What exact documents are listed on the California DMV REAL ID residency checklist (full list)?
Executive summary
The California DMV requires two separate documents that prove California residency from a specified checklist when applying for a REAL ID; the DMV’s published checklist and companion PDF enumerate the acceptable residency documents and related rules [1] [2] [3]. This report reproduces the complete set of residency document types listed across DMV materials, plus key rules about originals, PO boxes, and substitute verification forms [2] [3] [4].
1. What the question really asks and how this answer was assembled
The request seeks the exact items the DMV accepts to prove residential address for a California REAL ID; the DMV’s online REAL ID checklist and its DL1010E/List_of_Docs PDFs are the authoritative sources used to compile the full inventory and procedural notes cited here [1] [2] [3].
2. Full list of documents accepted as proof of California residency (the checklist, spelled out)
Acceptable documents include: utility bills; state or national bank records/statements; insurance documents (medical, dental, vision, home, rental, vehicle); rental agreement or lease; mortgage statement; federal or state tax return; vehicle or vessel registration or California Certificate of Title; a letter from a homeless shelter or shelter for abused women; letters from non‑profit entities, faith‑based organizations, employers, or government agencies attesting residence in California; court documents that list the applicant as a California resident; and other documents issued by a U.S. government agency — plus the DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form where applicable [4] [5] [6] [2].
3. The rules and qualifiers that matter when using the residency list
Applicants must present two different documents from the residency list that both show their first and last names and the identical physical address that will appear on the license or ID (P.O. Boxes are allowed only under strict conditions: if a PO Box is used for mailing one document must show both the PO Box and the physical residence address, while the second may show only the PO Box) [2] [4]. Documents must be original or certified copies — the DMV does not accept photocopies for identity/residency proofs [3] [7]. A relative’s residency document can be used if the applicant lives at the same address and also brings a document proving the familial relationship (for example, a birth or marriage certificate) [2].
4. Edge cases: name changes, non‑citizens, and verification forms
If the name on an identity document differs from the current name, certified legal name‑change documents (marriage certificate, dissolution, court order, etc.) are required and multiple name‑change documents may be needed if the name changed more than once [2]. Non‑U.S. citizens should consult the DMV’s non‑citizen REAL ID guidance because special documents and expiration rules apply (for example, REAL IDs for those with temporary legal status expire with their immigration document) [5]. Where applicants cannot produce two traditional residency documents, the DMV permits alternate attestations and the DL 933 No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification form as an eligibility pathway in limited circumstances [5] [6].
5. Practical takeaway and limits of this reporting
The DMV’s interactive REAL ID checklist and the DL1010E/List_of_Docs PDFs provide the definitive inventory and procedural notes; applicants should reference the DMV page and bring originals/certified copies of two residency documents plus identity and Social Security documentation when they visit a field office [1] [3] [2]. This summary reproduces the categories listed on DMV materials cited above; if a specific document subtype is needed that is not named verbatim here, the DMV interactive checklist or the DL1010E PDF should be consulted directly for that granularity [1] [2].