Documents Required for a Real ID

A Real ID requires you to bring specific documents to your DMV appointment — not just one form, but proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the federal standard is the same everywhere. You cannot complete a Real ID transaction by mail or online; you must appear in person with originals or certified copies.

The three categories of documents work together. You need at least one from each group, though some documents count toward more than one category. For example, a passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof. A driver's license counts as identity and address proof. Bringing extras from each category speeds up the process if the first document has a problem.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted at the DMV counter.
  • A Real ID requires proof from three separate categories: identity, Social Security number, and current address, though some documents satisfy more than one.
  • Your state DMV website lists which specific documents it accepts, because some states accept documents others do not.
  • If your name has changed since a document was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Expired documents usually work for Real ID purposes, but documents with damage or alterations may be rejected.

Proof of Identity Documents

Proof of identity is the first category. The DMV needs a document with your photograph, your name, and an issue or expiration date. A current or expired U.S. passport is the strongest option and counts toward citizenship proof as well. A passport card works the same way. A current or expired driver's license or state ID card from any state counts, even if it is expired.

If you do not have a passport or driver's license, other documents work depending on your state. These may include a military ID, a tribal ID card, a permanent resident card (green card), a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a certificate of naturalization. Some states accept a school or work ID if it has a photograph and expiration date. Check your state DMV website for the complete list, because acceptance rules differ.

The document must be current or expired — it does not matter. It must not be altered, and the photograph must be recognizable as you. If the document is damaged, torn, or has writing on it, bring a second identity document as backup.

Proof of Social Security Number

The second category is proof of your Social Security number. The easiest document is your Social Security card itself, even if it is worn or faded. If you do not have the card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number works. A paystub with your full Social Security number is acceptable. A bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it counts.

If you have none of these, some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number, or a document from a federal or state agency that lists your Social Security number. A few states accept a birth certificate if it shows your Social Security number, though most do not. Call your state DMV or check its website to confirm what it accepts in this category, because the options are narrower than for identity.

The document must show your full nine-digit Social Security number. Partial numbers or numbers with digits blacked out do not work. The document does not need to be current or unexpired.

Proof of Current Address

The third category is proof of your current address. A utility bill in your name works — electric, gas, water, or internet. A lease or mortgage statement counts. A property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance bill, or a renter's insurance bill with your address works. A bank or credit card statement with your address is acceptable. A government check or benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, or similar) with your address counts.

The document must show your current address and your name. It must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states accept documents up to 90 days old. Check your state DMV website for the exact timeframe. If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, some states accept a lease, a mortgage statement, or a utility company letter confirming your new address. A few states accept a change of address confirmation from the U.S. Postal Service.

If you live with someone else and bills are in their name, that document does not work. You need a document with your own name and your current address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your state DMV directly — most have alternative procedures.

Name Change Documentation

If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, you must bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate shows a name change from marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution order shows a name change from divorce. A court order for a legal name change is required if you changed your name through the court system. An adoption decree shows a name change from adoption.

These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you were married or divorced outside the United States, bring the original foreign document plus an English translation certified by a translator. Some states require the translation to be notarized as well. If you lost the original document, contact the court or agency that issued it and request a certified copy; this usually takes one to three weeks.

If your name changed but you do not have the legal document proving it, you cannot proceed with a Real ID. The DMV will not accept an explanation or a letter from someone else. You must obtain the certified document first.

Citizenship or Lawful Presence Documents

Federal law requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement and counts toward your identity proof as well. A certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship works. A birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribal government counts — it must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), your permanent resident card itself is your proof of lawful presence. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 document or your employment authorization document (EAD). If you are in the United States on a visa, bring your passport with the visa stamp and your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Some states have additional requirements for non-citizens. Check your state DMV website to confirm what documents it needs if you are not a U.S. citizen. If you are in the process of becoming a citizen or obtaining permanent residency, you cannot get a Real ID until that process is complete and you have the final document.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Gather all your documents before you go to the DMV. Bring originals or certified copies — do not bring photocopies, photographs, or digital images on your phone. Bring at least one document from each of the three main categories: identity, Social Security number, and current address. Bring your name-change document if your name has changed. Bring your citizenship or lawful-presence document.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card if you have one, even if it is not a Real ID. Bring any documents related to name changes — marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. If you have a document that is damaged, faded, or unclear, bring a second document from the same category as backup. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, because it is the fastest proof in that category.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose unless you are certain the DMV will return them. Ask your state DMV in advance which documents it will keep and which it will return. Some states keep citizenship documents and return them later; others return everything the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy or a picture of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the agency that issued the original. Photocopies you make yourself and pictures on your phone are not accepted. If you do not have the original, contact the agency that issued the document and request a certified copy.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a separate document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The address proof document does not have to match your ID. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID based on the address proof you bring.

Do my documents have to be unexpired?

Your identity document can be expired. Your Social Security proof does not need to be current. Your address proof must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days depending on your state. Your citizenship or name-change documents do not need to be current. Check your state DMV website for the exact rules on expiration dates.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return?

Contact the Social Security Administration and request a replacement card or a letter showing your Social Security number. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives in one to two weeks. A letter from Social Security can be issued the same day if you visit in person.

Can I use my birth certificate as proof of address?

No. A birth certificate does not show your current address, so it does not work for address proof. It only counts toward citizenship proof. For address proof, you need a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or similar document that shows both your name and your current address.