To comply with Real ID requirements for domestic air travel, travelers must present an accepted form of identification such as a state-issued Real ID driver's license, a valid U.S. passport, or a military ID. Essential documents required to obtain a Real ID include proof of identity (e.g., a birth certificate or passport), Social Security number verification, and two proofs of residency such as utility bills or lease agreements. Ensuring all documents are accurate and up-to-date helps avoid travel disruptions at TSA checkpoints.
What Documents Are Necessary for Real ID Compliance?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card | A valid U.S. passport or passport card serves as a primary identification document meeting Real ID compliance requirements for domestic air travel and accessing federal facilities. These documents provide secure proof of identity and citizenship, eliminating the need for a Real ID driver's license when boarding federally regulated flights. |
| 2 | Certified Birth Certificate | A certified birth certificate is a core document required for Real ID compliance, serving as primary proof of identity and citizenship. This official record must be an original or certified copy issued by the relevant government authority to be accepted. |
| 3 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as an essential identity document for Real ID compliance, verifying U.S. citizenship for individuals born outside the United States. Travelers presenting a CRBA meet federal requirements for obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card necessary for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. |
| 4 | Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | An unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as an acceptable form of identification for real ID compliance, allowing lawful permanent residents to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. This document must be current and government-issued, containing a photo, name, date of birth, gender, and expiration date to meet TSA standards. |
| 5 | Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as a valid primary identification document for Real ID compliance, proving both identity and lawful status in the United States. Travelers must present their EAD along with a secondary document, such as proof of residency, to meet TSA requirements for domestic flights and federal facility access. |
| 6 | Unexpired Foreign Passport with Valid U.S. Visa and I-94 Form | An unexpired foreign passport accompanied by a valid U.S. visa and the I-94 form serves as primary identification for Real ID compliance, allowing entry to federal facilities and domestic flights within the United States. These documents must be current and accurately reflect the traveler's immigration status to meet the Department of Homeland Security's requirements. |
| 7 | Social Security Card | A Social Security Card is essential for Real ID compliance as it verifies your Social Security number, a key requirement for identity authentication. Providing an original or certified copy of the Social Security Card ensures your eligibility for a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. |
| 8 | W-2 Form | To comply with Real ID requirements, travelers must present a valid government-issued photo ID along with proof of Social Security number, commonly verified using a W-2 Form. The W-2 Form serves as official documentation confirming a person's Social Security number, essential for obtaining a Real ID driver's license or identification card. |
| 9 | SSA-1099 Form | The SSA-1099 form is not a required document for Real ID compliance, which primarily necessitates proof of identity such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card, alongside proof of Social Security number and state residency. Real ID regulations mandate specific documents issued by government authorities and do not include tax-related forms like the SSA-1099. |
| 10 | Pay Stub with Full SSN | A pay stub displaying your full Social Security Number (SSN) is a critical document for Real ID compliance, as it verifies your identity and Social Security status. This document must clearly show your full SSN along with your name and employer information to meet the Department of Homeland Security requirements. |
| 11 | State-issued Driver’s License or ID (Valid or Expired Less Than 1 Year, if correcting name) | A state-issued driver's license or ID card that is Real ID-compliant is required for domestic air travel and federal facility access, with expired licenses accepted only if they expired less than one year ago and are used to correct a name. Proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency must accompany applications to ensure compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID Act. |
| 12 | Marriage Certificate | A marriage certificate is often required as a primary document to update your name on identification for Real ID compliance. This legal proof of name change must be presented alongside other accepted documents such as a valid passport or birth certificate when applying for a Real ID driver's license or identification card. |
| 13 | Divorce Decree | A valid divorce decree is essential for Real ID compliance as it serves to verify legal name changes and marital status when updating identification documents. Providing this document ensures the accuracy of personal information required by the Department of Motor Vehicles for issuing a Real ID. |
| 14 | Court Order for Name Change | A court order for name change is a critical document required to update your identity for Real ID compliance, ensuring that your driver's license or state ID reflects your legal name. This official legal document must be presented alongside other identification proofs to meet the TSA's Real ID standards for domestic air travel. |
| 15 | Utility Bill (with current address) | A utility bill with the current address is a crucial document required for Real ID compliance, serving as proof of residency to verify identity. Acceptable utility bills include water, electric, gas, or cable bills dated within the last 60 days. |
| 16 | Lease Agreement | A valid lease agreement serves as a primary proof of residency required for Real ID compliance, alongside an acceptable photo ID and proof of citizenship or lawful status. Ensuring the lease agreement includes the applicant's name and current address is essential to meet the Department of Motor Vehicles documentation standards. |
| 17 | Mortgage Statement | Mortgage statements are not considered acceptable identification documents for Real ID compliance, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires government-issued photo IDs such as a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets Real ID standards. To obtain a Real ID-compliant card, applicants must present proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency, typically utility bills or rental agreements, but mortgage statements alone do not satisfy these requirements. |
| 18 | Bank Statement (recent) | A recent bank statement serves as a valid proof of residency for Real ID compliance, verifying your current address to meet state identification requirements. Ensure the statement is dated within the past 60 days and clearly displays your name and address to fulfill documentation standards. |
| 19 | Vehicle Registration | Vehicle registration documents are necessary for Real ID compliance as they help verify residency and identity. Ensure your vehicle registration is current and matches the address on your Real ID application to meet federal requirements. |
| 20 | Property Tax Bill | A current property tax bill serves as a valid proof of residence essential for Real ID compliance, verifying your physical address on identification documents. Ensuring this document is up-to-date and properly matches your legal residence supports seamless approval during Real ID application processes. |
Understanding Real ID: Purpose and Requirements
| Document | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Verifies legal identity for Real ID issuance | Valid passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Confirms Social Security number for federal compliance | Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with SSN |
| Proof of State Residency | Establishes residency in the state issuing the Real ID | Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with address |
| Name Change Documents (if applicable) | Validates any legal name changes | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
| Real ID Card | Complies with federal standards for air travel and federal facility access | Issued only after submission and verification of required documents |
Key Identification Documents Needed for Real ID
Real ID compliance requires specific identification documents to ensure secure air travel and access to federal facilities. The key documents include a valid passport, a state-issued Real ID driver's license, or a state-issued enhanced driver's license.
Proof of identity and residency is mandatory, such as a birth certificate or a permanent resident card. Social Security number verification and documents showing current address like utility bills are also needed to obtain a Real ID.
Proof of Social Security Number: Accepted Forms
To comply with Real ID requirements, proof of your Social Security Number is essential. Accepted forms include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub containing your full Social Security Number. These documents help verify your identity and ensure eligibility for Real ID issuance.
Valid Residency Documents: What Qualifies?
What documents are considered valid residency documents for Real ID compliance? Valid residency documents must clearly show your name and current residential address. Examples include utility bills, rental agreements, and bank statements that are dated within the past 60 days.
Name Change Documentation: Marriage, Divorce, and More
Real ID compliance requires specific documentation to verify your identity, especially when your name has changed. Proper paperwork ensures your driver's license or ID card meets federal security standards.
- Marriage Certificate - Official marriage certificates serve as valid proof for changing your name after marriage on your Real ID application.
- Divorce Decree - A divorce decree with a name restoration clause is necessary to update your Real ID to reflect your previous name.
- Other Legal Name Change Documents - Court orders or legal name change documents provide valid evidence if your name was changed for reasons other than marriage or divorce.
Real ID for Non-Citizens: Special Considerations
Real ID compliance requires specific documentation to verify identity and lawful presence. Non-citizens must prepare additional proof to meet these federal standards.
- Valid Permanent Resident Card - Serves as primary evidence of lawful permanent residency status.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Confirms work authorization and temporary lawful presence.
- Valid Passport with Visa - Demonstrates identity and legal entry into the United States.
Your eligibility for a Real ID depends on providing accurate and current immigration documents during the application process.
Document Preparation Tips for a Smooth Application
Preparing the right documents is essential for Real ID compliance to ensure smooth travel and security verification. Knowing which documents to gather beforehand simplifies your application process at the DMV.
- Proof of Identity - A valid birth certificate or passport is required to establish your legal identity.
- Proof of Social Security Number - Your Social Security card or a recent W-2 form must be presented to verify your Social Security number.
- Proof of Residency - Documents like utility bills or a lease agreement with your current address verify residency within your state.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Real ID Documents
Real ID compliance requires specific documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card to verify identity and residency. Submitting expired or unofficial documents can result in denial of the Real ID application.
Common mistakes include providing photocopies instead of original documents and failing to present proof of Social Security number. Ensuring all documents meet the state's Real ID standards prevents application delays and rejections.
Renewal vs. First-Time Real ID Application: What’s Required
For Real ID compliance, first-time applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Renewal applicants typically need only to bring their current Real ID or standard driver's license, and may need to present additional documents if information has changed. States may have specific requirements, so checking local DMV guidelines is essential before applying or renewing.
What Documents Are Necessary for Real ID Compliance? Infographic
