Yes, you can get a Real ID after May 7th, but the process and requirements stay the same

May 7th, 2025 is when the federal government stops accepting regular driver's licenses and state ID cards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. This date does not close the door to getting a Real ID — it just means you cannot use an old license for those purposes anymore. You can obtain a Real ID before or after that date through the same channels: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The confusion often comes from mixing up two separate things: the important date for using an old ID for federal purposes, and the important date for getting a Real ID. There is no important date to get one. You can walk into your DMV the day after May 7th and start the process.

What does change after May 7th is what happens if you do not have a Real ID and you try to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear facility. You will be turned away unless you have a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally accepted credential instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is available before and after May 7th through your state DMV — the important date only affects which documents you can use for federal travel and building access.
  • You will need a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of identity at your DMV appointment.
  • Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to six weeks from the time you submit your documents.
  • If you travel domestically or enter federal buildings after May 7th without a Real ID, you will need a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally accepted ID instead.
  • Some states charge a fee for Real ID (usually $20 to $50 on top of your regular license renewal), while others include it at no extra cost.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Every state requires the same four categories of documents, though the specific papers that count vary slightly by state. You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of citizenship or lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or visa).

The most common mistake is bringing documents that are expired or do not match your current name. If you changed your name through marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court decree along with your other papers. If your birth certificate does not match your current name, bring both documents so the DMV can see the connection.

Check your state's DMV website before you go — some states accept digital copies of documents, while others require originals or certified copies. A few states have specific requirements about which documents count as proof of address (some will not accept utility bills in a roommate's name, for example).

How long the process takes after May 7th

Processing time depends on your state and how busy the DMV is. Most states take two to six weeks from the day you submit your documents to the day your Real ID arrives in the mail. Some states are faster — a handful process in one to two weeks — and some are slower, particularly if you explore during peak season (late spring and summer).

If you need to travel before your Real ID arrives, bring a passport or passport card instead. You do not have to wait for the Real ID to use those documents for federal travel. If you do not have a passport and need one quickly, the State Department offers expedited processing for an additional fee, though that process also takes time.

A few states offer Real ID at the time of your appointment if you bring all documents in person and the DMV has the equipment to produce it on-site. Call your local DMV to ask whether yours does this — if it does, you can leave with your Real ID the same day.

The cost of getting a Real ID after May 7th

Most states charge between $20 and $50 extra on top of your regular driver's license or ID renewal fee. Some states bundle Real ID into the standard renewal cost at no additional charge. A few states charge nothing for the upgrade if you are renewing your license anyway, but charge a fee if you are getting a Real ID without renewing.

The total cost (license renewal plus Real ID fee) typically ranges from $40 to $150 depending on your state and how long your new license is valid. Check your state DMV's website or call your local office to find out the exact fee before you go.

If cost is a barrier, some states have reduced-fee or no-fee options for people with low income. These programs vary widely — some states have them and some do not. Your DMV can tell you whether your state offers one and what you need to show to may have access to.

What to do if you cannot get to the DMV before May 7th

If you do not have a Real ID by May 7th and you need to travel domestically or enter a federal building, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License instead. These documents are all accepted for federal purposes and do not expire on that date.

If you do not have any of those documents and you cannot get to the DMV before May 7th, you have two options: reschedule your travel or building visit to after you receive your Real ID, or obtain a passport card (which takes four to six weeks through the State Department). Neither option is fast, which is why planning ahead matters.

After May 7th, your old driver's license is still valid for driving a car and for most everyday purposes — it just will not work for domestic flights, federal building entry, or military base access. You can continue using it for those purposes if you have a passport or other federally accepted ID with you.

Real ID versus Enhanced Driver's License: which one to get

A Real ID is a standard driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a step up — it meets the same federal standards as a Real ID but also allows you to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders by land without a passport. Not all states offer EDLs, and they cost more (usually $50 to $100 extra).

If you cross into Canada or Mexico by car regularly, an EDL is worth the extra cost and effort. If you only fly domestically or visit federal buildings, a regular Real ID is sufficient. Check whether your state offers EDLs by visiting your state DMV's website.

Both Real ID and EDL take the same amount of time to process and require the same documents. The main difference is the border crossing benefit and the price.

What happens to your old driver's license after May 7th

Your old driver's license does not expire or stop working on May 7th. You can still use it to drive a car, buy alcohol, prove your age, or show your identity in most everyday situations. The only thing that changes is that the federal government will not accept it for domestic air travel, federal building entry, military base access, or nuclear facility access.

You do not have to destroy your old license or turn it in. Many people keep it as a backup or for situations where a Real ID is not needed. When you get your Real ID, you will receive a new card in the mail, and you can use whichever one is appropriate for the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically after May 7th without a Real ID?

No, not with a regular driver's license. You will need a Real ID, passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally accepted credential. If you do not have one of those, you cannot board a domestic flight.

Do I have to renew my license to get a Real ID?

Not necessarily. Some states let you upgrade to Real ID without renewing your license, though you may pay a fee. Other states only offer Real ID during a renewal. Check your state DMV's website to see which option applies to you.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get a Real ID if you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. Bring your naturalization papers, passport, visa, or green card along with your other documents. The DMV will verify your status before issuing the Real ID.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV for a Real ID because they need to verify your documents and take a new photo. A few states allow mail-in renewal if you already have a Real ID and are just renewing it, but first-time Real IDs almost always require a visit.

What if my state does not have a DMV office near me?

Some states have mobile DMV units or satellite offices in rural areas. Others allow you to make an appointment at any DMV location in the state, even if it is far away. Call your state DMV or check their website to find the closest location and whether you can schedule an appointment in advance.