What to Bring to Your Real ID Appointment

Bring proof of citizenship and identity documents first

You need two things at your Real ID appointment: one document that proves who you are, and one that proves you are a U.S. citizen. The DMV will not process your application without both. Most people bring a passport for citizenship proof because it covers both requirements at once — but if you do not have a passport, you will need a separate citizenship document plus a separate ID document.

The citizenship document can be a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. If you are bringing a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp — a photocopy or hospital-issued birth certificate will not work. The naturalization certificate must be the original document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not a copy.

For identity proof, bring a current driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must not be expired. If you do not have any of these, ask your DMV office which other documents they will accept — some accept school IDs, employee IDs, or medical records with your photo, but this varies by state.

Key Takeaways

• Bring one citizenship document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and one identity document (driver's license, passport, or military ID) — both must be originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
• Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal; hospital-issued or photocopied versions will be rejected.
• Bring proof of your current address using a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
• Bring your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card, because the DMV will verify it during your appointment.
• Bring your current ID document even if it is expired, because the DMV uses it to confirm your identity before issuing Real ID.

Proof of your current address

The DMV requires one document showing where you live right now. This document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and your current address.

If you recently moved and your name is not on a new utility bill yet, bring a lease or mortgage document instead — these are usually dated when you sign them. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some states accept an affidavit of residence instead; call your DMV office to ask what form they use.

Your Social Security number or card

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, write your Social Security number on a piece of paper and bring that. The DMV will verify your number against Social Security Administration records during your appointment. Do not skip this step — the Real ID process requires it.

If you have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you have no record. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Your current ID and any name-change documents

Bring your current driver's license, state ID, or passport — even if it is expired. The DMV staff will use it to confirm your identity and check your photo against you in person. This is a standard security step and does not delay the process.

If your name has changed since your current ID was issued, bring the document that proves the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you changed your name more than once, bring all the documents in order.

What you do not need to bring

Do not bring photocopies of your citizenship documents — the DMV will not accept them. Do not bring a hospital-issued birth certificate; it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Do not bring expired documents for citizenship proof, though an expired ID document is fine.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you have written your number down. You do not need to bring a completed application form — most DMV offices have them at the counter or will hand you one when you arrive. Check your DMV office's website to see whether they want you to fill it out ahead of time; some do, and some do not.

How to get certified copies if you do not have them

If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can find the office's website by searching "[your state] vital records" or by calling your state health department. Most offices let you order online, by mail, or in person. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, though expedited options cost more.

If you need a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, contact the courthouse in the county where the document was issued. Call the clerk's office and ask how to order a certified copy. If you need a naturalization certificate, contact USCIS at uscis.gov or call 1-800-375-5283.

Order these documents as soon as you schedule your appointment. If the documents do not arrive in time, you can reschedule your appointment — most DMV offices let you do this online or by phone without penalty.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Gather all your documents the night before and put them in a folder or envelope. Bring the originals, not photocopies. Bring your Social Security card or the paper with your number written on it. Bring cash or a card for the fee — Real ID fees vary by state, usually between $20 and $50, and not all offices take cards.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your appointment confirmation if you have one — some offices text or email it to you, and some do not. If you are bringing someone else's documents (for example, a parent applying for a minor), bring a notarized letter giving you permission to do so, or bring that person with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not work. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident but not yet a citizen, bring your green card plus your passport from your country of origin. Call your DMV office before your appointment to confirm what documents they need.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is writing the number down enough?

Writing the number down is fine. The DMV will verify it against Social Security Administration records during your appointment. Bring the card only if you have it and want to; it is not required.

What if my address does not match my ID?

Bring a proof-of-address document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. The DMV will update your address during the Real ID appointment. You do not need to update your old ID first.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the appointment?

Most DMV offices require you to be present in person for Real ID. If you cannot attend, call your DMV office to ask whether they allow a representative to submit documents on your behalf, or whether you need to reschedule. Rules vary by state.