To apply for a Real ID, you need documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Acceptable items include a valid passport or birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2 form, and two proofs of residence such as utility bills or lease agreements. Ensuring all documents are current and original will expedite the application process and meet federal requirements.
What Documents Do You Need for a Real ID Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Source Document Authentication | Real ID applications require source document authentication to verify identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and residency. Acceptable documents typically include a valid birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or W-2 form, and two proofs of residency such as utility bills or lease agreements. |
| 2 | Proof of Residency Documentation | Proof of residency documentation for a Real ID application typically includes utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements that display your name and current address. These documents must be recent, usually dated within the last 60 days, to verify your residential address accurately. |
| 3 | Social Security Verification Letter | A Social Security Verification Letter, also known as a Social Security Number (SSN) verification letter, is required for a Real ID application to confirm your valid and active SSN. This document must be issued by the Social Security Administration and clearly display your full name and SSN to verify your identity and eligibility for a Real ID card. |
| 4 | Name Change Documentation Trail | A Real ID application requires official name change documentation such as a certified marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree to verify the legal name change. These documents must be original or certified copies issued by the relevant government authority to establish a clear and traceable name change history. |
| 5 | Digital Credential Submission | To complete a Real ID application, you must submit digital copies of proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency documents, such as a valid passport, Social Security card, and utility bills or lease agreements. Ensure that all digital credentials are clear, legible, and comply with the issuing authority's format requirements for seamless verification. |
| 6 | REAL ID Act Compliance Indicator | To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must present documents that verify identity, Social Security number, state residency, and lawful status, such as a valid passport, Social Security card, two proofs of address, and immigration documents if applicable. The REAL ID Act Compliance Indicator on your license or ID confirms your eligibility for federal identification purposes, including airport security and federal facilities access. |
| 7 | Document Pre-Verification Portal | The Document Pre-Verification Portal streamlines the Real ID application process by allowing applicants to upload and verify required documents such as proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency before visiting the DMV. This portal reduces wait times and ensures all submitted documents meet the Department of Motor Vehicles' strict compliance standards for Real ID issuance. |
| 8 | Primary Identity Document Standardization | A Real ID application requires a primary identity document such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a permanent resident card, ensuring standardized verification of identity. These standardized documents are mandated by the Department of Homeland Security to enhance security and maintain uniformity across states. |
| 9 | Interagency Data Synchronization | To apply for a Real ID, you must submit documents proving identity, Social Security number, and residency, which are verified through interagency data synchronization efforts ensuring data accuracy across federal and state databases. This synchronization reduces redundancy and enhances security by cross-referencing submitted documentation with official records from agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. |
| 10 | Document Scanning Kiosk | To complete a Real ID application at a document scanning kiosk, applicants must provide original or certified copies of proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency documents, such as a valid passport, Social Security card, and utility bills. The kiosk securely scans and uploads these documents, ensuring quick verification and reducing processing time during the application. |
Overview of Real ID Policy Framework
The Real ID policy framework establishes federal standards for state-issued identification to enhance security and streamline identity verification. Your application requires specific documents that comply with these standards to ensure eligibility.
- Proof of Identity - Acceptable documents include a valid passport or birth certificate verifying your legal identity.
- Proof of Social Security Number - A Social Security card or tax document is required to confirm your social security information.
- Proof of Residency - Documents like utility bills or rental agreements demonstrate your current state residence for address verification.
Key Documentation Required for Real ID
What documents do you need for a Real ID application? You must provide key documentation that proves your identity, residency, and lawful status in the United States. This typically includes a valid birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residential address.
Proof of Identity: Acceptable Documents
To apply for a Real ID, you must provide proof of identity using acceptable documents. Commonly accepted documents include a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Other options include a permanent resident card or an unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form.
Address Verification Standards
| Document Type | Examples | Address Verification Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, permanent resident card | Must include full name and date of birth matching application records |
| Secondary Proof of Identity | Social Security card, military ID, court order with name change | Documents should reflect legal name consistent with primary ID |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, pay stub with SSN | SSN must be accurate and match state and federal records |
| Address Verification Documents | Utility bill, bank statement, rental or lease agreement, mortgage statement | Must display applicant's full name and current residential address; document date should be recent (typically within 60 days) |
| Proof of Legal Presence | U.S. birth certificate, valid visa, permanent resident card | Documents must be unexpired and issued by authorized government agencies |
Social Security Number Documentation Guidelines
To apply for a Real ID, you must provide documentation that verifies your Social Security Number (SSN). Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN displayed.
If you do not have a Social Security card, a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your SSN is also valid. Ensure these documents are original or certified copies to meet the Real ID application requirements.
Name Change and Legal Status Requirements
To apply for a Real ID, you must provide documents that verify your identity, legal status, and residency. If you have had a name change, present the original or certified copy of the legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Proof of legal status includes a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or lawful permanent resident card. Ensure all documents are unexpired and issued by authorized agencies to meet Real ID requirements.
Special Considerations for Minors and Dependents
When applying for a Real ID for minors and dependents, specific documents are required to verify identity and legal status. A certified birth certificate or valid passport must be presented, accompanied by proof of parental or guardian relationship such as a court order or custody agreement. Proof of residency for the minor or dependent is also necessary, typically in the form of utility bills or school records under the parent's or guardian's name.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Policy
Applying for a Real ID requires specific documents to verify identity, Social Security number, and residency. These documents ensure compliance with federal regulations and enable secure identification.
The application process begins with gathering an original or certified birth certificate or valid passport to prove identity and legal status. Next, a Social Security card or W-2 form is necessary to confirm your Social Security number. Finally, provide two proofs of residency such as utility bills or bank statements, all presented at the DMV during the application appointment.
Exceptions and Alternative Documentation Policies
Applying for a Real ID requires specific documents to verify identity, residency, and lawful status. Exceptions and alternative documentation policies accommodate diverse applicant situations.
- Proof of Identity Alternatives - When a birth certificate is unavailable, a valid passport or certificate of naturalization may be accepted as an alternative proof of identity.
- Residency Exceptions - For applicants without traditional residency documents, utility bills, lease agreements, or official correspondence can serve as acceptable proof of state residence.
- Lawful Status Variations - Certain categories, such as non-citizen legal residents, may submit immigration forms like I-94 or Employment Authorization Documents instead of a Social Security card for lawful status verification.
What Documents Do You Need for a Real ID Application? Infographic
