The Documents Required for a State ID Card

To get a state identification card, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but every state requires these three categories. You cannot complete the process without them, so gathering them before you go to the DMV or ID office saves you a trip.

Most people can walk out with an ID card on the same day they explore, though some states mail the card to you instead. Either way, the documents you bring determine whether you leave with an ID or are turned away to find missing paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving where you live, and one proving your Social Security number — these three categories are required in every state.
  • A birth certificate or passport counts as proof of identity; a utility bill or lease counts as proof of address; a Social Security card or tax return counts as proof of your number.
  • Some documents serve double duty — a passport proves both identity and citizenship, so you may need fewer total documents than you expect.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, because the DMV will not accept uncertified copies of most documents.
  • If you cannot find a required document, your state DMV website lists alternatives that work in its place.

Proof of Identity: What the DMV Will Accept

Your proof of identity must show your name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate all work. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa or a Certificate of Naturalization works instead. Some states also accept a driver's license from another state, though that defeats the purpose if you are getting your first ID.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you have a birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, not a photocopy from a genealogy website. Certified copies have an official seal and signature and cost between $10 and $30 depending on the state.

If you cannot locate your birth certificate, most states let you bring a passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of alternatives.

Proof of Address: Documents That Show Where You Live

Your proof of address must show your current street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. The document must have your name and address printed on it — a piece of mail addressed to you does not count unless it is one of the documents above.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with the bill itself. The letter should state that you live at that address. Some states accept an affidavit of residence instead, which is a sworn statement you sign in front of a notary public.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. Most states have a process for issuing IDs without a street address — you may use a shelter address, a mailing address, or a care-of address instead.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

You need to show your Social Security number, and the DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration. Bring your Social Security card itself, or bring a document that shows your number: a tax return, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, or a bank statement with your number on it. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, or you can bring a different document from the list above. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card — the DMV will not accept it.

What to Bring If You Have Changed Your Name

If your current name is different from the name on your birth certificate, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers all work. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the divorce decree that shows your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the original or certified copy of that order.

Documents You May Need for Citizenship or Immigration Status

If you were not born in the United States, the DMV may ask for proof of your legal presence in the country. A U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) all work. Some states also accept a visa or an I-94 arrival/departure record.

Check your state's DMV website before you go, because the list of accepted documents varies. If you have a visa or work permit, bring the original document, not a photocopy. If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, call your state DMV and ask — staff can tell you whether your documents will work.

How to Prepare Before You Go to the DMV

Make a checklist of the three categories: identity, address, and Social Security number. Gather one document from each category and check that each one is an original or certified copy. If any document is a photocopy, order a certified copy instead — the DMV will turn you away if you bring uncertified copies.

Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of accepted documents in your state, because some states accept documents that others do not. Many state DMV websites have a checklist you can print and bring with you. If you are missing a document, find out what alternatives your state accepts before you go, so you do not make a wasted trip.

Bring the originals, not copies. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you have changed your name, bring the document that proves it. If you were born outside the United States, bring proof of your legal presence. Once you have gathered everything, you are ready to go to your local DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

Only if it is a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy or a copy you printed from a genealogy website will not work. Certified copies have an official seal and cost $10 to $30.

What if my address on my utility bill is different from my current address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address. If your utility bill shows an old address, bring a recent bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement instead. If all your documents show an old address, contact your utility company or bank to request a new statement.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card, or can I bring a copy?

Bring the original card if you have it. If you have lost it, bring a different document that shows your number, such as a tax return, W-2, pay stub, or bank statement. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

Bring a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa instead. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of alternatives, because some states accept additional documents.

Can I use a piece of mail as proof of my address?

No, unless the mail is a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement. A letter or package addressed to you does not count. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.