Applying for a REAL ID Driver License
To obtain a REAL ID driver license you will be required to pass a knowledge test, skills road test and meet eligibility requirements. If you do not currently possess a driver license from DC or another jurisdiction, you will be issued a REAL ID learner permit after taking and passing the knowledge test. You may not obtain a DC REAL ID driver license while maintaining a valid driver license from another jurisdiction. A REAL ID driver license is valid for up to 8 years for US citizens, and this period may vary for non-US citizens according to the US duration of stay.
Required Documents
In order to obtain a DC REAL ID driver license, you must bring with you a list of required documents and be prepared to pay the applicable fees. The following must be satisfied:
1) Proof of Identity.
2) Proof of DC Residency.
3) Proof of Social Security Number.
4) Proof of Parental Approval (if applicant is 16 or 17 years old).
5) No outstanding debts to DC or unpaid fines for moving traffic violations in other jurisdictions.
DMV Locations
To obtain a REAL ID driver license or learner permit, you may visit any DMV location except Adjudication Services, Brentwood Road Test Office and Inspection Station.
Steps
1) Complete the Driver License Application [PDF].
2) Provide the required documents.
3) Take and pass a vision screening.
4) Take and pass a knowledge test and road skills test.
5) Pay the appropriate fees.
6) Obtain your Paper REAL ID learner permit/driver license.
7) All driver licenses are mailed.
8) Take a digital photograph.
Applying for a REAL ID Driver License with Out of Country Driver License
Non-US Citizens who possesses an unexpired Out-of-Country driver license may be eligible for a DC REAL ID driver license, if they meet eligibility requirements. A licensed driver who moves to DC from another country is required to obtain a DC driver license, if residing in DC for more than 30 days and is not in the US on visiting visa. If you possess a valid out-of-country driver license, you will be required to take and pass the driver knowledge test prior to obtaining a DC REAL ID driver license.
You will be allowed to keep your out-of-country driver license along with your DC REAL ID driver license. The DMV does not accept International Driver Licenses as proof of ability to drive. If you possess a non-English language driver license from a foreign country, you must attach an English translation from your embassy or from a certified translator. The embassy translation must be on official embassy letterhead. The date of the translation must be on or after the actual date of the non-English language driver license. Certified translator copies must have a certification stamp.
Required Documents
1) Proof of Identity.
2) Proof of DC Residency.
3) Proof of Social Security Number.
4) Proof of Ability to Drive.
5) Proof of Parental Approval (if applicant is 16 or 17 years old).
DMV Locations
To obtain a REAL ID driver license or learner permit, you may visit any DMV location except Adjudication Services, Brentwood Road Test Office and Inspection Station.
Steps
1) Complete the Driver License Application [PDF].
2) Provide the required documents.
3) Take and pass a vision screening.
4) Take and pass a knowledge test.
5) Pay the appropriate fees.
6) Obtain your Paper REAL ID driver license.
7) All driver licenses are mailed.
8) Take a digital photograph.
Applying for a Limited Purpose Driver License
Applicants must have never been issued a social security number; or previously been issued a social security number but cannot establish legal presence in the United States at the time of application; or not be eligible for a social security number. To obtain a Limited Purpose driver license you will be required to take and pass a knowledge test, skills road test and meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must be a DC resident for at least 6 months from the date of application.
You must schedule an appointment to obtain a Limited Purpose driver license. Prior to your DMV appointment, be sure to study and review the Driver Manual because you will be required to take a knowledge test. If you fail the knowledge test, you will be required to make another appointment.
Required Documents
1) Proof of Identity.
2) Proof of DC Residency.
3) Proof of 6-Month DC Residency.
4) Proof of Parental Approval (if applicant is 16 or 17 years old).
5) No outstanding debts to DC or unpaid fines for moving traffic violations in other jurisdictions.
DMV Locations
To obtain a REAL ID driver license or learner permit, you may visit any DMV location except Adjudication Services, Brentwood Road Test Office and Inspection Station.
Steps
1) Complete the Driver License Application [PDF].
2) Complete the SSN Declaration Form [PDF].
3) Provide the required documents.
4) Take and pass a vision screening.
5) Take and pass a knowledge test and road skills test.
6) Pay the appropriate fees.
7) Obtain your Paper REAL ID learner permit/driver license.
8) All driver licenses are mailed.
9) Take a digital photograph.
Proof of Identity - Full Legal Name and Date of Birth
An individual applying for a REAL ID Driver License or REAL ID Identification Card must provide one (1) document from the list below:
U.S. birth certificate or birth certification card.
Unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card.
Certificate of Naturalization.
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Unexpired Foreign Passport w/visa and I-94 reflecting duration of stay.
Unexpired Foreign Passport w/visa (classification F), I-94 and I-20,
Unexpired Foreign Passport w/visa (classification J), I-94 and DS-2019,
Unexpired Employment Authorization Card,
Unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
I-94 stamped Asylee and Asylum Approval Letter.
I-94 stamped Refugee.
Unexpired Foreign Passport w/visa (classification A and G), I-94, and U.S. State Department Letter (reflecting no diplomatic immunity).
Valid REAL ID driver license, learner permit, or identification card (only if REAL ID credential is issued to U.S. Citizens; immigration documents necessary for those U.S. residents with lawful status).
Proof of DC Residency
First time DC applicants must be a resident for at least 6 months. You must provide two (2) documents showing a valid DC address (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable) to satisfy proof of current DC residency, such as:
Utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Oil, or Cable) with name and address, issued within the last 60 days.
Telephone bill (cell phone, wireless or pager bills acceptable) reflecting applicant's name and current address, issued within the last 60 days.
Deed, mortgage or settlement agreement reflecting applicant's name and property address issued within the last 60 days.
Unexpired lease or rental agreement with the name of the applicant listed as the lessee, permitted resident or renter (may be a photocopy).
DC Property Tax bill issued within the last 12 months reflecting the applicant's name and property address.
Unexpired homeowner's or renter�s insurance policy reflecting name and address.
Letter with picture from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) or DC Department of Corrections (DC DOC) certifying name and DC residency issued within the last 60 days.
DC DMV Proof of Residency Form signed by the person owning the residence AND a copy of this person's unexpired DC driver license or DC identification card AND two of the sources listed above (i.e. Utility bill, telephone bill, etc.) in the person owning the residence�s name.
Bank Statement issued within the last 60 days reflecting name and address (only checking and savings accounts; credit card and money market statements not accepted).
Official Mail � received from a Federal or DC Agency (with full name and address) to include contents and envelope (received within the last 60 days), excluding mail from the DC DMV.
DC DMV Approved Form from Certified Social Service Provider.
Proof of Social Security Number
You must provide one (1) document from the list below:
Social Security Card bearing applicant's name full name, SSN, and signature.
Pay statement reflecting full name and full SSN.
W-2 (wage and tax statement) reflecting full name and full SSN.
1099 Form reflecting full name and full SSN.
Social Security Administration verification printout reflecting full name and full SSN (SSA indicates SSN printouts will not be issued effective August 2014).
Proof of Parent Approval
If applicant is 16 or 17 years old, a completed parental consent form is required to obtain a Learner Permit. The following forms are in PDF format.
Parental Consent Form (English)
Parental Consent Form (Spanish)
Parental Consent Form (Amharic)
Parental Consent Form (French)
Parental Consent Form (Vietnamese)
Parental Consent Form (Chinese)
Parental Consent Form (Korean)
Proof of 6-Month DC Residency
You must complete the 6-Month DC Residency Certification [PDF] and provide two (2) documents containing a valid DC address dated at least 6 months prior from the following list:
Utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Oil, or Cable) with name and address (disconnect notices/bills not accepted).
Telephone bill (cell phone, wireless or pager bills acceptable) reflecting applicant's name and address (disconnect notices/bills not accepted).
Deed, mortgage or settlement agreement reflecting applicant's name and property address.
Unexpired lease or rental agreement with the name of the applicant listed as the lessee, permitted resident or renter (may be a photocopy) DC Property Tax bill.
Unexpired homeowner's or renter�s insurance policy reflecting name and address.
DC DMV Proof of Residency Form signed by the person owning the residence AND a copy of this person's unexpired DC driver license or DC identification card AND two (2) of the sources listed above (i.e. Utility bill, telephone bill, etc.) in the person owning the residence�s name dated at least 6 months prior.
Bank Statement reflecting full name and address (only checking and savings accounts; credit card and money market statements not accepted).
First class or priority mail from a Federal, State, or Local Government agency (with full name and address) to include contents and envelope, excluding mail from the DC DMV.
*DC DMV Approved Form from Certified Social Service Provider.
