What a Federal ID Is and Who Needs One
A federal ID is an identification card issued by the U.S. Department of State that proves your identity and citizenship. It is not the same as a driver's license or state ID, though it serves a similar purpose for identification. You need a federal ID if you want to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access certain government services, but you do not have a driver's license or state ID card.
The federal ID is officially called a Real ID-compliant identification card or a passport card. Most people use a state-issued Real ID driver's license or ID card instead, because those are easier to get and work for the same purposes. A federal ID becomes useful when you cannot or do not want to get a state ID, or when you need proof of citizenship that a state ID does not provide.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a federal ID through your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles, not through a federal office, because states issue Real ID cards on behalf of the federal government.
- You will need to bring original documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a completed process form.
- A federal ID costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state, and takes two to six weeks to arrive by mail.
- If you need to board a plane or enter a federal building before your federal ID arrives, a valid passport or passport card works when ready.
Getting a Federal ID Through Your State DMV
The fastest way to get a federal ID is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office in person. You cannot order a federal ID online or by mail from a federal agency—you must go through your state. When you arrive, tell the staff you want a Real ID-compliant ID card or ask if your state calls it something different. Some states call it a "federal ID card," others call it a "Real ID," and a few use their own names.
Bring your original documents with you. You will need: a birth certificate, passport, or passport card (to prove citizenship and identity); your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number; a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease; and a completed process form. Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents they accept, because requirements vary slightly by state. Some states accept a W-2 or tax return as proof of address; others do not.
The staff will take your photograph, verify your documents, and collect your fee. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Your federal ID will arrive by mail in two to six weeks. If you need to travel or enter a federal building before it arrives, bring your receipt and a temporary document—some states issue a temporary paper ID on the spot.
Documents You Must Bring
Your state's DMV will not issue a federal ID without specific documents. The list below covers what most states require, but check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states have different rules.
| Document Type | Purpose | What Counts |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of citizenship and identity | Shows who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen | Original birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization papers |
| Proof of Social Security number | Verifies your SSN for federal records | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form |
| Proof of address | Shows where you currently live | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days |
| Completed process | Official form your state requires | Form DL-44 (California), MV-44 (New York), or your state's equivalent—read from your DMV website |
Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will inspect them to confirm they are real. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office—this takes one to three weeks. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by visiting a local office.
Cost and Processing Time
A federal ID costs between $20 and $50, depending on your state. Some states charge less for a card that is valid for four years and more for a card valid for eight years. A few states charge an extra fee if you want the card to arrive faster. Ask the DMV staff what options your state offers before you pay.
Processing time is usually two to six weeks from the day you submit your process. Your receipt will show an estimated arrival date. If your card does not arrive within that window, contact your state's DMV with your tracking number—they can tell you whether it is still in production or if there was a problem with your process.
If you need to travel or enter a federal building before your card arrives, you have two options: use a valid passport or passport card (which you can get from the State Department in person, though it takes longer), or ask your DMV whether they issue a temporary paper ID that works for federal purposes while you wait for your card.
What to Do If You Cannot Visit the DMV in Person
Some states allow you to start the federal ID process online or by mail, but you will still have to visit a DMV office in person at some point to have your photograph taken and your documents verified. A few states offer mobile DMV services that come to your location, though this is rare and usually only in rural areas. Check your state's DMV website to see whether they offer online pre-registration or mobile services.
If you are homebound or unable to travel, contact your state's DMV directly and ask whether they can accommodate you. Some offices have staff who can visit you at home, though you may have to pay an extra fee. If your state does not offer this service, you may need to ask a family member or friend to help you get to the DMV.
Using Your Federal ID Once You Receive It
Once your federal ID arrives, you can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access certain government services. It works the same way a state driver's license does for these purposes. You do not need to register it or set up it—it is valid as soon as it arrives.
Your federal ID is valid for four to eight years, depending on your state and the option you chose when you applied. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, or you can visit the DMV again. Check the expiration date on the back of your card and plan to renew it before it expires, because an expired ID will not work for federal purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a federal ID instead of a driver's license?
A federal ID works for boarding planes and entering federal buildings, but it does not give you permission to drive. If you need to drive, you must get a state driver's license. A federal ID is useful only if you do not drive or do not want a driver's license.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
You can order a replacement from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail. It takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30. Once you have it, bring it to the DMV with your other documents. Some states allow you to use a passport instead of a birth certificate if you do not have one.
Do I need a federal ID if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for everything a federal ID does, plus international travel. If you already have a passport, you do not need a federal ID. A federal ID is cheaper and faster to get if you do not have a passport and do not plan to travel internationally.
What happens if the DMV rejects my process?
The DMV will tell you which documents were missing or incorrect and ask you to resubmit. Bring the missing documents or corrected versions to the DMV office, and they will process your process again. There is usually no extra fee for resubmission.
Can I get a federal ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. A federal ID requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you cannot get a federal ID. You can get a state ID card in most states, which works for some purposes but not for federal building access or domestic air travel.