Home address discrepancy is causing problems getting a REAL ID | Ask the RI DMV

Chuck Hollis
·4 min read

Q: I have lived in the same house in Glocester since 1974. My mailing address is North Scituate. The last two times I tried to get a REAL ID, I have been turned down.

My license, over the years, has sometimes said Chepachet and other times North Scituate, but at least now they have my mailing address right.

I have a passport but need another way to confirm my address. I was told to bring in a fire tax or energy bill, but they are all under my mailing address.

I have asked others who live on the road how they were able to obtain a REAL ID, since most of Snake Hill Road has the North Scituate mailing address. They told me they just put down Glocester with the North Scituate ZIP code of 02857. I could do that, but I would still have a problem getting something addressed to me as Glocester. I even asked if I could get something from the Town Hall notarized that I do live in Glocester.

I am due to renew my license. What can I do?

— Karen B.

A: This is a common problem we see in certain cities and towns in Rhode Island, including East Greenwich and Warwick, and North Kingstown, Narragansett and Saunderstown – and your area, too. Villages that border on or are located in multiple municipalities have the most problems. A REAL ID “proof of residency” is set by the federal government, as are all the other requirements to obtain a REAL ID.

I’d like to give some more suggestions for "Proof of Residency." Your electric and gas bills normally have a service address on top which is the correct town requested; your voter registration generally states the correct town; oil delivery will have a service address; your taxes will also show the mailing address and list the physical address; Finally, your homeowner’s insurance and mortgage statement would also show the correct address of your physical residence.

This is a timely question, as REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID credential (driver's license, state identification card, or commercial driver license) will be required to board domestic air flights and to enter certain secure federal buildings and facilities.

The RI DMV does offer these REAL ID credentials in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, which established security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. Passports are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID credential, but some people feel uncomfortable carrying their passport on domestic air flights.

The RI DMV website (dmv.ri.gov) has a whole section on REAL IDs. This information can be found in the “License, Permits & IDs” tab and then “REAL ID.” There is no additional cost for a REAL ID when you apply for it during your renewal period. You will pay just your normal credential renewal fee. A REAL ID will cost $27.50 outside your renewal period.

If you decide you want a REAL ID, you will need to get the right documents together. You must have:

  • One (1) proof of identity document, such as a certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a state Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individual's state of birth. This is an important point that everyone needs to be aware of: Proof of name change, such as a government-issued marriage license, divorce decree or Probate court document, is required if the name differs from your identity document;

  • AND Social Security number (must be listed on application) or a letter issued by the Social Security Administration stating the applicant is not eligible to receive a Social Security number;

  • AND two (2) proof of Rhode Island residency documents, such as a utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, oil, water, sewer, satellite, heat, cellphone) with the address of residence clearly stated in the applicant’s name.

For a full list of acceptable documentation and further detail on REAL ID documentation requirements, please refer to our website and the “REAL ID Identification Documents Checklist.” You must make a reservation to come into any DMV branch to obtain a REAL ID. Instructions on making a reservation can also be found on our website.

Chuck Hollis
Chuck Hollis

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: REAL ID application rejected due to mailing address discrepancy