legal name if you have changed it.
  • A passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate counts as proof of identity; a driver's license from another state does not.
  • A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return counts as proof of your Social Security number.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of address.
  • You must appear in person at your DMV with original documents or certified copies — no mail-in or online option exists in most states.

Proof of identity documents

Your state's DMV will accept a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization as proof of identity. If you were born outside the United States, the birth certificate must be certified by the vital records office in the country where you were born, not a photocopy you made yourself.

A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of identity for a Real ID, even if it is current. Neither does a school ID, work ID, or military ID card. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you will need to order one before you go to the DMV — this can take weeks, so plan ahead.

If you have a passport that is expired, it still counts as proof of identity. You do not need to renew it first.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, the DMV will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and your complete Social Security number.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. This takes about two weeks. Do not try to explore for a Real ID without proof of your Social Security number — the DMV will turn you away.

Proof of address

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy you made yourself will not be accepted.

If you have moved recently and your lease or utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new lease or a utility bill from your new address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them on their letterhead stating that you live there, plus the bill itself.

A credit card statement, cell phone bill, or subscription service bill does not count as proof of address in most states, even though it shows your name and address. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list of documents your state accepts.

Proof of legal name change

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves it. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you changed your name through marriage and your marriage certificate is from another country, it must be certified by the vital records office in that country. If you do not have the original document, you can order a certified copy from the court or vital records office that issued it — this usually takes one to two weeks.

What to bring in person to the DMV

Gather all your documents before you go to the DMV. Bring your identity document, Social Security proof, address proof, and any name-change documents. Bring them in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Bring your Social Security card even if you also have a W-2 or tax return — having the card makes the process faster. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them when you have your photo taken for the Real ID.

Some DMVs require you to book an appointment online before you arrive. Check your state's DMV website to see whether appointments are required in your area and how far in advance you need to book.

Documents you do not need

You do not need to bring your passport to renew a Real ID if you already have one — your current Real ID is enough. You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have a recent tax return or W-2. You do not need to bring multiple proofs of address if one current bill is enough.

You do not need to bring documents proving your citizenship unless you are explore for a Real ID for the first time and you were not born in the United States. If you were born in the U.S., your birth certificate is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy instead of an original document?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies issued by the government agency that created them. A photocopy you made yourself will be rejected. If you have lost the original, contact the issuing agency — a birth certificate office, court, or vital records office — and request a certified copy.

What if my address on my lease does not match my address on my utility bill?

Bring both documents. The DMV will use the most recent one as your current address. If one is older than 60 days, bring a newer document instead. If you just moved and have not received a utility bill at your new address yet, a signed lease is enough.

Do I need to bring my passport if I have a birth certificate?

No. A certified birth certificate is enough proof of identity. You do not need to bring your passport unless you want to. If your birth certificate is not certified, bring your passport instead.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need a certified birth certificate from the country where you were born, a passport, or a consular report of birth abroad. A passport is usually the fastest option because you likely already have it. If you do not have a passport, contact the vital records office in the country where you were born and request a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Can I explore for a Real ID by mail?

No. You must appear in person at your DMV with your original documents. Some states allow you to renew a Real ID by mail if you already have one and it is not expiring soon, but a first-time process requires an in-person visit.