Yes, you can get a Real ID after May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025 is not a important date to stop issuing Real IDs. It is the date when the federal government begins enforcing the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can obtain a Real ID before that date, on that date, or any time after. The enforcement date straightforward means that starting May 7, a standard driver's license or state ID card will no longer be accepted as identification for those purposes — you will need either a Real ID or a passport.
If you do not have a Real ID by May 7 and you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will have to use a passport, military ID, or other federally accepted document instead. Getting a Real ID after May 7 works the same way it does now: you visit your state's DMV or equivalent agency, bring the required documents, and receive your card in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- May 7, 2025 is when enforcement begins, not when Real ID issuance stops — you can obtain one before or after that date.
- After May 7, a standard driver's license will not work for domestic flights or federal building entry; you will need a Real ID, passport, or other federally accepted ID.
- The documents you need to bring to the DMV are the same whether you explore before or after May 7.
- Processing times vary by state but typically take two to eight weeks from the date you submit your process in person.
- If you travel frequently or enter federal buildings, getting a Real ID before May 7 avoids the risk of being turned away at the airport or building entrance.
What happens at the airport after May 7 without a Real ID
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept a standard driver's license or state ID card for domestic flights. If you arrive at the airport with only a standard ID, you will be turned away at the security checkpoint. You will need to either reschedule your flight or use an alternative form of identification that the TSA accepts.
The TSA accepts these documents for domestic air travel: a Real ID, a valid passport, a military ID, a passport card, a trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck), a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or a Native American tribal ID. If you do not have a Real ID and you do not have one of these alternatives, you cannot board a domestic flight.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Your state's DMV will ask for proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the general categories are the same everywhere.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID card. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Some states also accept a government check or pay stub. Bring the originals — photocopies are usually not accepted.
You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card if you have one. If you are renewing an existing license, the process is faster than explore for one for the first time. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of accepted documents, because some states have additional or slightly different requirements.
How long it takes to receive your Real ID after explore
Processing times depend on your state. Most states take two to eight weeks to mail your Real ID to you after you submit your process in person at the DMV. Some states are faster — a few process and mail cards within one to two weeks. Others take longer, especially if the DMV is experiencing high volume.
You cannot receive a Real ID by mail without first visiting the DMV in person. You must appear at a DMV office, provide your documents, have your photo taken, and sign your process. After that, the card is produced and mailed to your address on file. During peak times — such as the weeks when ready before May 7 — wait times at the DMV can be long, and processing times may stretch beyond the normal range.
If you need a Real ID urgently, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though not all do. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask whether expedited service is available and what it costs.
Whether you should get a Real ID before or after May 7
If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings regularly, getting a Real ID before May 7 is the safer choice. It eliminates the risk of arriving at the airport after May 7 without acceptable identification and being unable to board your flight. It also means you will not be caught off guard if you need to enter a federal courthouse, federal office building, or military installation.
If you rarely or never fly domestically and do not enter federal buildings, you can wait until after May 7 without practical consequence. The process is identical, and you will have a Real ID whenever you need one. However, if you think you might travel by air in the months after May 7, explore now is the simpler choice — you avoid the rush and the uncertainty of whether you will have your card in time.
Keep in mind that DMV offices often experience longer wait times in the weeks before a major important date. If you wait until late April or early May, you may face longer lines and slower processing. explore in the months before May 7 typically means shorter waits and faster service.
Real ID requirements for federal buildings and military bases
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted for entry to federal buildings that require identification. This includes federal courthouses, federal office buildings, and some federal agencies. You will need a Real ID, passport, military ID, or other federally accepted identification to enter.
Military bases have their own identification requirements and do not follow the May 7 important date. If you need to enter a military installation, contact the base directly to learn what identification is required — it varies by base and by your status (active duty, dependent, veteran, civilian employee, or visitor).
What a Real ID looks like and how to recognize it
A Real ID is a state driver's license or ID card with a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. Some states use a gold star, others use silver, and a few use a different symbol, but all Real IDs display a star or similar marking to indicate compliance with federal standards. When you receive your Real ID in the mail, the star will be visible on the front of the card.
If your current driver's license does not have a star, it is a standard ID and will not be accepted for domestic air travel or federal building entry after May 7. You will need to visit the DMV to upgrade to a Real ID. In most states, upgrading an existing license to a Real ID is faster and cheaper than explore for a new license from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport instead of a Real ID after May 7?
Yes. A valid passport works for domestic flights and federal building entry. If you have a passport and do not plan to get a Real ID, you can use your passport at the airport or federal building instead. However, a Real ID is more convenient for frequent travelers because you do not have to carry your passport every time you fly.
Do I have to renew my license to get a Real ID, or can I upgrade?
Most states allow you to upgrade an existing license to a Real ID without renewing it. You visit the DMV, bring your documents, and pay a fee — usually between $10 and $30. The upgraded card is then mailed to you. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state offers upgrades or requires a full renewal.
What if I lost my birth certificate or Social Security card?
You can obtain a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. Both replacements take time, so start the process early if you need them for your Real ID process.
Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a current address or proof of residency?
Most states require proof of residency, but some allow you to use a mailing address if you do not have a permanent residence. Contact your state's DMV to ask what documents are accepted in your situation. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, many states have alternative procedures — call the DMV directly to learn what applies to you.
Will my Real ID work for international travel?
No. A Real ID is valid only for domestic air travel and federal building entry within the United States. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID cannot replace a passport for travel outside the country.