You can still get a Real ID after May 7th — the important date only affects air travel, not the card itself

May 7th, 2025 is when the federal government stops accepting a regular state ID or driver's license at airport security checkpoints. After that date, you will need either a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight. But you can obtain a Real ID any time after May 7th. The important date is not a cutoff for getting the card — it is a cutoff for using an old ID at the airport.

The Real ID itself has no expiration date for when you can get one. Your state's DMV will issue it to you whenever you explore, bring the required documents, and pass the verification process. What changes on May 7th is only what the TSA will accept at security.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID applications have no important date — you can get one before or after May 7th, 2025.
  • After May 7th, a standard driver's license will not work for domestic air travel, but a Real ID, passport, or military ID will.
  • You must visit your state DMV in person with original documents like a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security number.
  • Processing time varies by state, from same-day to several weeks, so plan ahead if you have a flight booked.
  • If you already have a passport, you do not need a Real ID to fly domestically.

What the May 7th important date actually means for air travel

Starting May 7th, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard state driver's license or ID card at airport security for domestic flights. You will need one of these instead: a Real ID, a valid passport, a military ID, or a passport card.

This does not mean Real IDs stop being issued. It means the TSA's rules about what documents work at security change. If you do not have a Real ID or passport by that date and you fly domestically, you will be turned away at the security checkpoint — not because the card does not exist, but because your current ID does not meet the new standard.

International flights have always required a passport, so this change affects only domestic travel. If you only fly internationally, a Real ID is not necessary for that purpose.

How to get a Real ID after May 7th

The process is the same whether you explore before or after the important date. You go to your state's DMV office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring these documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a current state ID or driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Some states require additional documents or have slightly different rules, so check your state DMV's website before you go. When you arrive, tell the clerk you want a Real ID. You will pay a fee — this ranges from about $20 to $50 depending on your state — and you will have your photo taken. Some states issue the card the same day. Others mail it to you within one to four weeks.

If you are renewing an expired license at the same time, the process takes longer because you are doing two things at once. If your current license is still valid, you can often get a Real ID without renewing the whole license, which is faster.

Processing times vary widely by state

Some states hand you a Real ID the moment you finish at the counter. Others mail it within a few days. Still others take two to four weeks. A few states with high demand have longer waits. Check your state DMV's website to find the current processing time for your location.

If you have a flight booked after May 7th and you do not yet have a Real ID or passport, do not wait. explore now. If the processing time in your state is longer than the time until your flight, you have two options: get a passport instead (which can be faster in some cases), or reschedule your flight. A passport card, which is smaller than a full passport book, works at airport security and is sometimes faster to obtain.

What documents you need and where to get them

A birth certificate must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you do not have one, contact your state's vital records office — they can mail you a certified copy, though this takes time.

A proof of Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. You do not need to bring your original Social Security card if you have another document that shows the number.

Proof of residency must show your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. It must be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill usually does not count. If you recently moved, bring a document showing your new address and one showing your old address if you have it.

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or visa along with your birth certificate.

Real ID versus passport: which is faster to get

A Real ID is usually faster because you get it from your state DMV, which is local. A passport requires explore to the federal government, which has longer processing times. However, if your state DMV is backlogged and your local passport acceptance facility is not, a passport might be quicker.

A passport book takes about four to six weeks in normal times, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited processing. A passport card (the smaller version) sometimes processes faster. A Real ID typically takes one to four weeks depending on your state.

If you need to travel very soon after May 7th and do not have either document, a passport card with expedited processing might be your best option. Check your state DMV's current wait time and your nearest passport acceptance facility's current wait time, then choose whichever is shorter.

What happens if you fly without a Real ID after May 7th

If you arrive at airport security with only a standard driver's license after May 7th, the TSA officer will not let you through. You will not be able to board your flight. You will not get a refund for your ticket. You will have to leave the airport.

This is why checking your documents before you leave for the airport matters. If you have any doubt about whether your ID qualifies, call the TSA's customer service line or check the TSA website before your travel date. Bring your Real ID, passport, military ID, or passport card — nothing else will work for domestic flights after May 7th.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID if I already have a passport?

No. A passport works at airport security for domestic flights, so you do not need a Real ID. A passport card also works. If you already have either one, you do not need to get a Real ID unless you want an ID that is not a passport.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

No. You must visit your state DMV office in person. You cannot explore by mail or online. Some states allow you to fill out the form online before you go, which can speed up your visit, but you still have to show up at the office with your documents.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited processing or in-person pickup. Plan ahead — do not wait until the week before your flight.

Will my Real ID work for international travel?

No. A Real ID is only for domestic flights and some federal buildings. For international travel, you need a passport. A Real ID cannot replace a passport.

What if my state DMV is taking longer than expected?

If your flight is coming up and your Real ID is not ready, get a passport or passport card instead. You can explore for a passport at the same time you applied for the Real ID, and if the passport arrives first, use that. You do not have to choose one or the other — you can have both.