What to bring when you explore for a driver's license
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The exact documents accepted vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed license, so check your state's DMV website before you go — most states list exactly which documents they accept for each category.
This guide covers the document categories and what typically counts as proof in each one. Your state's DMV website will have the final word on what they accept, including any recent changes to their rules.
Key Takeaways
- You need documents from three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — not all three from one document.
- A passport or passport card counts as proof of identity in every state, but a state ID, birth certificate, or military ID also work in most places.
- Proof of residency usually means a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address on it.
- Your Social Security card itself is the easiest proof, but a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your SSN on it also works in most states.
- Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of accepted documents before you visit, because rules differ and some documents have age limits.
Proof of identity documents
A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted in all 50 states and counts as both identity and citizenship proof. If you have one, bring it — it simplifies the process. A state ID card from another state also works everywhere, though you will need to surrender it when you get your new license.
A birth certificate (original or certified copy) counts as identity proof in most states, though some require it to be certified by the vital records office that issued it, not a photocopy you made yourself. A military ID or military dependent ID works in most states. Some states accept a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe.
Documents that do not work as sole proof of identity include school IDs, work IDs, library cards, or expired licenses from your own state. Some states accept a consular ID (issued by a foreign government's consulate in the U.S.) if you do not have U.S. citizenship documents yet, but rules vary widely — call your DMV before you bring one.
Proof of residency documents
A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address on it is the most straightforward proof of residency. "Recent" usually means issued within the last 60 days, though some states accept up to 90 days. The document must show your full name and the address where you currently live.
Other documents that typically work include a bank or credit union statement, homeowner's insurance policy, renter's insurance policy, property tax bill, or vehicle registration. Some states accept a letter from a government agency (like a welfare office or court) that shows your name and address. A few states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager if you rent and do not have a lease in your name.
Documents that usually do not work include credit card statements (too straightforward to forge), mail from a doctor's office or hospital, cell phone bills, or internet bills — though a few states do accept utility bills for internet or cell service. If you have just moved and do not have a document yet with your new address, some states will let you bring an older document plus a lease or purchase agreement showing the move date.
Proof of your Social Security number
Your Social Security card itself is the simplest proof. Bring the original card, not a photocopy. If you have lost it or never received one, a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document with your SSN printed on it works in all states. A recent tax return (federal or state) also works.
Bank statements, credit union statements, and investment account statements that show your Social Security number also count in most states. Some states accept a benefit letter from Social Security, Medicare, or the Veterans Administration. If you are explore for your first license and have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access, or bring a document showing you are a non-citizen without an SSN (such as a visa or passport).
What to do if you do not have all three categories
If you do not have a document in one of the three categories, contact your state's DMV before you visit. Many states have alternative documents they will accept, or they may let you bring additional documents to make up for a missing one. Some states will issue a temporary license while you gather missing documents, though this varies.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks. If you do not have a Social Security number and are a U.S. citizen, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office — bring your birth certificate and proof of identity. If you do not have proof of residency because you are homeless or living with someone else, some states have workarounds; call your DMV to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, or vehicle title to get a driver's license. Those are separate from the license itself. You also do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have another document with your SSN on it — do not carry your card around if you do not have to.
You do not need to bring original documents for everything. Most states will accept certified copies of birth certificates and other official records. However, some documents (like your Social Security card or passport) must be originals. Check your state's DMV website to see which documents can be copies and which must be originals.
Renewing your license: what changes
If you are renewing a license you already have, you may not need to bring as many documents. Many states let you renew by mail or online if your address has not changed and your current license is not expired by more than a certain number of years (often five or six). In that case, you bring nothing — you just fill out a form and pay the fee.
If you are renewing in person because your license is expired, your address changed, or your name changed, you will usually need to bring proof of residency and your current license. You may not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again if your information has not changed. However, some states require you to bring everything again every time. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules, because they differ from the rules for a first license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
Most states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate (one issued by the vital records office that created it), but not a photocopy you made yourself. A certified copy has an official seal and signature on it. If you only have a photocopy, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current name?
Bring documents showing both your old name and your new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will want to see the legal document that explains the name change. You may also need to bring your current license or ID showing the old name.
Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?
You can bring a copy of your Social Security card, or you can bring a different document with your SSN on it, such as a W-2 or tax return. You do not have to carry your original card around. However, if you do bring the original, it must be the original — a photocopy does not work.
What counts as proof of residency if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?
Bring a lease or purchase agreement showing your new address and move-in date, plus an older document (like a utility bill from your old address). Some states will also accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a bank statement if it shows your new address. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Can I use my passport as proof of residency?
No. A passport proves identity and citizenship, but it does not show your current address, so it does not count as proof of residency. You still need a separate document like a utility bill or lease with your address on it.