REAL ID - Easy as 1-2-3 - Required Documents Checklist

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Jake

REAL ID document checklist detailing how to bring required materials in three steps: identity documents, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of California residency. Identity requirements include unexpired passports or Green Cards, birth certificates, naturalization or citizenship certificates, EAD documentation, and certified legal name-change records when names differ. Social Security proof must include the full number with no photocopies. Residency proof requires two qualifying documents and supports options such as PO Box mailing with physical address and alternative eligibility through qualifying relatives, plus version note REV 4/2019.

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Identity Document

Name change documentation (if applicable)

Proof of Social Security Number

Proof of California Residency

PO Box and physical address rules

If you don’t have a residency document (relative’s documents)

Easy as 1-2-3 Bring documents from each section below: 1-2-3 Done! 1 Identity Document (original or certifed copy only) • Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card • Birth certificate from a U.S. state or U.S. territory • Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (abbreviated or abstract certificates not accepted) (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) • U.S. certifcate or consular report of birth abroad • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S visa and Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) approved I-94 form . or Approval Notice (I-797) • Certifcate of naturalization or citizenship • Unexpired foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551” Certifed legal document supporting name change, if applicable If the name on your identity document is different than your current name you must bring a document with the new name. NOTE: Multiple name change documents are needed if your name has changed multiple times. • Certifed marriage certifcate • Court fled adoption documents with the new name as a result of the adoption • A court certifed name change document. • Domestic partnership documents (certifcate, declaration or registration) . • A certifed dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document with new name. 2 Proof of Social Security Number (full number required, no photocopies) The name on your Proof of Social Security Number must match your identity document or name change document. For example, the name on yourSSN card must match the name on your marriage certifcate. • Social Security card • W-2 form • SSA-1099 form • Non-SSA-1099 form • Paystub 3 Proof of California Residency (copies accepted, printed documents required) Two different documents are required from the list below. • Home utility bills (including cellular phone) • Deed or title to residential real property, property tax • Medical documents bill or statement, original copy of an approved claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form • Car or Boat registration fled with a local California County Assessor • Employment documents • School documents (includes Date of Birth), proof of payment • Insurance documents of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education • Bank and Financial institution records in California • Change of Address confrmation by the U.S. Postal Service • A document issued by a government agency (local,• Mortgage bill, rental or lease agreement (signed by state, or federal) owner and tenant) • A No Fee Identifcation Card Eligibility Verifcation • IRS or California FTB tax return (DL 933) form, completed and signed • Faith-based documents, including name and address of organization Use a PO Box? Proof of a physical address is required. A PO Box can be used as the mailing address to receive your REAL ID, but your residency document must display a PO Box and physical address. What if I do not have one of the above residency documents? You can use a relative’s (parent, child, spouse/domestic partner) residency document if you live at the same address and provide a document (such as a birth or marriage certifcate) that shows that relationship. (REV 4/2019)

FAQs

What identity documents are accepted for REAL ID?

Bring an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a valid Permanent Resident Card, a U.S. birth certificate, certified naturalization/citizenship proof, acceptable EAD documentation, or other listed identity options. If your name changed, include certified legal name-change documents.

What is required to prove your Social Security number?

Provide proof that includes the full Social Security number with no photocopies. The name on the SSN proof must match your identity document or your name-change document.

How many documents are required to prove California residency, and what counts?

Provide two different documents from the approved list. Residency documents can include utility bills, property/real estate records, medical or tax-related statements, employment or school documents, insurance records, banking records, change-of-address confirmation, and signed mortgage or rental/lease agreements.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Jake