Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles
Identification Requirements and Acceptable Documents for New Driver's Licenses and ID Requirement

All applicants must provide one document from the "Identity" section, one document from the "Signature" section, and one document from the "Residency" section. Additionally, all applicants must comply with the provisions of the "Social Security" section. At least two separate documents must be presented. No photocopies will be accepted as proof of identification.

No personal checks can be accepted for payment for a RI Identification Card.

Identity Documents

Identity documents (legal name and date of birth)*:

• Valid U.S./U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver's License with photograph, signature, and date of birth (may not be expired for more than one year).
• Birth certificate (must be original or certified copy, have a seal, and be issued by an authorized government agency such as the Bureau of Vital Statistics; hospital issued certificates are not acceptable).
• Baptismal certificate (must be original or certified copy, be issued by a church in the U.S., have an issue date of within one year of applicant's birth, and contain the date of birth).
• U.S. or foreign passport (B1, B2 and expired passports are not acceptable).
• U.S. Naturalization Certificate
• INS form I-94 (document showing entry into U.S.).
• INS form I-688 (Temporary Resident Identification Card).
• INS form I-688B, I-766 (Employment Authorization Card).
• U.S. Active Service, Retiree, or Reservist Military ID Card.

* Government issued Marriage Certificate/License required to prove name change from primary identity document.

Signature Documents

Signature documents:

• Valid U.S./U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver's License with photograph, signature, and date of birth (may not be expired for more than one year)
• U.S. or foreign passport (B1, B2 and expired passports are not acceptable).
• Social Security Card.
• Work or school ID.
• U.S. Active Service, Retiree, or Reservist Military ID Card.
  

Proof of Residency

Proof of Residency documents:

• Valid Voter Registration Card.
• Utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, oil) in your name or in the name of an immediate family member with the same last name.
• Personal check or bank statement with your name and address (no P.O. box).
• Valid original lease agreement with your name and address. (Landlord's name, address, and telephone number also must be provided.)
• Payroll check with your name and address.
• Welfare check stub or food stamp card with your name and address.
• Insurance policy for your home/apartment with your name and address.
• Property tax bill for your residence.
• If a minor, school records and parent's license/ID with same address will be accepted.
  

Social Security Number

The Division of Motor Vehicles by law is required to record Social Security numbers for all applicants for a Driver's License. All NEW applicants must provide an official Social Security Card (laminated or metal cards are not acceptable). All Social Security numbers are verified electronically with the Social Security Administration.

If you do not have a valid Social Security number, you must present a foreign passport and appropriate visa or documentation to validate the ineligibility for a Social Security number or present a letter from the Social Security Administration verifying your ineligibility for a Social Security number.