What documents are required to apply for a REAL ID in each state?
Executive summary
Every state requires applicants for a REAL ID to prove identity, lawful status, Social Security number and state residency — but the exact documents and number of proofs differ by state and are set by each state’s DMV or licensing agency (examples: Illinois lists one proof of name/DOB/citizenship plus SSN and residency documents [1]; Pennsylvania requires one proof of identity/lawful status, one SSN document and two proofs of residency [2]). Federal enforcement of REAL ID for boarding U.S. flights and entering certain federal facilities began May 7, 2025 [3].
1. What the federal standard requires — the common core
The REAL ID Act sets minimum categories that every state must verify when issuing a compliant card: proof of identity and lawful presence or citizenship, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — states implement those requirements through their DMV checklists and will mark compliant cards with the REAL ID symbol (star) [4] [5]. The federal Transportation Security Administration made enforcement effective May 7, 2025 for boarding domestic flights and accessing specified federal facilities [3].
2. How states present that requirement — checklists and in‑person verification
State motor vehicle agencies require applicants to bring originals or certified copies for the required categories and typically take your photo in person; some states publish a downloadable “REAL ID checklist” or online document guide to make appointments easier (Maine’s BMV and Virginia’s DMV emphasize checklists and in‑office verification) [6] [7]. The U.S. national guidance explains the application process depends on the state and points applicants to their state agencies for the exact list [8].
3. Examples: Illinois and Pennsylvania show differences in form and count
Illinois lists “one document with your full legal name, date of birth, and citizenship status or lawful status (passport, birth certificate, green card, or employment authorization card), one document with your full Social Security number (SSN card, W‑2, or 1099),” plus residency documents as required [1]. Pennsylvania’s guidance likewise requires “one document proving identity and lawful status, one document proving your Social Security number, and two documents proving Pennsylvania residency,” and notes additional documents may be required for non‑U.S. citizens [2].
4. State choice and optionality — you are not forced to get a REAL ID
Several state pages stress that a REAL ID is optional; if you decline, your card will display “Federal Limits Apply,” and you must use an alternative federally acceptable ID (for example, a passport) to board domestic flights after enforcement began (Virginia and New Jersey explain that REAL ID is optional but functionally required if you prefer to use a state ID for air travel) [7] [9]. The federal law does not force states to change other licensing requirements beyond what REAL ID mandates [3].
5. Practical implications — expect document checks and appointments
State DMVs warn of high demand around enforcement deadlines and recommend checking renewal timing or making appointments; California recommends timing applications to renewal cycles to avoid long lines [5]. Media outlets and consumer guides reiterate that most state agencies will require multiple documents and an in‑person visit for identity verification [10] [11].
6. Where to find the exact list for your state
The specific acceptable documents and acceptable combinations vary; the authoritative list for any resident is the state’s DMV or licensing REAL ID page or the state’s downloadable checklist (Maine’s BMV, Illinois REAL ID site, California DMV and many others provide state-specific checklists) [6] [1] [5]. The federal USA.gov REAL ID page tells citizens that the “process depends on your state” and points them to their state agency for precise requirements [8].
Limitations and caveats
Available sources make clear the federal categories applicants must meet but do not provide a single, state‑by‑state table in the material provided here; for the precise documents required in your state, consult your state DMV’s REAL ID page or checklist — that is the only place to find the exact acceptable document types and combinations for your state [8] [6].