Documents Required for a Real ID
To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to your state's driver's license or ID office. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the federal government requires all states to check the same three categories. You cannot mail in your process—you must appear in person at least once.
Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license or state ID acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID and want to fly within the United States after the important date, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead. Most states began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and many have already stopped issuing the older non-compliant licenses.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document proving your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or similar), one document with your Social Security number, and one document showing your current address.
- You cannot get Real ID by mail—you must go to your state's driver's license office in person at least once, though some states allow renewal by mail after the first visit.
- Processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks; some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.
- Your state's website lists the exact documents it accepts, because some states take documents others do not—for example, some accept utility bills for address proof while others require a lease or mortgage statement.
Identity Documents That Work
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, a naturalization or citizenship certificate, a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.
A certified birth certificate is the most common choice if you do not have a passport. You order it from your state's vital records office (usually run by the health department), and it arrives by mail in one to three weeks depending on the state. The office charges a fee, typically between $10 and $30. Make sure you request a certified copy with a raised seal or official stamp—a photocopy or uncertified version will not work.
Social Security Number Proof
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement showing your Social Security number. The document must be original or certified—a photocopy is not accepted. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration's website or by visiting a local Social Security office.
A recent pay stub is the easiest option if you are currently employed, because it shows your name, Social Security number, and employer all in one place. If you are not working, a tax return from the past two years works just as well. Bank statements also work, though not all banks print the Social Security number on statements—call your bank first to confirm yours does before you bring it.
Address Proof Documents
For proof of your current address, bring one of these: a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government document with your address. The document must be recent—most states accept documents dated within the past 60 to 90 days, though some allow up to six months. Check your state's website to confirm the exact timeframe.
A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward choice. If you do not have one, a lease or rental agreement works if it is signed and current. If you own your home, a mortgage statement or property tax bill serves the same purpose. Some states also accept mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or jury summons, as long as it shows your name and address.
What Your State Accepts May Differ
Each state's driver's license office maintains its own list of accepted documents on its website. Some states are stricter than others—for example, some accept a utility bill as address proof while others require a lease or mortgage statement. Some states accept a tribal ID card for identity proof while others do not. Before you go to the office, visit your state's DMV or driver's license website and check the exact documents it lists.
If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local driver's license office or visit in person to ask before you make a trip back home to find something else. Many offices have staff who can tell you over the phone whether a specific document meets the requirement. Some states also allow you to upload photos of your documents to their website ahead of time so staff can review them before your appointment.
In-Person Visit and Processing Time
You must appear in person at your state's driver's license office to get Real ID. Bring all your documents, your current driver's license or ID card, and be prepared to have your photo taken and your signature recorded. The office will verify your documents, check your information against federal databases, and issue you a Real ID card or license on the spot or by mail within two to four weeks, depending on your state.
Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee—typically $10 to $25—if you need your Real ID faster. A few states allow you to renew by mail after your first in-person visit, but you must go to the office at least once. Processing times vary widely: some states issue Real IDs the same day, while others take up to six weeks. Check your state's website for current wait times before you visit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or Social Security card—they must be original or certified documents. Do not assume your address proof is recent enough; check the date against your state's requirement before you go. Do not bring a document with a different legal name than what is on your identity document unless you also bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Do not go to the office without checking your state's website first, because accepted documents vary by state and change occasionally. Do not expect to mail in your process—federal law requires an in-person visit. If you have changed your name, moved recently, or have a passport that is about to expire, call ahead to ask whether you need to bring extra documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport as my identity document?
Yes, a valid passport counts as proof of identity and is often the easiest single document to bring because it shows your name, date of birth, and citizenship all in one. If you have a passport, you may not need a birth certificate.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can usually do this online or by mail, and it arrives in one to three weeks. The fee is typically $10 to $30. In the meantime, a valid passport also works as proof of identity.
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
Most states require an appointment, though some still accept walk-ins. Check your state's driver's license website to see whether appointments are required and how to book one. Walk-in offices often have longer wait times, so booking ahead is usually faster.
Can someone else pick up my Real ID for me?
No, you must appear in person at least once to get Real ID. Some states allow a family member or authorized representative to pick up the card after it is issued, but you must be present for the initial process and photo.
What if my documents have a different address than where I live now?
Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. The office will update your address on your license. You do not need to update your other documents first.