District of Columbia REAL ID requirements
$44 to upgrade, 2 proofs of address, and an appointment is required. Answer four questions below to get your exact list.
District of Columbia REAL ID document check
Enable JavaScript for the interactive checklist, or use the full requirements below.
District of Columbia at a glance
- Upgrade fee$44
- First-time fee$44
- Address documents2 required
- AppointmentRequired
- Online pre-applicationAvailable
- Card arrives in1-2 weeks
Documents District of Columbia accepts
Proof of identity — bring one
Original or certified copy only. Photocopies, laminated documents, and phone photos are rejected.
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Certified U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
- Valid permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550/N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560/N-561)
Proof of Social Security number — bring one
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- SSA-1099 form
- Pay stub with full SSN
Proof of District of Columbia address — bring 2
Each document must show your name and street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
- Utility bill (within 60-90 days)
- Bank or credit card statement (within 60-90 days)
- Mortgage bill or rental/lease agreement
- Vehicle registration card
- IRS or government-issued mail
- Medical or insurance document with address
Proof of legal name change — only if your name changed
- Certified marriage certificate
- Certified divorce decree with name change
- Court order for legal name change
Before you go
- Appointment required for REAL ID
- REAL ID has been required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025
- DC REAL ID cards are free for residents 65 and older
District of Columbia REAL ID questions
What documents do I need for a District of Columbia REAL ID?
Bring one proof of identity (Valid U.S. passport or passport card), one document showing your full Social Security number, 2 proofs of District of Columbia address, and certified proof of any legal name change. All documents must be originals or certified copies.
How much does a REAL ID cost in District of Columbia?
$44 to upgrade an existing District of Columbia license or ID, and $44 for a first-time card. Fees are set by the state and can change; the current amount is charged at the counter.
Do I need an appointment for a District of Columbia REAL ID?
Yes. District of Columbia requires an appointment for REAL ID service, so book before you go — walk-ins are generally turned away.
Can I apply for a District of Columbia REAL ID online?
District of Columbia lets you complete the application online in advance, but you still have to appear in person once so a clerk can verify your original documents and take your photo.
How long does a District of Columbia REAL ID take to arrive?
About 1-2 weeks. You normally leave the office with a temporary paper credential and the permanent card is mailed to the address on your application.
REAL ID in other states
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming