What documents work for Real ID

Real ID requires you to prove your identity, citizenship or legal presence, and your current address. The DMV will not accept every document you bring — they have a specific list of what counts, and the document must be unexpired (with rare exceptions for certain military IDs). You need one document from each of three categories: identity, citizenship/legal presence, and residency.

The documents that work vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID rules set a floor. Some states accept additional documents beyond the federal minimum. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's specific list on their website, because a document that works in one state may not work in another.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving identity, one proving citizenship or legal presence, and one proving your current address — not all three can be the same document.
  • A passport or passport card counts as both identity and citizenship, so you only need to bring a residency document with it.
  • Birth certificates must be certified copies with a raised seal or official signature, not photocopies or informational copies from a hospital.
  • Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work for residency if they show your name and current address and are dated within the last 60 days.
  • Military IDs and veteran health identification cards can be expired and still count as identity documents for Real ID purposes.

Identity documents the DMV accepts

For the identity requirement, the DMV will accept a valid, unexpired passport or passport card. If you do not have a passport, a valid state-issued ID from another state counts, as does a valid driver's license from another state. Military ID cards, including expired ones, work for this category.

If you are a veteran, your VA health identification card counts as an identity document even if it is expired. Some states also accept tribal IDs issued by a federally recognized tribe, but this varies — check your state's list. A school ID does not work, and neither does a work ID unless it is issued by a government agency and includes a photo.

The document must have your photograph on it. If you are renewing a Real ID license and your current license is valid, some states will let you use that current license as your identity document, but you still need to bring documents for citizenship and residency.

Citizenship and legal presence documents

A U.S. passport or passport card is the simplest document for this category — it proves both identity and citizenship at once. If you do not have a passport, you need a certified birth certificate. This must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, embossed seal, or official signature from the vital records office. A photocopy, a hospital birth certificate, or an informational copy will not work.

If you were not born in the United States, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Both are issued by USCIS after you complete the naturalization process. If you have a valid green card (Permanent Resident Card), that counts. A Refugee Travel Document or an Advance Parole Document also works if it is unexpired.

If you are a citizen of a freely associated state — the Marshall Islands, Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia — you can use a passport from that country. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350), both issued by the State Department. Check your state's specific list, because not all states accept every document in this category.

Residency documents and address proof

For residency, the DMV needs a document that shows your name and your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill works — electric, gas, water, or internet. A lease agreement or rental agreement with your name and current address counts. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works.

Bank or credit card statements with your name and address are accepted in most states. Some states also accept a vehicle registration, though this varies. A government-issued document like a tax return, W-2, or 1099 with your name and address works in many states. A letter from a government agency — such as a notice from Social Security, unemployment, or a court — counts if it shows your name and address.

Documents that do not work for residency include cell phone bills (unless they show a physical address, not just a mailing address), PO box addresses, or documents older than 60 days. If you recently moved, bring a document dated after your move. If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, ask your DMV about alternatives — some states have workarounds, though they vary.

What happens if your document is expired or missing information

An expired passport, passport card, or birth certificate will not work for Real ID. The exception is military ID — the DMV accepts expired military IDs and expired VA health IDs for the identity category. For citizenship documents, expiration matters: a green card must be valid, and a Refugee Travel Document must be unexpired.

If a document is missing information — for example, a utility bill that does not show your full name or a lease that does not include your address — the DMV will reject it. Bring the original document, not a photocopy, unless your state specifically allows copies of certain documents. Some states accept certified copies of documents like birth certificates, but they will not accept a photocopy you made yourself.

If you cannot find an original document, contact the issuing agency. For a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office. For a passport, contact the State Department. For a green card, contact USCIS. Getting a replacement can take weeks, so start early if you know you will need Real ID soon.

Documents that do not work, even if they seem official

School IDs do not work, even from a college or university. Work IDs do not work unless they are issued by a government agency. A Social Security card does not work for any category. A library card, gym membership, or store loyalty card will not be accepted.

An informational birth certificate — the kind hospitals give you when a baby is born — is not the same as a certified birth certificate and will not work. A photocopy of a certified birth certificate will not work; you need the original or a certified copy. A notarized copy of a document is not the same as a certified copy from the issuing agency.

A letter from an employer or landlord stating your address does not work for residency — the document itself must show your name and address. A screenshot or digital image of a utility bill or bank statement may not work; bring the original or a printed statement from the company. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your DMV before you go in.

How to prepare your documents before your DMV visit

Gather all three categories of documents before you schedule your appointment. Make a checklist: one identity document, one citizenship or legal presence document, and one residency document. Check the expiration dates. Confirm that each document shows the information the DMV needs — your name, and for residency, your current address.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies, unless your state's website says copies are acceptable for a specific document type. If you have a certified birth certificate in a sealed envelope, do not open it — bring it sealed. If you have a passport, bring the passport itself, not just a photocopy of the photo page.

If any document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Some DMVs have translators on staff, but do not count on it — having a translation ready saves time. If you are unsure about any document, contact your state DMV before your appointment and ask whether it will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You need an official certified copy with a raised seal, embossed seal, or official signature from the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. Contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy — it usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30.

Does my passport card work the same as my passport for Real ID?

Yes. A passport card counts as both identity and citizenship, just like a full passport. It is smaller and easier to carry, and the DMV treats it the same way. You still need to bring a residency document with it.

What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but shows our shared address?

Most DMVs will not accept it because the document must show your name. Bring a document in your name instead — a bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement. If everything is in your spouse's name, ask your DMV whether they will accept a notarized affidavit or a letter from your spouse authorizing you to use that address.

Can I use an expired military ID for Real ID?

Yes. Expired military IDs and expired VA health identification cards are accepted for the identity category. This is one of the few exceptions to the expiration rule. You still need unexpired documents for citizenship and residency.

My address changed last week — which residency document should I bring?

Bring a document dated after your move that shows your new address. A utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days from your new address works. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, contact your utility company or bank and ask them to send you a statement showing your new address, or ask your landlord for a signed letter confirming your move-in date and address.