To comply with REAL ID requirements, applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving residency like utility bills or lease agreements. These documents ensure verification of legal status, identity, and residency within the state. Meeting these criteria is essential for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
What Documents Are Required for REAL ID Compliance?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card | A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card serves as an acceptable primary identity document for REAL ID compliance, verifying both identity and lawful U.S. citizenship. These documents must be current to meet the Department of Homeland Security's requirements for federally accepted identification. |
| 2 | Certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate | A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate is a primary document required for REAL ID compliance, serving as proof of identity and lawful status. This document must be an official, government-issued copy that includes the full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the individual. |
| 3 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as a crucial primary document for REAL ID compliance, verifying U.S. citizenship for individuals born outside the United States. This official certificate, issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate, must be presented alongside a valid photo ID to meet the federal identification standards set by the REAL ID Act. |
| 4 | Unexpired permanent resident card (Green Card) | An unexpired permanent resident card (Green Card) serves as a primary document for REAL ID compliance, proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This card must be presented alongside secondary documents, such as proof of residency and identity, to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. |
| 5 | Unexpired employment authorization document | An unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) serves as a valid proof of identity and lawful status for REAL ID compliance, confirming eligibility to work in the United States. Presenting this document is crucial when applying for a REAL ID card, as it verifies both identity and legal authorization without requiring additional proof of residency. |
| 6 | Valid foreign passport with appropriate U.S. visa and approved I-94 form | A valid foreign passport accompanied by an appropriate U.S. visa and an approved I-94 form is essential for REAL ID compliance, serving as primary evidence of lawful presence in the United States. These documents verify identity and immigration status, meeting the Department of Homeland Security's requirements for enhanced security standards in driver's license or identification card issuance. |
| 7 | Certificate of Naturalization | A Certificate of Naturalization is a critical document for REAL ID compliance, serving as proof of U.S. citizenship. It must be an original or certified copy issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to validate identity and citizenship requirements. |
| 8 | Certificate of Citizenship | The Certificate of Citizenship is a primary document required for REAL ID compliance, proving lawful U.S. citizenship. It must be an original or certified copy issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to serve as valid proof of identity and citizenship. |
| 9 | Social Security card | A Social Security card is a mandatory document for REAL ID compliance, verifying your Social Security number as part of identity affirmation. It must be an original or certified copy issued by the Social Security Administration to meet the Department of Motor Vehicles' requirements. |
| 10 | W-2 form | A W-2 form is not accepted as a primary document for REAL ID compliance because it does not serve as proof of identity, legal presence, or residency. Instead, applicants must provide government-issued identification such as a valid passport or birth certificate along with documents verifying residency, whereas the W-2 may support address verification indirectly but is not a primary REAL ID document. |
| 11 | SSA-1099 form | The SSA-1099 form serves as essential proof of Social Security income and may be required to verify identity and residency for REAL ID compliance. Submitting the SSA-1099 alongside primary identification documents ensures adherence to federal standards for secure and accurate identity verification. |
| 12 | Non-SSA-1099 form | Documents required for REAL ID compliance must prove lawful presence, identity, Social Security number, and residency; an SSA-1099 form is not accepted for Social Security number verification. Acceptable alternatives include a Social Security card, W-2 form, pay stub with SSN, or a non-SSA document issued by a federal agency confirming the Social Security number. |
| 13 | Pay stub with applicant’s name and Social Security number | A pay stub displaying the applicant's full name and Social Security number serves as a primary identity document for REAL ID compliance, verifying both employment status and identity. This document must be current and clearly show the Social Security number to meet the Department of Homeland Security's identification standards. |
| 14 | Utility bill (with current address) | A utility bill displaying your current address is a crucial document for REAL ID compliance as it verifies residency. Acceptable utility bills include those for electricity, water, gas, or internet services dated within the last 60 days. |
| 15 | Lease or rental agreement | A lease or rental agreement is accepted as proof of residency for REAL ID compliance, provided it includes your name, address, and the signature of the landlord or property manager. This document must be current and clearly demonstrate your physical address within the state or territory issuing the REAL ID. |
| 16 | Mortgage statement | A mortgage statement is not typically required for REAL ID compliance; the primary documents include proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. However, a mortgage statement can serve as an acceptable document to verify your residential address when applying for a REAL ID. |
| 17 | Bank or credit card statement | A bank or credit card statement with the applicant's name and current residential address is required to verify proof of residency for REAL ID compliance. This document must be recent, typically issued within the last 60 days, and clearly display the individual's name and physical address matching the application. |
| 18 | Vehicle registration or title | Vehicle registration or title is required to verify ownership and residency for REAL ID compliance. Acceptable documents include a current, state-issued vehicle registration card or a certified vehicle title that matches the applicant's name and address. |
| 19 | Insurance policy (home, auto, health) | Insurance policies such as home, auto, and health are generally not accepted as primary documents for REAL ID compliance, which typically requires proof of identity through government-issued documents like a valid passport or birth certificate. However, these insurance policies may be used as secondary proof of residency when accompanied by acceptable primary identification documents. |
| 20 | Tax return | A valid tax return can serve as proof of residency for REAL ID compliance, confirming your current address as required by the Department of Homeland Security. Alongside primary identification documents, presenting recent tax returns helps verify personal information essential for obtaining a REAL ID. |
| 21 | Voter registration card | A voter registration card is a valid document for REAL ID compliance as it verifies identity and residency. It must be current, government-issued, and include your full name and address to meet the Department of Homeland Security's requirements. |
| 22 | Military identification card | A valid military identification card that displays the holder's full name, date of birth, and photograph is accepted as proof of identity and lawful status for REAL ID compliance. This document must be current and issued by a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to meet the Department of Homeland Security's REAL ID requirements. |
| 23 | Tribal identification card | A Tribal identification card is accepted for REAL ID compliance as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status, provided it is issued by a federally recognized tribe and contains a photo, name, date of birth, and tribal enrollment number or other identifying information. This document must be presented alongside proof of Social Security number and residency documents to meet the full REAL ID requirements. |
Introduction to REAL ID Compliance
What documents are required for REAL ID compliance? The REAL ID Act sets federal standards for state-issued identification to enhance security. You must provide specific documents to verify identity, lawful status, and residency when applying.
What is REAL ID and Why It Matters
REAL ID is a federal identification standard established by the REAL ID Act of 2005 to enhance security and prevent identity fraud. It sets minimum security requirements for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, ensuring they are accepted for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities. Understanding REAL ID compliance is essential because it affects your ability to access these services without additional documentation starting May 2025.
Key Requirements for REAL ID Verification
To meet REAL ID compliance, you must provide specific documents that verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Key requirements include an acceptable form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving your state residency.
Primary identification often includes a valid passport or birth certificate. Social Security verification can be completed using a Social Security card or a W-2 form. Proof of residency requires utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements with your current address.
Primary Identification Documents Needed
| Primary Identification Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card | Official proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. Must be unexpired or expired within the last 5 years. |
| Certified Birth Certificate | Issued by a U.S. state, county, or city vital records office. Must include full name, date of birth, and parental information. |
| Certificate of Naturalization | Government-issued document proving U.S. citizenship through naturalization process. |
| Certificate of Citizenship | Federal document confirming citizenship status for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizens. |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | Proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. |
| Foreign Passport with Valid U.S. Visa and I-94 | For non-citizens with valid immigration status, includes arrival/departure record (I-94). |
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Social Security Number is a critical requirement for REAL ID compliance. Applicants must provide specific documents to verify their Social Security Number as part of the identification process.
- Social Security Card - An original or certified copy of the Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration.
- W-2 Form - A tax form that displays the applicant's full Social Security Number and employer information.
- Paystub - A paycheck stub showing the full Social Security Number, issued by a current employer.
Acceptable Proof of Residency Documents
To comply with REAL ID requirements, proof of residency documents must clearly establish your current address within the state. Acceptable documents include utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements that show your name and address.
Other acceptable proofs consist of government-issued documents like property tax statements or official correspondence from a federal, state, or local agency. These documents help verify residency and ensure you meet the stringent standards for REAL ID issuance.
Name Change Documentation
Name change documentation is essential for REAL ID compliance if your current name differs from the name on your identity documents. This ensures that the information on your application matches official records exactly.
Accepted documents for name change include a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order granting the name change. These documents must be original or certified copies to verify the legal name change for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Tips for Gathering Required Documentation
Gathering the correct documents is essential for REAL ID compliance to ensure smooth processing at the DMV. Being organized and prepared reduces wait times and increases the likelihood of approval on the first visit.
- Verify document authenticity - Use original or certified copies of birth certificates, passports, or naturalization papers to meet identification requirements.
- Prepare proof of Social Security number - Bring a Social Security card or a W-2 form as required documentation to confirm your Social Security number.
- Collect two proofs of residency - Utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements with your current address help establish proof of residency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in REAL ID Application
Obtaining a REAL ID requires specific documentation to meet federal standards. Many applicants make errors that delay or prevent their REAL ID compliance.
- Incorrect Document Submission - Submitting expired or unverifiable documents leads to application rejection.
- Mismatch of Personal Information - Discrepancies in name or birthdate across documents cause verification failures.
- Insufficient Proof of Residency - Using non-accepted documents results in incomplete residency validation.
Carefully reviewing document requirements and ensuring accuracy helps avoid common REAL ID application mistakes.
What Documents Are Required for REAL ID Compliance? Infographic
