What Documents You Need for REAL ID Right Now
Bring these documents to the DMV for REAL ID
You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The exact documents that work vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Your state DMV website lists which specific documents they accept — check before you go, because showing up with the wrong proof of residency wastes a trip.
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV staff will look at the physical document to verify it is real. If you bring a photocopy, they will turn you away. One exception: some states accept certified copies of birth certificates instead of originals, but you have to ask your state DMV which documents fall into that category.
Bring more than one document in each category if you can. If your proof of residency is borderline — a utility bill with a partial name, for example — a second document like a lease or bank statement makes approval faster. The DMV does not require it, but it prevents back-and-forth.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or current driver's license.
- Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form — the document itself, not a screenshot or photocopy.
- Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days in most states.
- Proof of citizenship or legal presence requires a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa — photocopies do not work.
- Check your state DMV website before your appointment to confirm which specific documents they accept, because the list varies by state.
Proof of identity documents
The DMV needs to see that you are who you say you are. A current driver's license or passport works. If you do not have either, a birth certificate, state ID card, or tribal ID card will work in most states. Some states also accept a military ID or a passport card.
The document must be unexpired or expired no more than a few years — check your state's specific rule, because it varies. If your passport expired in 2015, call the DMV before you go. Some states have a hard cutoff; others are more flexible.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the name change along with your identity document. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the DMV cannot issue a REAL ID in your new name.
Proof of Social Security number
The DMV will not accept a screenshot of your Social Security card. Bring the actual card, or bring a document that lists your full Social Security number. A W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from your employer counts. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works if you print it out.
If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a tax document, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment. That takes one to two weeks. Alternatively, some states allow you to sign a form at the DMV stating that you do not have the document, and the DMV will contact Social Security directly — but this slows down your application, so it is better to bring proof if you can.
Proof of residency documents
The DMV needs to see that you live where you say you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works in most states. The document must show your name and current address. If your name on the document does not match your legal name exactly, bring a second residency document to explain the difference — for example, if you recently married and your bank statement still shows your maiden name.
A piece of mail from a government agency also works — a tax bill, voter registration card, or benefits statement. Some states accept a phone bill or internet bill. A few states do not accept utility bills at all, so check your state DMV website first.
If you recently moved and do not have a document dated after your move, bring two older documents showing your previous address plus a document showing your new address. Some states also accept a signed lease or a notarized letter from your landlord stating that you live there. Call ahead to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Proof of citizenship or legal presence
You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal permission to be in the country. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate works. If you were born outside the U.S., a birth certificate issued by the U.S. State Department counts, but a birth certificate from another country does not.
If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you have a visa, bring the visa itself plus your passport. Some states also accept a Trusted Traveler card like Global Entry or NEXUS as proof of citizenship.
If you were born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a birth certificate from that territory counts as proof of citizenship. If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one before your appointment, ask your state DMV whether they will accept an alternative — some states have workarounds, but they vary.
What to bring if you are renewing or replacing
If you already have a driver's license and are upgrading it to REAL ID, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need to bring the old one, but you may need to sign a statement saying it was lost or stolen.
If you are renewing your license and upgrading to REAL ID at the same time, the document requirements are the same as for a new REAL ID. Do not assume that renewing means you can skip the residency proof or citizenship proof — you cannot. The DMV treats a REAL ID upgrade as a new application for verification purposes.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring a Social Security statement if you have your card. You do not need to bring multiple utility bills if one recent bill shows your name and address. You do not need to bring certified copies if you have originals. You do not need to bring a cover letter explaining your documents — the DMV staff know what they are looking for.
You do not need to bring documents proving that you have paid taxes or that you have no criminal record. REAL ID does not require a background check. You do not need to bring proof of your current address if you have a lease or mortgage statement — those count as proof of residency on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
Most states require an original or certified copy. A photocopy will not work. If you have lost your original birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.
What if my name on my utility bill does not match my legal name?
Bring a second document showing your current address, such as a lease or bank statement. You can also bring a document proving the name change, like a marriage certificate. The DMV will use both documents together to confirm your identity and address.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?
No. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your full Social Security number works just as well as the card itself. The DMV only needs to see proof of your number, not the card.
Can I use a lease that is not yet signed by my landlord?
No. The lease must be signed by both you and your landlord. An unsigned lease does not prove you actually live there. If you have just moved and do not have a signed lease yet, bring a utility bill or bank statement showing your new address instead.
What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a U.S. birth certificate?
Bring your passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization if you are a citizen. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card and passport. If you have a visa, bring the visa and passport. Call your state DMV if none of these apply to your situation.