Bring these documents to renew or replace your license
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing, replacing a lost or stolen license, or changing information on your existing license. Most states require originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Bring more than one form of proof for each category, because the DMV staff member may ask for a second document if the first one does not meet their requirements.
The documents listed here cover most states, but your state DMV may have different rules. Check your state's DMV website before you go, or call your local branch to confirm what they will accept. Showing up with the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a rescheduled appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license or ID card, a document proving who you are, and a document proving where you live.
- Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and digital images usually will not work.
- Bring two forms of proof for each category in case the first one is rejected.
- Your state DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, and these rules vary by state.
- If your name has changed, bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Proof of identity documents the DMV will accept
Your current driver's license or state ID card is the strongest proof of identity. If you do not have one, or if it is expired, bring a passport, passport card, or military ID. These are federal documents and all states accept them.
If you do not have a federal ID, bring a certified birth certificate (not a photocopy from a website), a Social Security card, or a tribal ID. Some states also accept school IDs, employee IDs from government agencies, or professional licenses. The DMV staff member will tell you if your document is not acceptable — do not assume a document will work just because it has your name and photo on it.
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.
Proof of residency documents the DMV will accept
Proof of residency means a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. The document must show your full name and current address — a bill addressed to "Resident" will not work.
If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date. Some states accept a government letter addressed to you at your current address, such as a tax notice or voter registration card. A few states accept a cell phone bill or insurance policy if it shows your address.
Do not bring a credit card statement or a printed bank statement from online banking unless your state specifically says it accepts them. Call your DMV branch if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Documents you need if your name has changed
If you are renewing your license under a different name than the one on your current license, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change are the documents the DMV expects. The document must be an original or a certified copy from the court or vital records office.
If you are a recent immigrant and your name appears differently on your passport than on your birth certificate, bring both documents. The DMV will use them to confirm your identity and update your record. If you have changed your name more than once, bring all the documents in order — for example, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate, and your divorce decree.
Your current license or ID card
Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not have a current card to bring, so tell the DMV staff member when you arrive. They will process your process as a replacement rather than a renewal.
If your license was suspended or revoked, bring it anyway. The DMV needs to see it to update your record. Do not assume you cannot renew because of a suspension — some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set time, and the DMV can tell you whether yours has been.
Documents for a duplicate or replacement license
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, bring the same proof of identity and residency as you would for a renewal. You do not need to bring the lost or stolen license — you cannot, because you do not have it. Just tell the DMV staff member that you are replacing a lost or stolen license, and they will mark your process accordingly.
If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. The DMV may be able to issue a replacement without charging you an extra fee, depending on your state's rules.
What to bring if you are changing your address only
If your license is not expiring soon and you only need to update your address, some states let you do this online or by mail. Check your state DMV website first. If you must go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to bring proof of identity again — your current license serves that purpose.
A few states charge a small fee for an address change, and some issue a new card with the updated address at no extra cost. Ask when you call to confirm what documents to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
Only if the photocopy is certified by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy you made yourself or printed from a website will not work. Contact your state or county vital records office to order a certified copy if you do not have one.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove where I live?
A letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead works in most states. Some states also accept a government letter addressed to you at your current address, such as a tax notice or voter registration card. Call your DMV branch to ask what they will accept before you go.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You do not need to bring it, but it can serve as proof of identity if you do not have a passport or other federal ID. Bring it if you have it and do not have other identity documents. The DMV will not keep it — they will only look at it and hand it back.
Can I bring a digital image of my documents on my phone?
No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Digital images, screenshots, and photocopies will not work. Bring the physical documents with you.
What if my address on my proof of residency does not match my current license?
That is normal when you have recently moved. Bring both your current license and the proof of your new address. The DMV will update your record to show the new address.