This isn't that hard and the DMV is VERY clear about how to go about this.

If you search for "leaner's permit" on the DMV website it there are easy to follow prompts that will take you to a page that outlines all requirements and documents that satisfy each. For proof of residence. One of the line items is, "*DC DMV Proof of Residency Certification form signed within the last 60 days by the certifier residing at the residence and a copy of the certifier's unexpired DC Driver license or DC identification card and two proof of residency documents (one primary and one secondary) in the certifier's name, and proof of relationship document if certifying for a qualified family member."

Reading is fundamental.

You need a birth certificate to prove parental relationship if you are using the parents’ documents to establish residency. It doesn’t explain this on the website. As others have said, it’s best to be over-inclusive with documents to avoid repeat trips!

Anonymous wrote:I should add that for later appointments (including where you turn in written proof of 40 hours of driving practice to take the road test for your provisional, and then 10 hours of night driving for the full license), it's not that clear online what documents you need. My advice is to just bring all the documents you brought for the learners' permit, and in particular their birth certificate. I wrongly assumed they would not need it again, but at the final visit for my kid's full license, our clerk told us we incorrectly failed to fit all the night hours on the form (I had included an attachment because we had practiced on more days then there were lines on the form), AND insisted we needed the birth certificate as proof that I could sign a parent permission form for issuance of a driver's license to a minor. Never mind that I had used an attachment and turned it in with no birth certificate for her provisional with no issues. Very frustrating that we we had to return for a repeat visit. And of course at that return visit the next clerk said "oh you don't need that". Regardless, I wish I'd just brought everything each time to be sure to avoid having to come back.

Yup, having gone through the process with two kids, I agree. Each visit was a little different with different requirements. Bring everything to all visits.

I should add that for later appointments (including where you turn in written proof of 40 hours of driving practice to take the road test for your provisional, and then 10 hours of night driving for the full license), it's not that clear online what documents you need. My advice is to just bring all the documents you brought for the learners' permit, and in particular their birth certificate. I wrongly assumed they would not need it again, but at the final visit for my kid's full license, our clerk told us we incorrectly failed to fit all the night hours on the form (I had included an attachment because we had practiced on more days then there were lines on the form), AND insisted we needed the birth certificate as proof that I could sign a parent permission form for issuance of a driver's license to a minor. Never mind that I had used an attachment and turned it in with no birth certificate for her provisional with no issues. Very frustrating that we we had to return for a repeat visit. And of course at that return visit the next clerk said "oh you don't need that". Regardless, I wish I'd just brought everything each time to be sure to avoid having to come back.

Yes, we did this recently. You should bring your kid's proof of name and DOB (thru passport or birth certificate) and SSN card.  For proof of residency, you need to bring your driver’s license, plus a property tax bill AND a utility bill that all have your name and address on it.  In addition you can print out and prefill the form that others posted the link for called a proof of DC residency certification where you certify as to your kid's residency using your own residency documents.  Just to clarify - as you’ll see from the cert form when you pull it up online - it requires all three documents, including drivers license, property tax bill, and utility bill.

Anonymous wrote:You need to complete this form and bring information that provides your proof of residency.

https://dmv.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmv/page_content/attachments/DC_DMV_Proof_of_Residency_Certification_Form_August_2022.pdf

Right—they need proof of the parent’s residency. Make sure you bring originals of your documentation, BTW. I brought copies, and they would not accept them.

You need to complete this form and bring information that provides your proof of residency.

https://dmv.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmv/page_content/attachments/DC_DMV_Proof_of_Residency_Certification_Form_August_2022.pdf

I can't speak for DC, but Maryland checks the residency and ID of the parents when the kid gets their permit since the parents are listed on the birth certificate. I can't remember what else I had to present, but I already had my own real ID at that time, and I may have needed to bring in a utility bill (which I always found stupid, but whatever).

Bank account, school report card.

How are parents documenting proof of residency to get a REAL ID Learner Permit for a 16 year old? My DC does not have his name on our deed, utility bills, etc.