The DC DMV issues a federally compliant driver license and identification card which is called “REAL ID”. Therefore, you need to find out what documents to COLLECT and BRING with you so you can SECURE your new REAL ID driver license or REAL ID identification card.
The Real ID Core categories that you’ll need to verify who you are and where you live.
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Current DC Residency (2)
You must be a resident of the District of Columbia, and at least 15 years of age; you may not hold a valid driver license or identification card in the District, or another state or jurisdiction, in order to get a REAL ID non-driver ID card. A REAL ID non-driver ID card is valid for 8 years for US citizens. If you are not a US citizen, your REAL ID non-driver ID card will expire at the end of your approved duration of stay. The REAL ID non-driver ID card can be renewed. Minors under the age of 18 will be required to submit the Parental Consent Form.
If you do not qualify for a DC DMV REAL ID Non-Driver Identification Card, you may be eligible for a DC DMV Limited Purpose Non-Driver Identification Card. More information on the Limited Purpose credential is available at the link below:
In general, the steps to getting a DC DMV REAL ID non-driver identification card are:
- Application
- Documentation
- Photograph
- Fees
- Mailing
Use DC DMV's online Document Verification Guide to determine what documents you need to successfully obtain a non-driver identification card at the link below:
Application
The first step in obtaining a REAL ID non-driver identification card is to print and fill out the driver license/identification card application form. Effective June 26, 2018, if eligible, when you complete the application, you will automatically be opted in to register to vote unless you select to decline. You can find the application form at the link below:
Next, bring your completed application form to a DC DMV service center. A list of service centers is available at the link below:
Documentation
You must also bring the documents that prove you are eligible for a non-driver identification card. The documents required are listed below, and DC DMV will not accept any documents that are not listed.
You will need:
- Proof of identity and age. You must be at least 15 years old. The list of documents that DC DMV accepts as proof of identify is available at the link below:
- Proof of Identity—Name and Date of Birth
- Proof of lawful presence. US citizens and non-US citizens are required to provide proof of lawful presence. The list of documents that DC DMV accepts as proof of lawful presence is available at the link below:
- REAL ID Proof of Lawful Presence
- Two documents that prove you reside in the District. The list of documents that prove DC residency is available at the link below:
- Proof of Current District of Columbia Residency
- Proof of your Social Security number. Information on the Social Security number is available at the link below:
- REAL ID Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of parental approval, if you are under age 18. The parental consent form is available at the link below:
- Parental Consent Form to Obtain a Learner Permit or Identification Card
Photograph
You will have a photograph taken at the service center when your documents are approved. District law and policy requires a full frontal digital photo that will show either the ears, or up to the hairline without showing the hair.
Fees
Once your photo has been taken, you will pay the appropriate fee for your license. Information on DC DMV driver license and identification card fees is available at the link below:
DC DMV will issue you a temporary, paper DC DMV REAL ID identification card after you’ve completed the process and paid the fees. This temporary ID will be valid for 45 days; your actual card will be mailed to you within 10 business days. DC DMV does not mail ID cards to PO boxes.
Note: If you have an out-of-state driver license, and you apply for a DC identification card (instead of converting your out-of-state driver license to a District driver license), then this will result in the cancellation of your out-of-state driver license. Once your out-of-state driver license is cancelled, you will be required to retake the knowledge and road test to obtain a DC driver license.