Yes, you can get your Real ID after May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025 is not a important date to have your Real ID. It is the date when the federal government stops accepting regular driver's licenses and state ID cards 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, passport card, or military ID instead — but you can still get a Real ID after May 7. There is no cutoff date for obtaining one.
The confusion comes from the way the important date was announced. The government set a date when the rule takes effect, not a date when Real ID stops being issued. You can walk into your state's DMV on May 8 and begin the process just as you could have on May 6.
Key Takeaways
- May 7, 2025 is when federal agencies start requiring Real ID for domestic flights and federal building entry, but Real ID itself has no expiration date for new applications.
- After May 7, if you do not have a Real ID or alternative document, you will need a passport or military ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
- The documents you need to bring to the DMV are the same before and after May 7 — a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid passport or other ID.
- Processing times vary by state and can take anywhere from same-day to several weeks, so delays after May 7 are likely if many people wait until the last minute.
- Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need your Real ID quickly.
What happens on May 7 if you do not have Real ID
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept a standard driver's license or state ID card at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. You will need to show one of these documents instead: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a merchant mariner credential, or a hazmat endorsement.
The same rule applies to federal buildings. If you try to enter a federal courthouse, federal office, or military base with only a regular driver's license, you will be turned away unless you have one of the alternative documents listed above.
State ID cards and driver's licenses issued before the important date are still valid for driving and other purposes — they just will not work for these two specific things: flying domestically and entering federal buildings.
The documents you need to bring to get Real ID
Every state requires the same basic set of documents, though the specific forms vary slightly. You will need to bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count. Bring a birth certificate (long-form, not a short-form), a Social Security card or a tax return showing your number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works).
You will also need a valid ID to prove who you are. This can be a current passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, or in some states a regular driver's license. If you do not have any of these, ask your DMV what they will accept — rules vary.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Some states will renew it as a Real ID; others will issue a new card. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need to renew your license at the same time or whether you can add Real ID to your current one.
How long it takes to get Real ID after May 7
Processing time depends on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states issue Real ID on the same day you explore. Others take two to four weeks. A few take longer, especially if they need to verify your documents with another agency.
After May 7, expect delays. Many people will wait until the last minute, and DMVs will be overwhelmed. If you need your Real ID quickly, check whether your state offers expedited processing — most do, for a fee ranging from $10 to $50. Some states also let you renew online or by mail, which can be faster than going in person.
Call your state's DMV or check their website before you go. They can tell you the current wait time and whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments, and booking one weeks in advance is faster than walking in.
Real ID versus other documents that work after May 7
If you do not want to get Real ID, you have other options. A passport is the most common alternative — it works for domestic flights, federal buildings, and international travel. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but only works for land and sea travel, not air travel. A military ID works for all three purposes if you are active duty, retired, or a dependent.
Getting a passport takes longer than getting Real ID in most states. A regular passport process takes four to six weeks; expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs extra. A passport card takes the same time as a passport. If you are in a hurry, Real ID is usually faster.
| Document | Domestic flights after May 7 | Federal buildings after May 7 | Typical processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real ID driver's license | Yes | Yes | Same day to 4 weeks |
| Passport | Yes | Yes | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Passport card | No | Yes | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Military ID | Yes | Yes | Varies by branch |
| Regular driver's license | No (after May 7) | No (after May 7) | N/A |
What to do if you cannot get Real ID before May 7
If you miss the important date, do not panic. You can still get Real ID after May 7 — it just means you will need an alternative document to fly or enter federal buildings in the meantime. If you have a passport, use that. If you do not, you can get one while you are waiting for your Real ID, or you can get Real ID first and use that.
The only real consequence of missing May 7 is inconvenience. You cannot fly domestically or enter a federal building without a passport, passport card, military ID, or other acceptable document. Once you have one of those, you can take your time getting Real ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my driver's license to get Real ID?
Not necessarily. Some states let you upgrade to Real ID without renewing your license — you just pay a small fee and bring your documents. Other states require you to renew at the same time. Check your state's DMV website to see which applies to you.
Can I get Real ID by mail after May 7?
Some states offer mail-in Real ID renewal, but most require you to appear in person at least once to verify your identity. A few states have started allowing video verification. Call your DMV to ask what your state offers.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
You can order a replacement from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states will accept other documents like a passport or baptism record if you cannot get a birth certificate in time.
Will my Real ID work for international travel?
No. Real ID works for domestic flights and federal buildings only. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. Real ID cannot replace a passport.
Can I get Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can get a Real ID if you are a lawful permanent resident or have a valid visa. You will need to bring your green card, visa, or other immigration document along with the other required papers. Rules vary by state, so call your DMV to confirm what you need.