To obtain a Real ID, applicants must present specific identification documents including proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number, like a Social Security card or a W-2 form. Proof of state residency is also required, which can be demonstrated with utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements dated within the recent months. These documents ensure compliance with federal Real ID requirements for enhanced security and verification.
What Identification Documents are Needed for Real ID?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Passport | A valid passport is a primary identification document required for obtaining a Real ID, serving as proof of both identity and lawful U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. It must be unexpired and issued by the U.S. Department of State to meet the Real ID requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security. |
| 2 | Certified Birth Certificate | A certified birth certificate is a primary identification document required for obtaining a Real ID, proving proof of identity and citizenship. It must be an official copy issued by a government authority with a raised, embossed, or multicolored seal to meet federal Real ID compliance standards. |
| 3 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as a primary proof of U.S. citizenship and is accepted as a valid identification document when applying for a Real ID. This document verifies an individual's status as a U.S. citizen born outside the United States, fulfilling one of the key requirements for Real ID compliance. |
| 4 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as an acceptable identification document for obtaining a Real ID, verifying lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Presenting this card alongside proof of residency and identity ensures compliance with the Real ID Act requirements. |
| 5 | Unexpired Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa and I-94 Form | An unexpired foreign passport accompanied by a valid U.S. visa and the I-94 admission record serves as acceptable identification documents for obtaining a Real ID. These documents verify identity and lawful immigration status, meeting the Department of Homeland Security's requirements for Real ID compliance. |
| 6 | Social Security Card | A Social Security Card is a critical identification document required for obtaining a Real ID, as it verifies your Social Security Number essential for identity confirmation. Without the Social Security Card, applicants must provide alternate proof of their Social Security Number, such as a W-2 form or a pay stub, to meet Real ID requirements. |
| 7 | W-2 Form | A W-2 form is not accepted as a primary or secondary identification document for obtaining a Real ID; the Department of Motor Vehicles requires proof of identity such as a valid passport or birth certificate. Instead, the W-2 form can be used as supplementary evidence to verify residency or Social Security information when applying for a Real ID. |
| 8 | SSA-1099 Form | The SSA-1099 form is not accepted as a primary identification document for obtaining a Real ID; instead, applicants must present documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The SSA-1099 form can support proof of Social Security number but cannot replace primary identity documents required by the Department of Motor Vehicles for Real ID verification. |
| 9 | Pay Stub with Social Security Number | A pay stub displaying your full Social Security number serves as a primary identification document for Real ID verification, confirming your identity and Social Security status. This document, coupled with proof of residency and lawful status, is essential for meeting the Real ID requirements established by the Department of Homeland Security. |
| 10 | Utility Bill | A valid real ID application requires proof of residency, which can be demonstrated with a utility bill dated within the last 60 days that clearly shows the applicant's name and address. Utility bills such as electricity, water, or gas statements serve as primary documents to confirm residency for real ID verification purposes. |
| 11 | Mortgage Statement | A mortgage statement serves as a crucial proof of residential address required for obtaining a Real ID, verifying the applicant's physical domicile. This document must be recent, typically dated within the last 60 days, to meet the Department of Motor Vehicles' authenticity standards for Real ID approval. |
| 12 | Rental Agreement | A rental agreement serves as a crucial proof of address when obtaining a Real ID, verifying residency within the state. Alongside primary identification documents, it must be current and clearly display the applicant's name and address to meet Real ID verification requirements. |
| 13 | Bank Statement | A bank statement is accepted as a proof of residency when applying for a Real ID, verifying the applicant's current residential address. It must be recent, typically dated within the last 60 days, and display the applicant's full name and address matching other identification documents. |
| 14 | Vehicle Registration | Vehicle registration for Real ID requires proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, along with a Social Security card and two documents confirming residency like utility bills or lease agreements. These documents verify eligibility and ensure compliance with federal Real ID Act requirements for in-person DMV transactions. |
| 15 | Property Tax Receipt | A Property Tax Receipt serves as proof of residency when applying for a Real ID, verifying that the applicant resides at the address listed on the document. This document must be current and issued by a recognized local government authority to meet the Real ID requirements. |
| 16 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as a primary identification document for Real ID applications, proving both identity and lawful status in the United States. To qualify, the EAD must be unexpired and issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), ensuring it meets federal standards for identity verification. |
| 17 | Certificate of Naturalization | A Certificate of Naturalization is an essential document to establish U.S. citizenship when applying for a Real ID, serving as primary evidence alongside proof of identity and residency. This document verifies lawful citizenship status issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), fulfilling federal requirements for Real ID compliance. |
| 18 | Certificate of Citizenship | A Certificate of Citizenship is an essential identification document required for obtaining a Real ID, serving as proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad or who acquired citizenship after birth. This document must be presented alongside valid proof of identity and residency to meet the federal Real ID Act requirements. |
| 19 | Court Order for Name Change | A court order for name change is a critical identification document required to update personal information on a Real ID license or identification card. This legal document verifies the official change of name and must be presented alongside primary identity and residency proofs to complete the Real ID application. |
| 20 | Marriage Certificate | A marriage certificate serves as a crucial secondary identification document for Real ID verification, establishing legal name changes and supporting proof of identity. Presenting a certified copy of the marriage certificate ensures compliance with federal Real ID requirements, especially when updating a driver's license or state ID card. |
| 21 | (For Real ID, typically you need documents showing: identity, social security number, and two proofs of address.) | For Real ID, you must provide a valid proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number verified by a Social Security card or tax document, and two proofs of residency like utility bills or a rental agreement. These documents ensure compliance with federal Real ID requirements for issuance. |
Introduction to Real ID Identification
The Real ID Act establishes new federal standards for identification documents used for boarding commercial flights and entering federal facilities. These standards ensure enhanced security and verification of your identity.
You will need specific identification documents to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. These typically include proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency documents.
Overview of Real ID Act Requirements
The Real ID Act establishes federal standards for identification documents used for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities. Your identification documents must strictly meet these requirements to be accepted as Real ID compliant.
- Proof of Identity - A valid birth certificate, passport, or other federally recognized document is required to verify your identity.
- Proof of Social Security Number - A Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub showing your full Social Security number is necessary.
- Proof of Residency - Two documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements must confirm your current state residency.
Who Needs a Real ID?
Real ID requires specific identification documents to verify identity, residency, and lawful status. Individuals age 18 and older who wish to board federally regulated commercial aircraft or enter certain federal facilities must obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. These documents typically include a valid passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of residency.
Primary Documents for Real ID Verification
| Primary Identification Documents for Real ID Verification |
|---|
| Real ID verification requires primary documents that prove identity and lawful status in the United States. |
| Acceptable primary documents include a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, which confirm citizenship and identity. |
| A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate issued by a state or local government is also accepted, verifying place and date of birth. |
| Permanent resident cards (Green Cards) are valid for non-citizens to show lawful immigration status and identity. |
| Foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa accompanied by approved immigration documents can serve as primary ID. |
| Documents prove your identity and lawful presence, a requirement for obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. |
Proof of Identity: Accepted Documents
Proof of identity is a crucial requirement for obtaining a Real ID. Accepted documents ensure your identity is verified according to federal standards.
- Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card - These official travel documents are widely accepted as primary proof of identity.
- Certified Birth Certificate - This document must be an original or certified copy issued by a U.S. state or territory.
- Permanent Resident Card - Also known as a Green Card, this proves lawful permanent resident status.
Your identification documents must be original or certified copies to meet Real ID requirements.
Proof of Social Security Number
To obtain a Real ID, you must provide proof of your Social Security Number as part of the identification requirements. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub displaying your full Social Security Number.
If you do not have a physical Social Security card, alternative verification can be provided by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Number link is critical to verify your identity and eligibility for the Real ID.
Proof of Legal Residency or Citizenship
What identification documents are required to prove legal residency or citizenship for Real ID? A valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate typically serves as proof of citizenship. Alternatively, documents like a Permanent Resident Card or naturalization certificate verify legal residency.
Acceptable Proofs of State Residency
To obtain a Real ID, applicants must provide acceptable proofs of state residency to verify their physical address. Common documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government-issued letters showing the applicant's name and address. These documents must be recent, typically issued within the last 60 days, to meet Real ID requirements.
Special Circumstances and Alternative Documents
Identification documents required for Real ID include a valid passport or a certified birth certificate as primary proofs of identity. Under special circumstances, alternative documents may be accepted to verify your identity and residency.
For individuals without standard documents, options like a Social Security card combined with a school or employment ID can serve as substitutes. Legal name change documents are necessary if your current identification differs from your birth certificate. Military ID holders have specific considerations allowing their card to fulfill identification requirements.
What Identification Documents are Needed for Real ID? Infographic
