REAL ID Document Checklist

How to do it

1. 1
   Pick your situation

   Choose US-born, naturalized citizen, permanent resident or other lawful status, and say whether your name changed.

2. 2
   Set the proofs of address

   Choose how many residency documents your state asks for (one, two or three).

3. 3
   Add state items and the visit date

   Type extra requirements one per line and set the date of your visit to get reminder dates.

4. 4
   Tick items as you collect them

   The progress bar shows how many documents are ready; the list is saved in this browser.

5. 5
   Print or add to calendar

   Print the checklist to take with you, or download the calendar file for the preparation reminders.

About this tool

The REAL ID Act sets a federal minimum for the documents a state motor vehicle office must see before it issues a compliant driver license or ID card. Each state adds its own details, so this checklist starts from the federal list, adapts it to your situation (US-born, naturalized, permanent resident or other lawful status, name change, how many proofs of address) and lets you type any extra items your state asks for. Tick items as you gather them, print the list or put your visit date and preparation reminders in your calendar.

Who this is for Anyone renewing a license or ID who wants to avoid a second trip to the motor vehicle office. Since 7 May 2025 airport security requires a REAL ID-compliant card or another accepted document such as a passport for domestic flights, so many people are applying now. The checklist is useful for families preparing documents together, for people who changed their name, and for new residents who have to prove their address for the first time.

The four groups of documents Proof of identity is usually one document with your full legal name and date of birth: an unexpired US passport or passport card, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with the right immigration record. Proof of your Social Security number can be the card itself, a W-2, an SSA-1099 or a pay stub that shows the full number. Proof of residency is generally two documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, insurance statement or official mail; some states ask for one, a few ask for three. If your current name differs from the name on your identity document, you also need the linking papers: a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

How to use the list well Choose the situation that fits you and the checklist shows the matching documents. Then check your state's own list, because states differ in which proofs of address they accept and whether they take photocopies. Type any extra requirement in the box, one per line, and it will appear as its own group. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are rarely accepted. Book the appointment first if your office uses them, set the visit date, and use the calendar file to get reminders a week before and the day before.

Worked example A naturalized citizen who married last year chooses "Naturalized citizen", ticks the name change box and keeps two proofs of address. The list shows the certificate of naturalization or US passport, one Social Security proof, two residency proofs, and the marriage certificate. With a visit on a Thursday, the plan adds reminders to book the appointment two weeks before, fill in the forms one week before, and put originals and the fee in the bag the day before.

Cautions Rules and accepted documents are decided by each state, and they change. This list is a preparation aid, not an official statement of what your office will accept. Check the motor vehicle agency's website for the final list before you go.

Worked example

Naturalized citizen with a name change and two address proofs: the checklist shows the certificate of naturalization or passport, one Social Security proof, two proofs of address and the marriage certificate, plus reminders before the visit.