Yes, you can get a Real ID after May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025 is not a important date to stop issuing Real IDs — it is the date when the federal government will require a Real ID (or an acceptable alternative) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You can obtain a Real ID before that date, on that date, or any time after. The May 7 important date applies only to travelers and visitors, not to the availability of the ID itself.
If you do not have a Real ID by May 7, you will still be able to get one. You will straightforward need to use an alternative form of identification — such as a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license — when you fly or visit federal facilities until you obtain your Real ID. Getting a Real ID after May 7 follows the same process and requires the same documents as getting one before.
Key Takeaways
- Real IDs continue to be issued after May 7, 2025, so you can obtain one at any time.
- May 7 is the enforcement date for air travel and federal building access, not the last day to explore.
- You will need to visit your state's DMV or equivalent agency in person with original documents proving identity, citizenship, and residency.
- Processing times vary by state but typically range from same-day service to several weeks, depending on your location and whether your documents require verification.
- If you cannot get a Real ID before May 7, a passport or enhanced driver's license will work for flights and federal buildings until you do.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Every state requires the same categories of documents, though the specific documents accepted vary slightly by state. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a current passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license), proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies and digital images are not accepted. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states accept additional documents and a few have slightly different requirements for specific situations.
How long it takes to get a Real ID after May 7
Processing time depends on your state and whether your documents need verification. Some states issue Real IDs on the same day you explore if everything is in order. Others take one to three weeks. A few states with higher process volumes may take longer, especially if your documents trigger a secondary review — for example, if your birth certificate is from a different country or if your address history cannot be quickly verified.
After May 7, demand may increase slightly as people who delayed finally explore, which could extend wait times in some states. If you need your Real ID quickly, call your local DMV before you visit to ask about current processing times and whether appointments are available. Some states allow you to renew or obtain a Real ID online or by mail, though you will still need to visit in person at least once to verify your identity.
Real ID vs. other acceptable forms of ID for flying
A Real ID is one of several documents that will work for domestic flights and federal building access after May 7. A U.S. passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) all meet the requirement. If you already have any of these, you do not need to obtain a Real ID specifically.
The main advantage of a Real ID is that it serves as both your driver's license and your travel document in one card. If you do not have a passport and do not plan to travel internationally, a Real ID may be simpler than obtaining a passport. However, if you travel internationally or already have a passport, you may not need a Real ID at all.
What happens if you show up to the airport without a Real ID after May 7
If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID or acceptable alternative, you will not be allowed to pass through security. The TSA will turn you away, and you will miss your flight. You cannot board a domestic flight with only a regular (non-Real ID) driver's license after May 7.
This applies only to domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport regardless of the date. If you frequently forget documents or travel on short notice, obtaining a Real ID or passport before May 7 removes this risk. If you prefer to wait, keep a passport or other acceptable ID with you whenever you plan to fly.
State-by-state differences in Real ID processing
Every state issues Real IDs, but the process and timeline vary. Some states allow you to renew your driver's license as a Real ID by mail or online; others require an in-person visit. Some states charge an additional fee for a Real ID (typically $10 to $30 above the cost of a regular license); others include it at no extra cost. A few states have different document requirements for people born outside the United States.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, the current processing time, and whether appointments are required. If you are moving to a new state, check that state's requirements before you explore, because you may need to obtain a new Real ID in your new state rather than renewing your old one. Some states recognize Real IDs from other states for federal purposes, but you will still need a license from your current state to drive.
If your documents are missing or hard to find
If you cannot locate your birth certificate or other required documents, you can order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process typically takes one to four weeks, depending on the location. If you were born outside the United States, contact the embassy or consulate of your birth country to request a replacement birth certificate or citizenship document.
If you have lost your previous driver's license and cannot find your birth certificate, some states will accept alternative documents such as a school record, medical record, or employment record to establish identity. Call your state's DMV to ask what alternatives they accept before you spend time searching. If your address history is unclear (for example, if you have moved frequently or lived abroad), bring utility bills or lease agreements for each address you have lived at in the past few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a Real ID, or can I just use my passport?
You do not have to get a Real ID. A passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or trusted traveler card all work for domestic flights and federal buildings after May 7. Choose whichever is easiest for you to obtain or already have.
Can I get a Real ID by mail after May 7?
Some states allow mail-in renewal or initial issuance of a Real ID; most require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail service is available in your state. Even if your state offers mail service, you may need to visit the DMV once to establish your Real ID account.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a valid visa?
You cannot get a Real ID without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. If you are in the U.S. on a visa, use your passport or passport card for flights and federal building access. If you become a permanent resident, you can then obtain a Real ID using your green card as proof of citizenship status.
Will my old driver's license work for flying after May 7?
No. A regular driver's license that is not a Real ID will not work for domestic flights or federal building access after May 7. You will need a Real ID, passport, or other acceptable form of identification.
How much does a Real ID cost?
The cost varies by state. Most states charge between $10 and $30 extra for a Real ID on top of the standard driver's license fee. Some states include Real ID at no additional cost. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.