What to Bring to Your Real ID Appointment

Documents you need to bring

You need to bring one document that proves your identity and one document that proves where you live. The state DMV will not issue a Real ID without both. Your identity document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

For identity, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an old driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate works, but you will also need to bring a second identity document — something like a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card with your photo on it.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a cell phone bill — most DMVs do not accept those.

Key Takeaways

• Bring one current identity document (passport, military ID, or driver's license) and one proof of address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
• Your identity document can be expired, but not by more than five years.
• If you do not have a photo ID, bring a certified birth certificate plus a second non-photo ID like an employee badge or school ID.
• Bring your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card itself, since you will need to provide it during your appointment.
• Bring the completed application form your state DMV provides, or fill it out when you arrive — either way is fine.

Your Social Security number and the application form

You will need to provide your Social Security number during your appointment. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or write your number down on a piece of paper. The DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration before issuing your Real ID.

Most states let you fill out the Real ID application form online before you go, or you can fill it out in the waiting room when you arrive. If your state offers the online option, doing it ahead of time usually moves you through the line faster. Check your state DMV website to see whether you can pre-fill the form or if you need to bring a printed copy.

Proof of citizenship or lawful status

Real ID requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. This is separate from your identity document. Bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), or a tribal ID card that shows citizenship.

If you were born outside the United States, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the U.S. State Department works. A hospital birth certificate does not — it has to be the official certified version you can order from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you are a lawful permanent resident, your green card serves this purpose on its own.

What to bring if you have changed your name

If your name on your identity document does not match the name on your birth certificate or citizenship document, bring proof of the name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be certified or an official copy — a photocopy is not enough.

If you changed your name through marriage and your marriage certificate shows both your old and new name, that single document is usually enough. If you have been married more than once, bring the most recent marriage certificate or divorce decree that shows the name you are using now.

Documents you do not need to bring

Do not bring your current driver's license or state ID card unless it is expired and you are using it as your identity document. If you already have a valid license, the DMV has your information on file and does not need you to bring it again.

You do not need to bring your passport unless you are using it as your identity or citizenship document. You do not need to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from employers — the DMV does not ask for those. You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have your number written down, though bringing it does speed up the process.

What happens if you forget something

If you arrive without one of the required documents, the DMV will not process your appointment. You will have to reschedule and come back another day with the missing document. Some DMVs will let you reschedule for a later time the same day if you can run home and get what you forgot, but this depends on how busy the office is and your state's policy.

The best approach is to gather everything the night before and put it in a folder. Check your state DMV website one more time before you leave home — a few states have slightly different rules about which documents they accept, and you want to be certain before you drive there.

Bringing documents from another country

If your birth certificate or citizenship document is from another country, bring the original and a certified English translation. You can get a certified translation from a translator in your area, or some DMVs have a list of approved translators. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask whether they have a preferred translator or if any translator with a certification will do.

If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your refugee travel document or your asylum approval letter along with your identity document. These documents prove your lawful status in the United States and are what the DMV will use instead of a green card or passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a copy of my birth certificate or do I need the original?

You need a certified copy — the official version with the raised seal or official stamp from the vital records office. A photocopy or a hospital birth certificate will not work. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, usually online or by mail.

What if my address on my proof of address document does not match my ID?

Bring both documents anyway. The DMV uses the proof of address to update your file, so if you have moved recently, bring the utility bill or lease with your new address and your old ID. The DMV will issue you a new ID with the current address.

Do I need to bring my green card if I am a permanent resident?

Yes. Your green card serves as both your identity document and your proof of lawful status, so it covers two requirements at once. Bring it along with your proof of address and Social Security number.

Can I bring a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV needs to see the original documents or certified copies. Digital photos or PDFs on your phone are not accepted. Bring the physical documents themselves.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact your state DMV before your appointment. Some states have a process for people without a Social Security number, though Real ID rules are strict about this. Your DMV can tell you whether you can get a Real ID and what documents you need instead.