A license is one of the most common ways you prove who you are. If you are a first-time applicant, applying for a REAL ID, or updating the information on your current credential, you must provide the required documentation. Click on the List of Acceptable Documents button below for a complete list of accepted documents, or take the IDocument Guide Quiz to create a customized list of documents to bring.
HERE IS WHAT TO BRING WHEN APPLYING FOR A REAL ID
▶ Proof of Identity Document
One (1) identity document is required for a REAL ID. Proof of identity must be the original document or a certified copy with the appropriate seal. No photocopies are accepted.
Acceptable documents include:
✅ Birth Certificate
✅ Valid U.S. Passport
✅ U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate
❌ A driver’s license does not qualify as proof of identity.
❌ Hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted.
Need a replacement?
To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital statistics agency in your birth state.
Those born in Kentucky may contact the
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
▶ Proof of Social Security Number
One (1) proof of Social Security Number is required for a REAL ID.
Acceptable Documents include
✅ Social Security Card
✅ SSNAP replacement printout
✅ W-2 Wage and Tax Statement OR 1099 (Most recently issued)
✅ Paycheck stub or statement
❌ Handwritten W-2 or paystub
❌ W-2 or paycheck stub without the whole Social Security number listed
Need a replacement?
Visit the
Social Security Administration
.
▶ Proof of Residency
Two (2) documents are required for the REAL ID.
Acceptable documents include:
✅ Utility Bill (dated less than 1 year)
✅ Telephone Bill (dated less than 1 year)
✅ U.S. Postal Service postmarked mail (dated less than 1 year)
✅ Kentucky Driver's license, instruction permit, or personal identification card
✅ Lease or rental agreement/ Mortgage statement
❌ Forwarded mail cannot be used as proof of residency.
▶ Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
One (1) name change document is required. (If your current full legal name, date of birth, or gender is different than what is displayed on your identity or lawful status document, you must show legal proof of the changes. Your name must be updated on your Social Security card before applying for a driver's license.)
Acceptable documents include:
✅ Certified Marriage Certificate
✅ Certified Divorce Decree (Must show that a name change was granted)
✅ Certified Legal Name Change Order
✅ Death certificate of spouse
✅ Valid Military ID
✅ Court Order changing gender marker
✅Letter from surgeon verifying completion of gender reassignment
❌ Marriage License
Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a REAL ID credential.
WHAT IF I NEED TO UPDATE OR REPLACE MY DOCUMENTATION?