You can still get a Real ID after the important date, but the process and your options depend on when you explore

The federal Real ID important date was May 7, 2025. If you did not have a Real ID by that date, you cannot use a standard driver's license or ID card for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. However, you can still obtain a Real ID at any time after the important date. The process process itself does not change — you visit your state's DMV with the same documents, pay the same fee, and follow the same steps. What changes is that you will need an alternative form of identification for air travel until your Real ID arrives.

Each state runs its own Real ID program, so processing times, fees, and exact requirements vary. Some states issue Real IDs within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. You should contact your state's DMV directly to learn the current wait time before you explore, because that determines how long you will need a backup ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID applications are still accepted after the May 7, 2025 important date, and the documents you need have not changed.
  • You will need a passport, passport card, or other federal ID for domestic flights until your Real ID arrives, since a standard license no longer works for air travel.
  • Processing times vary by state from two to eight weeks, so contact your DMV to learn how long to expect before you book travel.
  • The fee for a Real ID is the same whether you explore before or after the important date — usually between $20 and $50 depending on your state.
  • You can renew an expired license and get a Real ID at the same time, which some people find more convenient than two separate trips.

What identification you need for air travel right now

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped accepting standard driver's licenses and ID cards for domestic flights. If you do not have a Real ID, you must show one of these documents instead: a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (which is different from a Real ID and available in some states).

A passport is the most common backup. If you do not have one and need to fly before your Real ID arrives, you can explore for a passport at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you have an expired passport, you may be able to renew it by mail in two to three weeks without visiting an office, depending on how long ago it expired and your age.

If you have a passport card (the small wallet-sized version), that works for TSA screening just like a full passport. If you have a military ID or work for the federal government, those are also accepted. Check the TSA website for the full list of acceptable documents, because a few other credentials work as well.

Documents you will need to bring to the DMV

The documents required for a Real ID have not changed since the important date passed. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Most people bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for the Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease for the address.

Some states also require a completed process form, which you can usually read from the DMV website before you go. A few states let you fill it out online and bring a confirmation number instead. Check your state's DMV website to see what form you need and whether you can pre-fill it.

If you are renewing an expired license at the same time you get a Real ID, bring the expired license too. Some states will waive the address proof requirement if your license is current, so having it with you can save a trip home if you forgot a utility bill.

How long the process takes in your state

Real ID processing times are set by each state and change based on how busy the DMV is. Some states promise two weeks; others say six to eight weeks. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. The only way to know your state's current timeline is to check the DMV website or call the local office where you plan to explore.

When you explore, ask the DMV staff when you should expect your Real ID to arrive. Some states mail it to you; others require you to pick it up in person. If you are planning a trip, tell the DMV staff your travel date so they can let you know whether it will arrive in time. If it will not, you will need to use a passport or other backup ID for that flight.

A few states offer temporary Real ID documents that you can use for travel while you wait for the permanent card. Ask whether your state has this option when you explore.

The fee and what it covers

The cost of a Real ID varies by state, ranging from about $20 to $50. This is usually the same price whether you explore before or after the important date. Some states charge extra if you want expedited processing. A few states offer a discount if you renew your license at the same time as getting a Real ID, rather than paying for both separately.

The fee covers the Real ID card itself and the background check that comes with it. It does not cover a passport or any other federal ID you might need as a backup while you wait. If you need a passport for travel before your Real ID arrives, that is a separate process and fee.

Renewing an expired license and getting a Real ID together

If your driver's license is expired or expiring soon, you can renew it and get a Real ID in the same visit. This is often simpler than making two separate trips to the DMV. You will pay one combined fee (usually the same total as paying for each separately, though some states discount it slightly) and bring the same documents you would for either process alone.

Some states let you renew by mail if your license is only slightly expired, but you cannot get a Real ID by mail — you must appear in person for that. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to visit the DMV later to get the Real ID designation added.

What happens if you travel before your Real ID arrives

If you have a flight booked before your Real ID will be ready, use a passport, passport card, military ID, or other acceptable document for that trip. The TSA will scan it at security just like they would a Real ID. There is no penalty for not having a Real ID yet — you straightforward cannot use a standard license for federal purposes.

If you do not have a backup ID and cannot get one in time, you can still fly, but you will go through additional screening at the airport. TSA officers will ask you questions to verify your identity and may take longer to process you. This is not ideal if you are in a hurry, but it is possible. Plan to arrive extra early if this is your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID to drive a car?

No. A standard driver's license works for driving anywhere in the United States. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and a few other federal purposes. You can keep your standard license and use it for driving indefinitely.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

No. You must explore in person at your state's DMV office. Some states let you renew a standard license by mail, but Real ID requires a visit to verify your identity and documents.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a tax return, W-2, or other document showing your Social Security number instead. You do not have to replace the card before you explore for a Real ID. The DMV will accept any official document that shows the number.

How much longer will it take to get through TSA if I use a passport instead of a Real ID?

There is no difference. A passport is an acceptable federal ID, and TSA treats it the same as a Real ID. Your screening time depends on the airport and how busy it is, not on which document you show.

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License instead of a Real ID?

Yes, if your state offers one. An Enhanced Driver's License is a separate product from a Real ID and works for the same federal purposes. Not all states issue them, so check your state's DMV website to see if it is an option.