What You Can and Cannot Do Without REAL ID After May 7

After May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use a standard driver's license or state ID card to board a domestic airplane in the United States. The REAL ID Act requires that anyone boarding a commercial flight must present either a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, a military ID, or one of several other acceptable documents. If your state ID does not have a gold star or other REAL ID marking, you will need to bring a different form of identification to the airport.

This important date applies only to domestic flights — flights within the 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories. If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport regardless of REAL ID status. The rule also does not affect other forms of travel: you can still drive a car, take a train, or board a bus with a standard state ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard state driver's license will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025, even if it is not expired.
  • A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license will work instead of a REAL ID license.
  • You can still drive a car, take trains, and board buses with a regular state ID after the important date.
  • Getting a REAL ID license takes four to eight weeks in most states, so you should begin the process now if you plan to fly after May 7.
  • International flights require a passport no matter what, and a passport is valid for ten years.

Documents That Work for Domestic Air Travel After May 7

If you do not have a REAL ID license, you have several other options for boarding a domestic flight. A U.S. passport is the most common alternative and is valid for ten years (or five years if you are under 16). A passport card — a smaller, wallet-sized version — works for domestic flights and land border crossings but not for international air travel. Both are issued by the U.S. Department of State.

A military ID issued by the Department of Defense works for any active-duty, reserve, or retired service member. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) — available in some states — also meets the requirement and looks similar to a regular license but has a gold star or special marking. Some states call this an "enhanced ID" or "Real ID Plus." A few other documents work as well: a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a merchant mariner credential, or a hazmat endorsement on a commercial driver's license.

How to Get a REAL ID License Before the important date

To obtain a REAL ID license, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person — you cannot renew online or by mail if you want REAL ID. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a passport card. You will also need to bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and your Social Security number.

The process takes between four and eight weeks in most states, though some states are faster and others slower. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25. If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew in person at the DMV and receive a REAL ID license at the same time. Check your state's DMV website for the exact documents your state requires and current wait times, as these vary significantly.

Some states have mobile DMV units or satellite offices that may have shorter wait times than the main office. If you live far from a DMV, calling ahead to ask about the shortest wait time and whether you can schedule an appointment can save you hours.

What Happens If You Show Up Without Acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID license and without one of the other acceptable documents listed above, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not allow you to pass through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot use a passport process receipt, a temporary ID, or a state ID that does not have a REAL ID marking.

If this happens, you have a few options: you can return home and get a passport or other acceptable document and rebook your flight, you can ask the airline whether they will rebook you on a later flight at no charge, or you can try to obtain an emergency passport at a passport acceptance facility if you are traveling internationally (though this does not help for domestic flights). Most airlines will not refund your ticket if you were turned away for lack of acceptable ID, so it is worth double-checking your documents before you go to the airport.

Travel Options That Do Not Require REAL ID

You can travel by car, train, or bus with a standard state driver's license after May 7, with no restrictions. Amtrak, Greyhound, and regional bus services do not require REAL ID. If you are driving across state lines or to Canada or Mexico by car, you will need a valid passport or passport card at the border, but a regular state ID works for driving within the United States.

If you need to travel by air but do not have a REAL ID license or passport, a passport card is often the fastest option if you already have a passport book — you can order a passport card at the same time you renew your passport, and it arrives in the same envelope. If you do not have a passport at all, getting one takes longer than getting a REAL ID license, so a REAL ID license is usually the quicker choice for domestic flights.

States With Extended important date or Special Rules

A small number of states have received extensions from the federal government, though these are rare and most extensions have already expired. As of early 2025, all 50 states and U.S. territories are expected to be fully compliant with REAL ID by May 7. However, some states have their own variations in how they mark REAL ID licenses — some use a gold star, others use a gold circle, and a few use different symbols. The TSA recognizes all of these markings as valid.

If you are unsure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, look for a star or special marking in the upper right corner of your license. If you do not see one, contact your state's DMV or check their website. Some states allow you to check online by entering your license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card for domestic flights?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of identification for domestic air travel and works the same way as a passport book at the airport. It is smaller and fits in a wallet, but the TSA treats it identically to a full passport.

What if my state ID expires after May 7 but I got it before that date?

It does not matter when your license expires. If it does not have a REAL ID marking (usually a gold star), it will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, even if the license itself is still valid. You will need to renew it as a REAL ID license or bring a different acceptable document.

Do I need REAL ID for a connecting flight if I do not leave the airport?

Yes. You must show acceptable ID at security for every domestic flight you board, including connections. If you are connecting to an international flight, you will need a passport for the international leg, but a REAL ID license or other acceptable ID works for the domestic portion.

Can I get a temporary ID that works for flying?

No. A temporary or provisional license issued by your DMV does not meet REAL ID requirements. You must have a permanent REAL ID license, a passport, a military ID, or one of the other documents listed above. Plan ahead so you have time to obtain one before you need to fly.

What if I lost my passport and need to fly domestically?

If you have lost your passport, getting a REAL ID license is usually faster than replacing a passport. A REAL ID license takes four to eight weeks; a replacement passport takes similar time but can be expedited for an additional fee. You can also use a military ID or enhanced driver's license if you have one.