What documents you need to bring to get a Real ID

The DMV will accept specific documents to prove your identity, citizenship, and address. You cannot mix and match freely — you need one document from each of three categories: proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the federal Real ID standard sets the baseline that all states must follow.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them in person, and some documents must be verified against government databases before you leave the counter. If a document is damaged, expired, or unclear, the DMV may reject it and ask you to return with a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving identity (driver's license, passport, or military ID), one proving citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or green card), and one proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies will not be accepted, and the DMV will examine them in person.
  • Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp, not a photocopy from a hospital or family record.
  • Address documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states accept older documents.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid green card, employment authorization document, or visa with I-94 arrival record can serve as proof of legal residency.

Proof of identity documents the DMV accepts

The DMV will accept a current or expired U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, a state-issued driver's license or ID card from another state, or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you have a passport, bring it — it satisfies both identity and citizenship in one document, which simplifies the process.

If you are using a driver's license or ID from another state, it must be valid or expired no more than one year. A military ID must be current. A tribal ID must be issued by a tribe recognized by the federal government; the DMV staff can verify this, but it helps to know your tribe's federal status before you arrive.

If you do not have any of these documents, some states accept a certified copy of a court order changing your name, a school ID with a photo, or a work ID with a photo, though these are less common and vary by state. Call your local DMV before you go if none of the standard documents explore to you.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency

A U.S. birth certificate is the most common document. It must be an official certified copy — the kind with a raised seal, embossed stamp, or security features — issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy, even a certified photocopy from a hospital or family record, will not work. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail, for $10 to $30.

A U.S. passport or passport card also proves citizenship and identity at the same time. A naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) works as well. If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) issued by the State Department satisfies this requirement.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid green card (Permanent Resident Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS, or a valid visa paired with an I-94 arrival record proves legal residency. The I-94 is a separate document you can retrieve online from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website if you do not have a physical copy. Some states also accept a valid visa alone if it is unexpired, but check with your DMV first.

Proof of current address

A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states accept documents up to 90 days old. Call your DMV to confirm the age requirement in your state.

Other accepted documents include a property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a government-issued benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, or TANF), a vehicle registration, or a mail from a government agency addressed to you. Some states accept a cell phone bill or internet bill; others do not. If you are unsure whether a specific document will work, contact your DMV before you go.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, some states allow you to bring a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized affidavit stating your address, paired with an older document showing your previous address. This varies widely, so ask your DMV what they will accept if you are in this situation.

What happens if your document is expired or damaged

An expired passport, military ID, or driver's license from another state can still serve as proof of identity — the DMV does not require it to be current. However, a birth certificate cannot expire, and a green card or visa must be valid (not expired) to prove legal residency. If your green card or visa has expired, you will need a different document proving legal residency, such as an EAD or I-94.

If a document is damaged, faded, or hard to read, the DMV may reject it and ask you to return with a replacement or a certified copy. Bring originals whenever possible. If you must bring a certified copy instead of an original, make sure it bears the official seal of the issuing agency — a photocopy of a certified document is not the same as a certified copy.

Documents you cannot use

Photocopies, even if notarized, will not be accepted for any of the three categories. A birth certificate from a hospital, a family Bible, or a photocopy of a birth certificate does not meet the requirement — you must have an official certified copy from the vital records office. School records, library cards, credit cards, and Social Security cards do not count as proof of identity or citizenship.

A lease or utility bill in someone else's name, even if you live there, does not prove your address. A post office change-of-address form is not accepted as proof of address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states allow you to use a shelter address or a mailing address you control; ask your DMV what options are available.

How to get documents you do not have

Order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Most states allow online orders and mail delivery; some charge extra for rush processing. The process usually takes one to three weeks by mail, or a few days if you pay for expedited service.

If you need a green card replacement, passport, or naturalization certificate, contact USCIS or the State Department directly. These agencies have their own processing times and fees. If you are explore for a green card or work visa and do not yet have one, you cannot get a Real ID until your status is approved and you receive the physical document.

If you have lost your only proof of address documents, a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill in your name will work. If you do not have any of these, ask your DMV whether they accept a notarized affidavit or a letter from your landlord or employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate if it is certified?

No. A certified copy means the vital records office issued it with an official seal or stamp — it is a separate document, not a photocopy of an original. A photocopy of a certified copy is not accepted. You must bring the original certified copy the vital records office gave you.

What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?

Bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change. The DMV will verify the change and issue your Real ID under your current legal name. If your documents show different names, bring all of them so the DMV can trace the chain of changes.

Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is valid for Real ID and proves both identity and citizenship. It is smaller than a full passport and works the same way at the DMV. You cannot use it for international air travel, but for Real ID purposes it is accepted.

Is a utility bill in my spouse's name acceptable as proof of address?

No. The document must show your name and your current address. If the bill is in your spouse's name only, ask the utility company for a bill in your name, or bring a different document such as a bank statement, lease, or insurance policy in your name.

How old can my address document be?

Most states require the document to be dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept documents up to 90 days old. Check with your local DMV to confirm the requirement in your state before you gather your documents.