Free tool · DHS / TSA Last verified 2026-06-14
REAL ID document-chain checker
REAL ID needs your full legal name and name traceability: an unbroken paper trail from your birth name to your married name. If you've been married or changed your name before, one marriage certificate isn't enough. Answer a few questions and we'll build the exact document chain your DMV needs to connect every link.
REAL ID requires your full legal name plus name traceability — an unbroken paper trail from your birth name to your current name. Answer these so we can build your chain.
Official sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
Frequently asked questions
- What is name traceability for a REAL ID?
- DHS wants a documented link between the name on your source documents and the name you want on your REAL ID. After marriage, a certified marriage certificate is usually that link. If you've changed your name before, you also need documents bridging each earlier change.
- What if I was married before?
- You may need your prior marriage certificate and/or divorce decree so the chain from your birth name to your current name stays unbroken. The tool above adds those to your chain for you.
- Which documents does my state DMV accept?
- DHS lets each state pick which traceability documents it accepts, so the exact list varies. Confirm your state DMV's requirements before you go in person. We link the DHS source so you know the federal baseline.
- Same documents after a divorce?
- Yes — the document chain works the same way. The one thing that changes is the document that traces your old name to your new one: a certified divorce decree instead of a marriage certificate.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.