What documents you must bring to get a Real ID

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You will need it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. To get one, you must bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name change if applicable.

The exact documents accepted vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. This checklist covers what most states require. Check your state DMV website before you go, because some states have additional rules or accept different documents than others.

Key Takeaways

  • You need documents in four categories: identity, Social Security number, current address, and legal name change (if applicable).
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and Social Security number at the same time, so bringing one cuts your document list in half.
  • Your state DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts in each category — bring the document itself, not a photo or copy.
  • Real ID is required for domestic flights and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025, but you can still use a regular ID for other purposes.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and arrive with extra time because Real ID appointments often take longer than standard ID renewals.

Proof of identity documents

You must bring one document that proves who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book counts as proof of identity and also proves your Social Security number, so if you have one, bring it and you can skip the separate Social Security document step.

If you do not have a passport, bring one of these: a certified birth certificate, a state ID or driver's license from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), a visa, or a naturalization certificate. Some states also accept a school ID or employee ID if it has your photo and signature. Check your state's list — not all states accept all of these.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy will not work. If your birth certificate is from another state, request a certified copy from that state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.

Proof of your Social Security number

You need one document showing your Social Security number. If you brought a passport, you are done — passports count for this step. Otherwise, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement with your Social Security number on it.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your Social Security card will not work at most DMVs. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment, or you can bring a tax document or pay stub instead.

Proof of your current address

You must bring one document showing your current home address. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days (some states use 90 days — check yours).

If you recently moved and do not have a recent bill in your new name, bring a lease or mortgage agreement for your current address plus an older utility bill or statement from your previous address. Some states will accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement if you cannot produce a recent bill.

Do not bring a photocopy. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

Proof of legal name change (if applicable)

If your name has changed since you were born — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process — bring the document that proves the change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you changed your name through marriage, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy.

If you have never changed your name legally, you do not need anything for this step. Your birth certificate and identity document will match, and that is all the DMV needs.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or ID card, though it can be helpful if you are renewing. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship — a passport proves citizenship, but a birth certificate alone does not, and the DMV does not require it for Real ID. You do not need to bring proof of residency beyond the address document listed above.

Do not bring photocopies of anything. The DMV will ask for originals or certified copies. Do not bring documents that are expired unless they are a passport or passport card (those can be expired and still count as proof of identity). Do not bring documents that are damaged or difficult to read — if the DMV cannot verify the information, you will have to come back with a replacement.

What to do before you go to the DMV

Visit your state DMV website and confirm the exact documents it accepts. Some states have their own rules — for example, some accept a utility bill only if it is in your name, while others accept it even if a roommate's name is on it. Some states accept documents you might not expect, like a lease agreement or a letter from a homeless shelter. Your state's list is the only one that matters.

Make a copy of your documents for your own records before you go, in case the DMV needs to keep originals. Bring the originals or certified copies to the appointment. Arrive early — Real ID appointments often take longer than standard ID renewals because the DMV has to verify more information. Bring all four categories of documents even if you think you might not need one, because the DMV staff can tell you on the spot if something is missing.

Common mistakes that delay your Real ID

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy. The DMV cannot process your process with a copy. If your birth certificate is from another state, order a certified copy ahead of time — you cannot get one at the DMV counter.

The second most common mistake is bringing an address document that is too old. Check the date on your utility bill or bank statement. If it is more than 60 days old (or 90 days in your state), bring a different document or a recent bill in your name. A document with a roommate's name will not work in most states.

The third mistake is not bringing a document for a legal name change. If you were married, divorced, or changed your name by court order, bring the certificate or decree. Without it, the DMV cannot issue a Real ID in your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. You can take photos of your documents for your own records before you go, but bring the physical originals or certified copies to the appointment.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, permanent resident card, visa, or naturalization certificate instead. Check your state's list to see which documents it accepts. If you have none of these, you can order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office, though this takes time.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a passport?

No. A passport counts as proof of both identity and Social Security number, so you do not need a separate Social Security document. If you do not have a passport, bring your Social Security card or a tax document with your number on it.

What if my address document has my old address on it?

Bring a recent document with your current address instead. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill in your new name, bring your lease or mortgage agreement plus an older utility bill from your previous address. Some states will accept a notarized letter from your landlord.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

Most states require you to go to the DMV in person for a Real ID, because the DMV needs to verify your documents and take a new photo. Some states offer mail renewal for people renewing an existing Real ID, but first-time Real ID applicants must visit in person. Check your state DMV website for your options.