REAL ID application document checklist

Application route

• Correct state or territory licensing agency.
• Driver’s license or nondriver identification card selected.
• First issuance, renewal, replacement, transfer, or upgrade identified.
• Online pre-application completed if required.
• Appointment date, office, hours, accessibility, and interpreter arrangements confirmed.

Identity and date of birth

• One accepted primary identity document.
• Original or certified copy in the format required by the agency.
• Document not damaged, altered, laminated contrary to instructions, or otherwise unacceptable.
• Date of birth and full name consistent across the application file.
• Certified translation or additional evidence prepared when required.

Citizenship or lawful status

• U.S. passport, certified birth record, Green Card, employment authorization document, or other accepted evidence for your category.
• Current immigration document and unexpired status evidence when required.
• Supporting notices or records for an extension, pending case, refugee, asylee, parole, temporary status, or another special category.
• Jurisdiction rules checked for the expiration period of a limited-term REAL ID.

Social Security verification

• Social Security number entered exactly.
• Accepted document such as a Social Security card, W-2, pay statement, or tax record if documentary proof is required.
• Name matches the Social Security Administration record.
• Evidence or agency procedure for applicants not eligible for an SSN, when applicable.

Principal-residence evidence

• Required number of separate proofs.
• Residential—not merely mailing—address shown.
• Documents issued within the accepted time period.
• Name and address formatted consistently.
• Lease, deed, mortgage, utility, bank, insurance, government, school, employment, or other records selected only if your agency accepts them.
• Special affidavit or host documents prepared for a shared residence, shelter, transitional housing, or no conventional address.

Legal name-change chain

• Current legal name selected for the card.
• Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption record, or court order for each change.
• Complete chain connects the identity document to the current name.
• Social Security record updated first if instructed.
• Multiple marriages or changes supported without gaps.

Existing licenses and identification

• Current state license or ID.
• Out-of-state credential for a transfer.
• Police report or loss statement if required for a missing card.
• Knowledge, road, or vision-test requirements checked when the transaction also affects driving privileges.

Fees and visit logistics

• Current official fee and accepted payment methods.
• Appointment confirmation or queue number.
• Original documents plus copies if requested.
• Glasses, hearing devices, mobility support, or other items needed for testing and access.
• Enough time for document review and a new photograph.

Before leaving the office

• Receipt and temporary credential collected.
• Mailing address and estimated delivery checked.
• Name, date of birth, address, restrictions, and card type confirmed.
• Instructions for tracking, correcting, or replacing the card saved.
• Another TSA-accepted document retained until the physical REAL ID arrives.

Official sources

• USAGov — Common REAL ID evidence and use
• USAGov — Official state and territory licensing links
• TSA — REAL ID FAQs

Related resources

• REAL ID overview
• Application steps
• Flying without a REAL ID
• Obtain certified birth evidence