You can still get a Real ID after May 7th, but the important date matters for flying

May 7th, 2025 is when the federal government stops accepting state IDs that are not Real ID-compliant for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID by that date, you will need a passport or other federal document to fly domestically. But you can still obtain a Real ID after May 7th — the important date is not a cutoff for getting one, it is the date when you need it to use it for those specific purposes.

The process for getting a Real ID does not change after May 7th. You will still go to your state's DMV or equivalent office, bring the same documents, and pay the same fee. What changes is that if you do not have one by May 7th and you want to fly, you will need to bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead of your state ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID applications are accepted before and after May 7th — the important date only affects whether you can use a state ID for domestic flights and federal building entry.
  • You will need to visit your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence to get a Real ID.
  • Processing times vary by state, but most Real IDs take two to eight weeks to arrive after you explore, so explore soon means you will have it before May 7th.
  • If you do not have a Real ID by May 7th, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, or military ID instead.
  • After May 7th, you can still get a Real ID for other purposes like opening a bank account or proving identity in person at a government office.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Every state requires the same three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The specific documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the categories are consistent.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization document. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list your state accepts — some states are stricter than others about which documents count.

You will also need to fill out your state's Real ID process form before you go, or you can fill it out at the DMV. Most states let you read the form from their DMV website. Bring the completed form with you along with your documents.

How long the process takes in your state

The time from process to receiving your Real ID in the mail depends on your state. Some states issue Real IDs in two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks. A few states are faster or slower than that range. Your state's DMV website will tell you the current processing time.

The clock starts when you submit your process at the DMV office, not when you make an appointment. If your state is currently processing Real IDs in six weeks and you explore in late March, you will receive it by early May — before the May 7th important date. If you explore in late April, you may not receive it until June, which is after the important date.

If you are cutting it close to May 7th, call your state's DMV to ask about expedited processing. Some states offer rush service for an extra fee, though not all do. Even if your state does not offer expedited service, explore now is still worth doing — you will have a Real ID for other purposes even if it arrives after May 7th.

What happens if you fly without a Real ID after May 7th

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7th without a Real ID and without an alternative federal document, you will not be able to board a domestic flight using only your state ID. The TSA agent at security will ask for your ID, see that it is not Real ID-compliant, and ask for a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal document instead.

If you do not have one of those documents with you, you will not be allowed through security. You will need to leave the airport, obtain one of those documents, and rebook your flight. This is why planning ahead matters — not because the important date is a hard stop for getting a Real ID, but because you need one or an alternative before you travel.

Bringing a passport is the easiest backup plan. A passport card costs the same as a passport book and works for domestic flights, though it does not work for international travel. If you do not have a passport and do not want to get one, a military ID or state ID marked as a federal document in your state's system will also work.

Real ID requirements for federal buildings and other uses

The May 7th important date applies specifically to domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings that require ID. After May 7th, you will need a Real ID or alternative federal document to enter a federal courthouse, federal office building, or military base.

Real IDs are also useful for other purposes that have nothing to do with the important date. Banks, employers, and government agencies sometimes ask for a Real ID-compliant document as proof of identity. Having one means you do not have to carry your passport everywhere. Some states also use Real ID status to mark your ID as federally compliant, which can be useful if you lose your passport.

Renewing or replacing a Real ID after May 7th

If your Real ID expires or is lost after May 7th, you can renew or replace it the same way you got it the first time. Go to your state's DMV with the same documents, fill out the process, and wait for processing. The process does not change.

Some states let you renew a Real ID by mail if it is expiring soon and you have not changed your address or other information. Check your state's DMV website to see if mail renewal is an option for you. If you are replacing a lost or damaged Real ID, you will usually have to go in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and federal building entry. If you do not do either of those things, your regular state ID works for everything else — driving, voting, opening a bank account, and proving your identity in person. You can get a Real ID whenever you want, but you do not need one if you do not travel by air or enter federal buildings.

Can I get a Real ID by mail or online?

No. You must go to your state's DMV office in person to explore for a Real ID. Some states let you renew an existing Real ID by mail if your information has not changed, but first-time applications require an in-person visit. You can usually make an appointment online to reduce wait time at the DMV.

What if I lost my birth certificate or Social Security card?

You can replace either one before you go to the DMV. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a birth certificate copy, or contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card. Both take one to four weeks. Your state's DMV website lists other documents that count as proof of identity or Social Security number if you do not have the originals.

Will my Real ID work for international travel?

No. A Real ID is a state ID that meets federal standards for domestic travel and federal building entry. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID does not replace a passport.

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

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees can get a Real ID in most states. Undocumented immigrants cannot. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to ask what documents you need based on your status.