REAL ID Information & Document Checklist
Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card (or a valid passport) are now required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
REAL ID licenses and identification cards are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Many residents preparing for a REAL ID appointment discover they need certified vital records such as birth or marriage certificates.
The Town Clerk’s Office can assist residents who need certified copies of these documents.
REAL ID Document Checklist
Residents applying for a REAL ID through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles should bring original or certified documents from the categories below.
1. Proof of Identity
Bring one of the following:
- Certified birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
If you were born in North Canaan, the Town Clerk’s Office can provide certified copies of your birth certificate.
2. Social Security Number
Bring one of the following:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- 1099 tax form
- Pay stub showing your full Social Security number
3. Proof of Connecticut Residency (Bring 2 of the following)
Applicants for a REAL ID through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must provide two documents showing their name and Connecticut residential address.
Documents fall into two categories based on how recent they must be.
Documents Typically Dated Within the Last 90 Days
Examples include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, cable, internet)
- Bank statement
- Credit card statement
- Insurance policy or bill
- Medical bill
- Official mail from a government agency
- Pay stub
These documents should show your name and Connecticut residential address.
Documents That May Be Up to 12 Months Old
Some residency documents may be older but still acceptable.
Examples include:
- Property tax bill
- Mortgage statement
- Lease agreement
- Connecticut voter registration card
These documents must still show your name and Connecticut residential address.
4. Legal Name Changes (If Applicable)
If the name on your identity documents is different, you must provide documentation showing the legal name change.
Examples include:
- Certified marriage certificate
- Divorce decree showing a name change
- Court-ordered name change document
For example, if your birth certificate shows your maiden name but your driver’s license shows your married name, the DMV may require a certified marriage certificate.
Certified marriage certificates are available from the Town Clerk’s Office.
5. Current Driver’s License or ID
Bring your current Connecticut driver’s license or identification card if you have one.
Did Your Name Change?
When applying for a REAL ID through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, your documents must show a clear connection between your current legal name and your birth name.
Use the guide below to help determine if additional documentation may be required.
Step 1
Does the name on your driver’s license match your birth certificate exactly?
Yes:
You likely do not need additional name change documentation.
No:
Continue to Step 2.
Step 2
Did your last name change due to marriage?
Yes:
You may need a certified marriage certificate documenting the name change.
Certified marriage certificates are available from the Town Clerk’s Office.
No:
Continue to Step 3.
Step 3
Have you had multiple marriages or another legal name change?
Yes:
You may need multiple marriage certificates or other legal name change documents to connect your birth name to your current name.
Example:
Birth Certificate: Jane Smith
Driver’s License: Jane Johnson
In this case, the DMV may require a certified marriage certificate documenting the name change from Smith to Johnson.
Certified Copies from the Town Clerk
The Town Clerk’s Office can provide certified copies of:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates
The fee for certified copies is $20 per copy.
If you believe you may need a certified record for your REAL ID appointment, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.
Additional REAL ID Information
