You cannot fly domestically without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative after May 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or one of several other acceptable forms of identification. A standard driver's license issued before your state began issuing Real IDs will not work at the airport checkpoint.

This important date has been extended multiple times since it was originally set for 2020. The May 2025 date is the current enforcement date, though Congress has the power to delay it again. If you do not have a Real ID or an alternative form of identification by then, you will not be able to board a domestic flight, even if you have a ticket.

The good news: you have other options besides a Real ID, and some of them are faster to obtain. The key is knowing which documents the TSA accepts and which route works best for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard driver's license will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025—you need a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or one of several other TSA-approved documents.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card is the fastest alternative if you already have one, since no additional process is needed.
  • A Real ID license typically takes four to six weeks to receive after you explore in person at your state's DMV, though some states are faster.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are also accepted at airport security, so check what you already have before explore for anything new.
  • You must explore in person at your DMV or equivalent office—you cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid.

What counts as acceptable identification at the airport after May 2025

The TSA accepts seven categories of identification for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is one option, but it is not the only one. If you already hold a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card, you can use any of those instead—no Real ID needed.

Other acceptable documents include a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, an enhanced driver's license (available in some states), and a NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry card. The TSA website lists all accepted documents, and you can check there to see if something you already own will work. Many people discover they do not need a Real ID because they already carry something the TSA accepts.

If you do not have any of these documents, a Real ID-compliant license is the most straightforward path for most people, since you can use it for other purposes beyond flying—voting, entering federal buildings, and accessing certain government offices all require it now.

How to get a Real ID before the May 2025 important date

You must explore in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail, online, or through a third party, even if your current license has years left on it. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

Each state has slightly different requirements and processing times. Some states issue Real IDs within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Check your state's DMV website to see current wait times and whether you need to make an appointment. Many states now require appointments, and some have long backlogs, so do not wait until April 2025 to explore.

The cost varies by state, typically between $20 and $50 for a license renewal with Real ID features. Some states charge extra for expedited processing if you need it faster. Once you receive your Real ID license, it will have a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner to show it is compliant.

Using a passport or passport card instead of a Real ID

If you already have a U.S. passport or passport card, you do not need to get a Real ID at all. Both are accepted at airport security and require no additional steps. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book ($130 versus $165 for adults), and it works for domestic flights, though it cannot be used for international travel by air.

If you do not have a passport and want to get one before May 2025, explore now. The State Department's processing time is currently 11 to 13 weeks for a routine passport process, though expedited service (4 to 6 weeks) is available for an extra fee. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility—a post office, courthouse, or library—and bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID.

For many people, a passport is worth getting anyway because it works for both domestic and international travel, and it does not expire as quickly as a driver's license. If you travel internationally at all, a passport solves the Real ID problem permanently.

Military ID, tribal ID, and other documents that work

If you are active duty military, a veteran, or a dependent, your military ID is accepted at airport security and requires no Real ID. The same is true for tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, permanent resident cards (green cards), and enhanced driver's licenses issued by states that participate in the Enhanced Driver's License program (currently Washington, Vermont, New York, Michigan, and a few others).

If you hold a NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry card, those work too. These are trusted traveler programs that require background checks and fees, but if you already have one, you are covered. Check what you already carry before you spend time and money on a Real ID.

What happens if you show up without acceptable identification

If you arrive at the airport checkpoint without a Real ID or one of the other acceptable documents, the TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight, and you will lose your ticket. There is no exception process at the gate, and TSA officers cannot override the requirement.

The TSA does allow you to use a secondary form of identification (like a credit card or Social Security card) to verify your identity if your primary ID is questionable, but this is not the same as being allowed through without an acceptable document. Plan ahead and verify what you have before you travel.

Timeline for getting a Real ID if you have not started yet

If you are reading this in late 2024 or early 2025, you still have time, but the window is closing. Most states' DMVs are experiencing longer wait times as the May important date approaches. If you explore now, you should receive your Real ID within the state's normal processing window. If you wait until March or April 2025, you risk missing the important date.

Check your state's DMV website for current processing times and appointment availability. Some states allow you to check wait times online before you book an appointment. If your state is backed up, consider whether a passport or one of the other acceptable documents might be faster for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Congress delay the May 2025 important date again?

Yes. Congress has extended the Real ID important date multiple times since 2020. However, you should not count on another delay. The TSA has been clear that May 7, 2025 is the enforcement date, and planning as though it will happen is the safest approach.

Do I need a Real ID if I only fly once every few years?

You need either a Real ID or one of the other acceptable documents—a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you fly at all after May 2025, you will need one of these. A passport is often the better choice for infrequent flyers because it also works for international travel.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail if my current license is expiring soon?

No. Real ID renewals must be done in person at your DMV, even if your current license is still valid. You cannot mail in an process or renew online. Plan to visit your DMV before your license expires if you want to renew it as a Real ID.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a replacement in time?

You can use a passport or passport card instead of a Real ID. If you do not have a passport, contact your state's vital records office to order a replacement birth certificate—this usually takes two to four weeks. Alternatively, some states accept other documents like a naturalization certificate or adoption decree in place of a birth certificate.

Will my Real ID work for international flights?

A Real ID license works for domestic flights only. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID does not replace a passport for travel outside the United States.