Yes, you can get Real ID after May 7, 2025

Real ID does not expire on May 7, 2025. That date is when the federal government stops accepting driver's licenses and state ID cards that do not meet Real ID standards for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. If you do not have a Real ID by then, you will need a passport or another approved document to fly domestically or enter a federal facility. You can obtain a Real ID at any time after May 7 — there is no important date for getting one.

The confusion comes from the important date itself. May 7, 2025, is the enforcement date, not an expiration date. Once that date passes, TSA officers at airport security will straightforward require a different form of ID if yours does not have the Real ID marking (a gold star or other state-specific indicator). Getting a Real ID after May 7 works exactly the same way as getting one before: you visit your state's DMV with the required documents, pay the fee, and receive your card.

Key Takeaways

  • May 7, 2025, is when TSA begins enforcing Real ID requirements for domestic flights and federal building entry, not when Real ID stops being issued.
  • You can obtain a Real ID before or after May 7 by visiting your state's DMV with proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number.
  • If you do not have a Real ID after May 7, you will need a passport, military ID, or other approved document to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
  • Processing times vary by state, so if you plan to fly soon, check your DMV's current wait times before visiting.
  • Real ID cards are valid for the same length of time as standard driver's licenses in your state, typically five to eight years.

What happens if you do not have Real ID on May 7

If you arrive at an airport on or after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID and without another approved form of identification, TSA will not allow you to pass through security for a domestic flight. You will be turned away. This applies only to domestic flights within the United States — international flights have always required a passport regardless of Real ID status.

For federal buildings, the same rule applies. If you need to enter a federal courthouse, federal office, or other find federal facility and your ID does not meet Real ID standards, you will be denied entry unless you have an alternative approved document. State and local government buildings are not affected by this requirement.

The approved alternatives to Real ID for domestic travel are a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, or a trusted traveler card such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. If you already have any of these, you do not need to obtain a Real ID.

How to get Real ID at your state DMV

Visit your state's DMV office in person — Real ID cannot be obtained by mail or online. Bring three types of documents: proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or passport card), proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). Some states accept additional documents, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

Tell the DMV clerk that you want a Real ID. The fee varies by state, typically between $10 and $30 above the cost of a standard driver's license renewal. You will have your photo taken and answer security questions. Processing time depends on your state — some issue Real ID cards on the spot, while others mail them within one to three weeks. Check your state DMV's website for current processing times in your area.

If you are renewing your license anyway, ask whether you can upgrade to Real ID at the same time. Many states allow this without an additional visit. If your current license is not expiring soon, you can still visit the DMV to obtain a Real ID card before your license expires — you will straightforward have two cards until the old one expires.

Real ID requirements by state

Every state now offers Real ID, but the documents they accept and the fees they charge vary. Some states require an original birth certificate; others accept a certified copy. Some accept a utility bill as proof of residence; others require a mortgage statement or lease. A few states charge no extra fee for Real ID; most charge between $10 and $30.

The fastest way to find your state's specific requirements is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "Real ID" or "REAL ID." The website will list the exact documents you need, the fee, and current processing times. If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office — staff can tell you what to bring and how long the process will take.

If you are moving to a different state, you will need to obtain a Real ID from your new state's DMV using that state's requirements. Real ID cards issued by one state are valid in all states and at all federal facilities.

Timeline: when to get Real ID if you travel soon

If you plan to fly domestically between now and May 7, 2025, you do not need to rush. Your current driver's license or state ID will still work at airport security until that date. However, if you plan to fly after May 7 and do not have a passport or other approved document, you should obtain a Real ID before your trip.

Check your state DMV's current processing time. If it is one to two weeks, you can safely wait until a few weeks before your trip. If your state is currently experiencing delays of three weeks or longer, plan to visit the DMV at least a month before you need to fly. Some states experience longer wait times during certain seasons, so check the DMV website closer to your travel date.

If you need a Real ID urgently and your state's processing time is long, consider obtaining a passport or passport card instead. Passport processing times vary but are often faster than DMV processing in busy states. A passport card costs about the same as a Real ID and works for domestic flights and federal building entry.

Real ID and your current driver's license

Your current driver's license remains valid for driving and for all purposes other than domestic air travel and federal building entry after May 7, 2025. You do not have to replace it if you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Many people keep their standard license and obtain a passport or passport card instead of upgrading to Real ID.

If you renew your driver's license before May 7, 2025, you can choose whether to upgrade to Real ID at that time or keep a standard license. The choice is yours. Some states automatically issue Real ID when you renew; others require you to request it. Check your state's policy when you renew.

Once you obtain a Real ID card, it is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — typically five to eight years. You will renew it the same way you renew a standard license, and you can choose to keep it as a Real ID or downgrade to a standard license at renewal time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport or passport card works for domestic flights and federal building entry. You do not need to obtain a Real ID if you already have a passport. However, if you do not travel by air or enter federal buildings often, a Real ID driver's license may be more convenient to carry than a passport.

Can I get Real ID by mail or online?

No. Real ID must be obtained in person at a DMV office. You cannot explore by mail or through a website. Some states allow you to fill out an process online and schedule an appointment, but you must visit the office to complete the process.

What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have one?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $30. Some states accept alternative documents such as a passport or adoption papers if you cannot obtain a birth certificate. Check your state DMV's website for alternatives.

Will my Real ID work for international travel?

No. Real ID is for domestic flights and federal building entry only. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. Real ID does not replace a passport.

What if I am a non-citizen or permanent resident?

Permanent residents and some visa holders can obtain Real ID. Bring your permanent resident card or visa along with the other required documents. Check your state DMV's website for specific rules about which visa types are accepted, as this varies by state.