What specific documents are accepted as California identity (not residency) proofs for REAL ID?

1. What “identity” means for REAL ID and the rule about originals

The DMV distinguishes “identity” (name and date of birth, and for many applicants U.S. legal presence) from residency and Social Security proof; for the identity slot the agency requires one primary document presented as an original or certified copy — photocopies aren’t accepted for the identity or Social Security items — and if the name on that document differs from the current legal name, supporting name‑change documents are also required ^{[5] [1] [3]}.

2. The core, commonly accepted identity documents listed by the California DMV

California’s published examples of acceptable identity proofs include a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, a U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, permanent resident card (Green Card), employment authorization document (EAD), military ID, and foreign passports accompanied by an approved Form I‑94 showing lawful admission — these documents are repeatedly cited across DMV guidance and legislative office checklists as primary identity evidence ^{[5] [2] [4] [6]}.

3. How non‑U.S. citizens prove identity and legal presence

Non‑U.S. citizens must supply an identity document that also demonstrates current legal presence; acceptable options include DHS documents such as Form I‑94, DACA approval documentation where applicable, valid Employment Authorization Documents, and lawful permanent resident cards — the DMV’s “REAL ID Info: Non‑U.S. Citizens” and its document checklists make clear that identity documents for noncitizens must be original or certified and adequate to prove both identity and legal status ^{[4] [3]}.

4. Edge cases: name changes, minors, and previously issued California IDs

If the name on the identity document doesn’t match the name the applicant wishes to have on their REAL ID, the DMV requires certified name‑change documents (marriage certificate, court order, adoption papers) to bridge the discrepancy; for applicants who previously had a California DL/ID, the DMV still insists on one identity document plus the other required items but provides slightly streamlined guidance on residency verification — the printed DMV document lists these contingencies and the evidentiary hierarchy ^{[1] [3]}.

5. Where to find the full authoritative list and why consulting it matters

California publishes a detailed, downloadable “List of Documents” (DL1010E and the REAL ID checklist PDF) enumerating every acceptable identity document and the exact requirements (original vs. certified copy) — because the DMV’s list includes less common acceptable documents and procedural notes (for example, how a PO Box is treated for mailing vs. physical address), the checklist is the definitive source and should be consulted for edge cases that summaries might omit ^{[1] [3] [7]}.

6. Practical takeaway and known limitations of this reporting

The practical requirement is simple: bring one original or certified identity document from the DMV’s official list (commonly a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization/citizenship certificate, Green Card, or DHS admission document) along with Social Security proof and two California residency documents to obtain a REAL ID; this account synthesizes California DMV materials and legislative office summaries, and does not attempt to reproduce every permissive/conditional item on the DMV’s multi‑page list — applicants with unusual documentation should consult the DMV’s official checklist PDF or a DMV field office for confirmation ^{[1] [5] [2]}.