Before the DMV issues any license or ID, you must prove who you are and that you live in Rhode Island. Bring originals, check the dates on your bills, and know which card you're applying for—standard, Real ID, or Driver Privilege Card.
Know the rule
For a standard (non-Real ID) license or ID you must present one identity document showing your legal name and date of birth.
Handbook p. 76 ↗Examples of accepted identity documents:
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate from a State Office of Vital Statistics
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or unexpired Employment Authorization Document
- Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. military ID or Native American Tribal ID
- U.S., U.S. territory or Canadian license with photo, not expired more than five years
Know the rule
Real ID: original documents only—no photocopies. A name change on your identity document must be verified by a document from an authorized government agency.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
If you got or renewed your passport within the last 6 months, bring an additional identity document—it may not yet verify with the national database.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
You must present two residency documents. They may be in your name, an immediate family member's name, or someone with the same last name. For Real ID, P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Accepted residency documents include:
- Utility bill, bank statement or payroll check dated within the past 60 days
- Lease currently in effect with landlord's name, address and phone (no handwritten leases)
- Homeowner's, renter's or auto insurance policy currently in effect
- Property tax bill or W-2 from the preceding year
- Shelter or halfway house letter on letterhead, dated within the past 30 days
- Jury duty summons dated within the past 60 days
- Installment loan contract, Social Security or pension statement
- RI firearms permit, or a valid RI driver's license or ID card
Minors may also use:
- A school record from the current school year showing their address
- The RI license or ID card of the person signing the minor's application
Know the rule
A Driver Privilege Card requires two primary identity documents, or one primary plus one secondary document. Documents not in English need a certified English translation.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Know the rule
Driver Privilege Card applicants must show tax-administrator verification that they filed a Rhode Island resident income tax return for the previous tax year, or were claimed as a dependent on one.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Know the rule
The DMV must record a Social Security Number for every driver's license applicant and verifies it electronically. Without one, present a foreign passport and visa or a Social Security Denial Letter. No SSN is required for a Driver Privilege Card.
Handbook p. 81 ↗Know the rule
U.S. territory license transfers are done only at DMV Cranston headquarters with approval from Enforcement—not at branch or AAA offices.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Put it into practice
For your Real ID you bring your original birth certificate, an electric bill from 45 days ago and your car insurance policy that is currently in effect. That's one identity document and two residency documents—you're set. A photocopied birth certificate or a 90-day-old bill would be turned away.