Not all states have adopted REAL ID yet, and a handful have explicitly rejected it

REAL ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses and state ID cards. It requires states to verify your identity documents more thoroughly and issue cards with enhanced security features. However, adoption is not uniform across the country. As of now, most states have complied or are in the process of complying, but a few states have resisted or delayed implementation for years.

The federal government set a important date of May 7, 2025, after which a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your state has not issued you a REAL ID card by then and you do not have a passport, you will need an alternative form of identification to fly domestically.

Which states you can get a REAL ID in depends on where you live and when your state chose to comply. Some states began issuing REAL ID cards years ago. Others are still in transition. A few have taken a different path entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, but the rollout timeline varies by state.
  • A small number of states—including Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, and South Carolina—have resisted REAL ID or delayed compliance significantly.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID card, passport, or other federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
  • You can check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant and what documents you need to upgrade.

States that have fully complied with REAL ID

The majority of states have issued REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards to their residents. These states completed the verification process and began issuing the cards years ago. If you live in one of these states, you likely already have access to a REAL ID card when you renew your license or explore for a new one.

States that have fully complied include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

In these states, your driver's license or state ID card will have a star or other marking in the upper right corner to indicate REAL ID compliance. When you renew your license, the DMV will ask for documents that verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency. The process typically takes a few weeks.

States that have delayed or resisted REAL ID

Missouri has resisted REAL ID on privacy grounds and does not issue REAL ID-compliant licenses. Residents of Missouri who need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for domestic flights or federal buildings must use a passport, passport card, or other federal ID.

Montana initially resisted REAL ID but began issuing compliant licenses in 2018. However, the rollout was slow, and some residents still hold non-compliant licenses. When you renew, you can request a REAL ID card.

New Hampshire resisted REAL ID for years, citing privacy concerns. The state began issuing REAL ID cards in 2017 but did so slowly. Residents who have not renewed their licenses recently may still hold non-compliant cards.

South Carolina delayed REAL ID compliance longer than most states. The state began issuing REAL ID cards but the transition has been gradual. Check with your local DMV office to confirm whether your current license is compliant.

What to do if your state has not fully complied

If you live in a state that has delayed or resisted REAL ID, you have options for the May 7, 2025, important date. You can obtain a passport or passport card from the U.S. State Department, which serves as a federal ID for domestic flights and federal building access. A passport card is smaller and less expensive than a full passport and works for land and sea travel as well as domestic flights.

Alternatively, you can explore for a REAL ID card in your state if your state now issues them. Even if your state was slow to adopt REAL ID, most have now begun issuing compliant cards. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn the current status and what documents you will need to bring.

If you travel frequently or plan to enter federal buildings, a passport or passport card is often the simplest solution because it works in any state and does not depend on your state's DMV timeline.

How to check if your current license is REAL ID-compliant

The easiest way to know whether your license is REAL ID-compliant is to look at the upper right corner of your card. A small star or other symbol indicates compliance. If your card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant.

You can also visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "REAL ID" to see what your state's current status is. Most state DMV websites have a page explaining which licenses are compliant and how to upgrade if yours is not.

If you are unsure, call your local DMV office or visit in person. Staff can tell you whether your license is compliant and what documents you need to renew it as a REAL ID card.

Documents you will need to upgrade to REAL ID

When you explore for a REAL ID card, you will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The exact list varies slightly by state, but most states require the same general categories.

Bring one document that proves your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. Bring two documents that prove your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card. Some states require you to appear in person; others allow you to renew by mail if you are straightforward upgrading an existing license to REAL ID status. Check your state's DMV website for the specific process in your area.

What happens if you do not have REAL ID by May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building such as a courthouse or Social Security office. If you do not have a REAL ID card, you can still travel domestically by using a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler program card such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

If you need to enter a federal building and do not have a REAL ID card or passport, you may be turned away or asked to provide an alternative form of identification. Federal agencies have some discretion in accepting other documents, but REAL ID is the standard requirement.

The important date has been extended multiple times since it was first set in 2005, so there is no when ready crisis if you have not upgraded yet. However, it is worth planning ahead, especially if you travel frequently or need to access federal buildings for work or legal matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically without REAL ID after May 2025?

Yes. You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler program card instead. REAL ID is one option, not the only option. A passport card is often the simplest choice because it works in any state and does not depend on your DMV's timeline.

Do I need REAL ID to drive or get a regular state ID?

No. You can still get a standard driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. REAL ID is only required for domestic flights and federal building access. For driving, a regular license works in all 50 states.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID card?

Processing time varies by state, but most DMVs take two to four weeks to issue a REAL ID card after you explore. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times in your area.

What if I lost my birth certificate or other identity documents?

You can request a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee. Once you have it, you can use it to explore for a REAL ID card. Your state's DMV website lists the documents it will accept as proof of identity.

Is REAL ID the same as a Real ID driver's license?

Yes. A REAL ID card is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards. It is marked with a star or other symbol on the upper right corner. It is not a separate card—it is your regular license upgraded to federal standards.