To apply for a Real ID, you must provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number, like a Social Security card or W-2 form. You also need two documents proving your residency, which can include utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements with your address. Ensuring all documents are original or certified copies helps streamline the application process at the DMV.
What Documents Are Required for Real ID Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proof of Identity (e.g., valid passport, birth certificate) | Applicants for a Real ID must provide proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. passport or an original or certified birth certificate with a raised seal. These primary documents verify legal identity and are essential for obtaining the enhanced license required for federal travel and access to secure facilities. |
| 2 | Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099) | To apply for a Real ID, you must provide proof of your Social Security Number using documents such as your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or SSA-1099 tax form. These documents verify your Social Security Number and are essential for identity confirmation during the Real ID application process. |
| 3 | Proof of Legal Presence (e.g., U.S. passport, permanent resident card) | Valid proof of legal presence for a Real ID application includes a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card (Green Card), or other federal immigration documents such as a visa with I-94 form. These documents confirm citizenship or lawful status, meeting the Department of Homeland Security's requirements for issuing a Real ID-compliant identification. |
| 4 | Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport) | Proof of date of birth for Real ID application includes an original or certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or other government-issued documents verifying birth date. These documents must clearly display the applicant's full name and date of birth to meet Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements. |
| 5 | Proof of Name Change (if applicable, e.g., marriage certificate, court order) | Proof of name change is required for a Real ID application if your current name differs from the name on your primary identity documents. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree with name change, or a court order legally changing your name. |
| 6 | Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status (e.g., citizenship certificate, green card) | Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card (green card), when applying for a Real ID. These documents verify identity and eligibility, ensuring compliance with federal Real ID Act requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. |
| 7 | Proof of Residency/Address (two documents required, e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement) | Submitting a Real ID application requires two proof of residency documents, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement, to verify your current address. These documents must be recent and display your full name and address matching the application details. |
| 8 | Current Driver License or State ID (if renewing or transferring) | To apply for a Real ID when renewing or transferring, you must present your current driver license or state ID as proof of identity and residency. This document verifies your eligibility and enables a smooth transition to the federally compliant Real ID. |
| 9 | Application Form for Real ID | The application form for a Real ID requires personal information such as full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Applicants must submit this form along with proof of identity, Social Security status, and residency documentation to complete the application process. |
Understanding Real ID: What Travelers Need to Know
Understanding Real ID is essential for travelers planning to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities starting May 2025. Required documents for a Real ID application include proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency like utility bills or rental agreements. These documents ensure compliance with federal standards and facilitate smooth travel experiences.
Why Real ID is Essential for Domestic Travel
The Real ID requires specific documents for application, including a valid proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency like utility bills or lease agreements. These documents verify your identity and residence to meet federal standards.
Real ID is essential for domestic travel because it serves as a federally accepted form of identification for boarding commercial flights and entering certain federal facilities. Without a Real ID or an alternative like a passport, travelers may face restrictions or additional screening processes starting from the enforcement date.
Key Documents Required for Real ID Application
Applying for a Real ID requires specific documents to verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Key documents include a valid passport or birth certificate, your Social Security card, and two proofs of residential address such as utility bills or lease agreements.
Proof of identity confirms your legal status in the United States, while proof of residency establishes where you currently live. These documents must be current, original, or certified copies to meet the Real ID application standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Proof of Identity: Acceptable Forms and Guidelines
| Document Type | Description | Examples | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Documents that establish your full legal name and date of birth | U.S. Birth Certificate, Valid U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization | Must be original or certified copies; photocopies or laminated documents are not accepted |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Documents to verify your Social Security Number for identity cross-checking | Social Security Card, W-2 Form, Pay Stub with SSN | Social Security Number must be complete and visible; truncated numbers are not valid |
| Proof of Residency | Documents that confirm your physical address within the issuing state | Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Lease Agreement | Documents must be recent, typically within the past 60 days, and display your full name and address |
| Name Change Documents (if applicable) | Documents verifying any legal name changes | Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order for Name Change | Must be an original or certified copy to be accepted by the DMV |
Proof of Social Security Number: What Qualifies
To apply for a Real ID, proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) is essential. Acceptable documents must clearly display your full SSN or show your name and SSN combination.
Valid documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub with your SSN. If you do not have a Social Security card, the IRS Form 1099 or a SSA-1099 tax document is also accepted. Photocopies, SSN affidavit forms, or letters from employers without the SSN are not considered valid proof for Real ID applications.
Proof of Residency: Documentation Checklist
Proof of residency is a mandatory requirement for the Real ID application process. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or official government correspondence that clearly display your name and residence address. Ensure that the documents are recent, typically dated within the last 60 days, to validate your current residency accurately.
Name Change Documentation: What to Provide
Applying for a Real ID requires specific documentation to verify your identity, especially if you have changed your name. Proper name change documentation ensures the accuracy of your Real ID application.
- Original or Certified Copy of Name Change Document - Provide a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that legally reflects your name change.
- Current Identification Matching Name Change - Submit a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver's license that shows your updated name.
- Social Security Card or Number Verification - Include your Social Security card or a document verifying your Social Security number to confirm identity consistency.
How to Prepare for Your Real ID Appointment
Preparing for your Real ID appointment involves gathering essential documents that prove identity, residency, and lawful status. Knowing exactly what to bring helps ensure a smooth application process.
- Proof of Identity - Provide a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card to verify your identity.
- Proof of Social Security Number - Present your Social Security card, W-2 form, or a paystub showing your full SSN.
- Two Proofs of Residency - Submit utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements that display your current address.
Confirm all documents are originals or certified copies before your Real ID appointment to avoid delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
What documents are required for a Real ID application? Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number are essential for the application. Applicants must also provide two proofs of residency, like utility bills or rental agreements.
What common mistakes should be avoided during the Real ID application process? Submitting expired documents or incomplete forms can lead to application delays or rejections. Failing to bring original documents instead of copies also causes processing issues at the DMV.
What Documents Are Required for Real ID Application? Infographic
