Yes, you can get a Real ID after May 7th, but the rules shift

May 7th, 2025 is when the federal government stops accepting regular driver's licenses and ID cards for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. After that date, you will still be able to get a Real ID—there is no important date to obtain one. What changes is that you cannot use an ordinary license for those purposes anymore. If you do not have a Real ID by May 7th and need to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you will need to bring a passport, military ID, or another federally accepted document instead.

The Real ID itself has no expiration date as a program. Your state's DMV or equivalent agency will continue issuing Real IDs indefinitely. The May 7th date is purely about when federal agencies stop accepting the old standard—it does not close the door on getting one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain a Real ID at any time, before or after May 7th, 2025—there is no cutoff date for getting one.
  • After May 7th, a standard driver's license will not work for domestic flights or federal building entry, even if it is not expired.
  • You will need to visit your state's DMV in person with specific documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
  • Processing times vary by state, but many take two to eight weeks, so explore before May 7th avoids travel disruptions.
  • If you miss the important date, you can still get a Real ID afterward, but you will need an alternative ID for federal purposes until it arrives.

What you need to bring to your state DMV

Every state requires the same core documents for a Real ID, though some ask for additional proof depending on your situation. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. You will also need to prove your Social Security number—a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works. Finally, bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows that change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers. Some states ask for a second form of ID as well, so check your state's DMV website before you go—showing up without everything means another trip.

How long it takes and what it costs

Processing time depends entirely on your state. Some states issue Real IDs in one or two weeks; others take six to eight weeks or longer. A few states are still working through backlogs. The fee also varies by state—it ranges from about $20 to $75 on top of your regular license renewal cost, though some states charge nothing extra if you are renewing anyway.

If you need your Real ID faster than your state's normal timeline, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $15 to $30. Check your state DMV's website to see whether expedited service is available and whether you can book an appointment online or must walk in. Booking ahead almost always saves time.

What happens if you do not have a Real ID after May 7th

You will not be turned away at the airport or federal building entrance. Instead, you will be asked to show an alternative form of ID. A valid passport, military ID, passport card, or trusted traveler card (like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) all work. Native American tribal IDs and certain state-issued enhanced licenses also count.

The inconvenience is that the screening process takes longer when you use a non-Real ID document. At airports, you may face additional questioning or a more thorough security check. For federal building access, the process is similar. If you travel frequently or visit federal buildings regularly, getting a Real ID before May 7th saves you time and hassle. If you fly once a year and have a passport, the impact is minimal.

Real ID and passport: which do you need

A Real ID and a passport serve different purposes, and you may need both depending on your travel plans. A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. It works for domestic flights and federal building entry. A passport is a federal document issued by the State Department that works for international travel and also counts as acceptable ID for domestic flights and federal buildings.

If you travel internationally, you need a passport regardless of whether you have a Real ID. If you only travel domestically by air, a Real ID is sufficient. If you do not fly but need to enter federal buildings for work or other reasons, a Real ID satisfies that requirement. Many people carry both because a passport is useful for international trips and also serves as backup ID for domestic purposes.

If your state has not finished Real ID rollout

All 50 states now issue Real IDs, but a few states had delays in their rollout. If your state was slow to start, you may have heard that Real IDs were not yet available there. That is no longer true—every state DMV now offers them. If you live in a state that was late to the program, your DMV may still be working through a backlog, so explore sooner rather than later is wise.

Check your state's DMV website to confirm that Real IDs are available at your local office and whether you need an appointment. Some states allow you to renew online if you are straightforward extending an existing license, but Real ID applications almost always require an in-person visit because the DMV needs to verify your documents and take a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my regular license online and upgrade to Real ID later?

No. If you renew a standard license online or by mail, you cannot convert it to a Real ID without explore in person again. If you are due for renewal, explore for a Real ID in person now rather than renewing the old way first—it saves you a trip and a fee.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive and never fly?

Not for driving. A standard license works for driving indefinitely. You only need a Real ID if you fly domestically, enter federal buildings, or want to use your driver's license as ID for those purposes. If you drive but never fly, a standard license is fine.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The process takes one to four weeks depending on the state. Alternatively, a valid U.S. passport counts as proof of citizenship and birth, so if you have one, bring that instead of a birth certificate.

Can I get a Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Real IDs are only for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card and the same supporting documents as a citizen. If you are in the country on a visa, you cannot get a Real ID, but you can use your passport for domestic flights and federal building access.

Will my old license stop working for anything besides flying and federal buildings?

No. Your standard license will still work for driving, opening bank accounts, proving age, and all other everyday purposes. The May 7th change only affects domestic air travel and federal building entry. Everything else stays the same.