Learn About Required ID Documents for Common Situations

Understanding State-Issued Driver's Licenses and Real IDs

A driver's license is one of the most common forms of identification used across the United States. Each state issues its own driver's license, and the requirements vary by state. As of 2024, all 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which meet federal standards established after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, set security features that states must include in their identification documents.

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To obtain a state driver's license, you typically need to provide documentation that proves your identity, Social Security number, and proof of residence. Common documents used for identity verification include a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or consular report of birth. For proof of residence, states accept utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government correspondence dated within the past 90 days. Some states also require proof of legal presence in the United States, which can be shown through a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document.

The specific documents needed depend on your state and your citizenship status. U.S. citizens typically have an easier process than non-citizens, but all applicants must pass a vision test and written examination about traffic laws. The application fee ranges from $20 to $100 depending on your state, and licenses typically expire every 4 to 8 years. Some states offer Real ID-compliant licenses for standard driving, while others issue both Real ID and non-compliant versions.

Real ID-compliant licenses are now required for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities like military bases and nuclear power plants. Without a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other qualifying document, you cannot board a domestic flight. As of May 2025, enforcement of this requirement has been in effect for several years. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you can renew it or exchange it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for one that meets federal standards.

Practical Takeaway: Check your state's DMV website to learn which documents your state requires for a driver's license. Review the list of accepted identity documents and proof of residence documents, and gather these before visiting in person. Your state may offer online services to schedule an appointment or renew your license, which can reduce wait times.

Passport and Travel Document Requirements

A U.S. passport is a travel document issued by the State Department that proves your citizenship and allows you to travel internationally. There are several types of passports, including the standard passport book, passport card, and passport for minors. As of 2024, approximately 130 million Americans hold valid passports. Obtaining a passport requires submitting your application in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency, unless you are renewing a passport by mail and it meets specific renewal conditions.

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For a new passport, you must provide an application form (DS-11), a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and a recent passport photo that meets State Department specifications. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your full face. You must also pay an application fee that varies based on the type of passport and whether you are applying for an adult or minor passport. As of 2024, a new adult passport book costs $130, while a passport card costs $35. Minors' passports have different fees, typically ranging from $100 to $115 for a book.

Processing times for passports vary depending on demand and the season. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs an additional fee of $60. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing times may extend beyond these estimates. If you have international travel planned within the next several months, begin your passport application as early as possible. Some passport agencies also offer same-day or next-day service in person at their offices for applicants with immediate travel needs, though this requires higher fees.

If your passport is expiring or has expired, you may be able to renew it by mail if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older and is still in your possession. Mail renewal is simpler than applying for a new passport because you do not need to appear in person. However, if your passport was damaged, lost, or stolen, or if it was issued when you were under 16, you must apply in person. Foreign nationals living in the United States who need to travel may need to obtain travel documents from their country's consulate or embassy.

Practical Takeaway: If you plan to travel internationally, check your passport's expiration date now. If it expires within six months, consider renewing it, as many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Visit the State Department's website to find a passport acceptance facility near you and review the current processing times before submitting your application.

Identification for Banking and Financial Services

Banks and financial institutions are required by federal law to verify the identity of customers who open accounts or conduct certain transactions. This requirement, known as Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, helps prevent money laundering and fraud. When you open a bank account, the bank will ask for government-issued photo identification and other documents to verify your identity and address. Understanding what documents banks accept can help you prepare and speed up the account-opening process.

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Most banks accept a valid driver's license or passport as primary identification for opening an account. If you do not have either of these, some banks also accept a state-issued ID card, military ID, or tribal identification card. The bank will examine the document to verify your name, date of birth, and address. For proof of address, banks typically accept utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or recent bank statements. The document must usually be dated within the past 90 days and show your current address. If your address on your ID does not match your current address, bring a separate document that shows your current address.

Online banks and financial technology companies have streamlined this process by allowing customers to verify their identity remotely using mobile devices. These companies use photo capture technology and document scanning to verify your ID without requiring an in-person visit. Some online banks ask you to photograph both sides of your ID and provide a "selfie" photo for facial recognition verification. This process typically takes a few minutes, though the bank may conduct additional background checks that take a few business days to complete.

For some financial transactions, banks may request additional documents beyond the initial account setup. If you are depositing a check made payable to someone else, the bank may request that person's ID to verify they are authorized to endorse the check. If you are opening a business account, you may need to provide a business license, employer identification number (EIN), and articles of incorporation. Wire transfers and large cash transactions may also trigger additional verification requirements, which are part of federal anti-money-laundering regulations.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting your bank or opening an account online, gather your government-issued photo ID and a recent document showing your current address. If your address has recently changed, bring both your old and new documents to explain the change. This preparation can help your account opening process move faster and reduces the chance that the bank will request additional verification later.

Employment Verification and Work Authorization Documents

When you start a new job in the United States, your employer is required by law to verify that you are authorized to work. This process, called Form I-9 verification, is mandatory for all employees regardless of citizenship status. Federal law requires employers to examine documents that prove your identity and your right to work in the United States. Understanding which documents satisfy these requirements can help you prepare for your first day of work and avoid delays in your employment.

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The I-9 form requires you to provide documents in one of three categories. Category A documents prove both identity and work authorization and include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or Native American tribal document. If you provide a Category A document, that single document is sufficient to complete the I-9 form. Category B documents prove identity only and include a state driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport from another country, or school ID with a photo. Category C documents prove work authorization only and include a Social Security card, birth certificate, or consular report of birth. If you provide only Category B and Category C documents, you must provide one from each category.

U.S. citizens typically provide a driver's license or passport as proof of identity and a Social Security