The documents the DMV requires for Real ID

To get a Real ID, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will not issue a Real ID without all four categories. You cannot mail these in or submit them online—you must bring originals or certified copies to your local DMV office in person.

Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It is not a separate card; it is a designation on your existing driver's license or ID card. Most states began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and since May 2025, a Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility without a passport or military ID.

The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Your state's DMV website lists which specific documents may have access to in your state, and you should check that list before you go to the office. Bringing the wrong document wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of documents proving identity, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security number, and current address—the DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images.
  • Each state's DMV website lists which specific documents count as proof in that state, and the list differs enough that you should check before your appointment.
  • You must appear in person at the DMV office; Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport, visa, or other federal immigration document showing your legal residency status.
  • The fee for a Real ID license or ID card is the same as a standard license in most states, though some charge a small upgrade fee.

Proof of identity documents

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. The most common documents are a current or expired passport, a passport card, or a military ID. Some states also accept a certified birth certificate paired with a photo ID from a school or employer, though this is less common.

If your passport or military ID is expired, most states still accept it for Real ID purposes. The document itself does not have to be current—your identity does not change because your passport expired. However, if you are renewing your driver's license at the same time, the DMV may require a current photo ID to verify your appearance has not changed significantly.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable identity documents. Some states accept a tribal ID, a foreign national ID, or a school photo ID paired with another document. Do not assume your document will work—call your local DMV or check online first.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can prove it with a birth certificate, a passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal—a photocopy or a hospital birth certificate will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.

If you were born outside the United States and are now a citizen, bring your certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship. These are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you complete the naturalization process. If you cannot find yours, you can request a replacement from USCIS online or by mail.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are a lawful permanent resident or have legal authorization to live in the United States, you will need to bring your passport and a document showing your immigration status. This could be a green card, an employment authorization document (EAD), a visa, an I-94 arrival/departure record, or a notice of action (I-797) from USCIS. The specific document depends on your immigration category, so check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm what you need.

Proof of Social Security number

You can prove your Social Security number with a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and full Social Security number. A photocopy is acceptable for this category—you do not need an original.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration 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 within two weeks. If you need your Real ID before then, bring a different document from the list above instead.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, some states allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Check your state's DMV website to see whether ITIN is accepted and what document you need to prove it.

Proof of current address

Proof of address means a document showing your name and your current street address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a government-issued document, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states allow up to 90 days. A photocopy is acceptable.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, even if it is not yet dated. Some DMVs also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member confirming your address. Call your local DMV to ask what they will accept if you are in this situation.

If you live in a rural area without a street address, or if you are experiencing homelessness, contact your local DMV directly. Most states have procedures for people without a standard mailing address, though the process varies. Some accept a P.O. box paired with another document, and some accept a shelter address or a care-of address.

What to bring to your DMV appointment

Bring originals or certified copies of all four categories of documents listed above. Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, even though a photocopy is acceptable—having it with you speeds up the process. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the legal document that changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Make a photocopy of each document before you go, and keep the copies at home. If the DMV loses a document or there is a dispute about what you brought, you will have proof of what you submitted. Some DMVs photograph your documents and return them the same day; others keep them on file. Ask when you arrive.

Check your state's DMV website for any additional requirements specific to your state. Some states require proof of a vision test, proof of residency in that state for a certain length of time, or other documents. Some states charge a fee for Real ID that is separate from the license fee. Knowing this before you arrive prevents a wasted trip.

If you cannot find a required document

If you cannot find your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Most states allow you to order online and receive the copy by mail within one to three weeks. Some states offer rush delivery for an additional fee. You can find the contact information for your state's vital records office through the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website or by searching "[your state] vital records office."

If you cannot find your Social Security card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration. If you cannot find your passport, explore for a replacement through the U.S. State Department. If you do not have a lease or mortgage statement for your address, ask your utility company for a bill in your name, or ask your landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

If you are missing a document and cannot obtain it before your appointment, call your local DMV and explain the situation. Some DMVs will schedule a follow-up appointment and allow you to bring the missing document later. Others will not issue a Real ID until all documents are present. It is better to know this before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV requires an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal. A photocopy or hospital birth certificate will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, usually online or by mail.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is a pay stub enough?

A pay stub, W-2, tax return, or letter from the Social Security Administration is enough. You do not need the card itself. However, bringing the card speeds up the process because the DMV will not have to verify the number separately.

What if my address on my driver's license is different from my current address?

Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your Real ID license. You do not need to change your address before you explore.

Can I get a Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident or have legal authorization to work or live in the United States. You will need a passport and a document showing your immigration status, such as a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. Check your state's DMV website for the specific documents required in your state.

How long does it take to get a Real ID after I submit my documents?

Most states issue a Real ID license or ID card on the same day you explore, or mail it to you within one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Ask at your local DMV what the timeline is in your state.