You need Real ID to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card to board domestic flights. If you do not have one, you will need to bring a passport, passport card, or another federally accepted document instead. This applies to all passengers 18 and older on flights within the 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. The cards have a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. If your state ID or driver's license does not have this star, it is not Real ID-compliant, and you cannot use it alone to board a domestic flight after the important date.

Children under 18 do not need Real ID or a passport to fly domestically. They can board with a birth certificate, school ID, or other proof of age. However, if a child has their own ID card, it must be Real ID-compliant to use it as their boarding document.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID-compliant IDs have a gold star on the upper right corner and are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
  • If you do not have Real ID, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally accepted document.
  • Getting a Real ID requires visiting your state's DMV in person with documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address.
  • Children under 18 do not need Real ID; a birth certificate or school ID is enough for domestic flights.
  • Processing times for Real ID vary by state, so check your state DMV's website to see current wait times before the May important date.

What documents count as Real ID

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the easiest document to use at airport security. You can identify it by the gold or metallic star in the upper right corner of the card. Not all states issued Real ID cards at the same time, so some older licenses may not have the star even if they were issued after 2005.

If you do not have Real ID, the TSA accepts these documents for domestic flights: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, military dependent ID, permanent resident card (green card), tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license. You can use any one of these instead of Real ID. A passport is the most common backup if you do not have Real ID yet.

State ID cards that do not have the gold star are not acceptable on their own after May 7, 2025. This includes temporary IDs, learner's permits, and standard driver's licenses issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards.

How to get a Real ID at your state DMV

Getting Real ID requires a trip to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew or convert to Real ID online or by mail in most states. Bring these documents: a valid passport or birth certificate, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two documents proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $50 for a Real ID card or license. Some states charge the same price as a standard ID; others charge extra for the Real ID feature. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee and required documents, since each state has slightly different rules.

Processing times differ widely. Some states issue Real ID cards on the spot; others mail them within one to two weeks. A few states with high demand have wait times of several weeks. Visit your state DMV's website to see current processing times before you go, and consider going early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long lines.

What happens if you do not have Real ID on May 7, 2025

If you arrive at the airport without Real ID and without an acceptable alternative document, TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. This applies even if you have a passport at home — you must have it with you at the airport.

If you realize at check-in that you do not have an acceptable document, your only option is to leave the airport, get the document you need, and rebook your flight. You will lose your ticket. This is why checking your ID before you leave for the airport matters.

The important date of May 7, 2025, is firm. TSA has enforced this important date twice already (it was originally set for 2020, then moved to 2021), and it is not expected to move again. Plan to get your Real ID before then if you fly domestically.

Real ID for people who cannot visit the DMV in person

If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to visit the DMV, some states allow you to request an exception or accommodation. Contact your state DMV directly to ask about options. A few states allow a representative to explore on your behalf with a power of attorney, though this varies.

If you cannot get Real ID before May 7, 2025, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally accepted document. These documents do not require a trip to the DMV and can be obtained through other channels. A passport, for example, is issued by the U.S. State Department and can be applied for by mail in some cases.

If you are homebound or unable to travel, a passport card (a smaller version of a passport) may be easier to obtain than a Real ID, depending on your situation. Check the State Department's website for passport process options.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents when you explore for Real ID. The DMV will update your name on the new card.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you can get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID in most states. Bring your green card, passport, and other required documents. Some states have different rules for non-citizens, so check your state DMV's website to confirm what you need.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get a Real ID card. You can still fly domestically using your passport or passport card, which are issued to citizens and some non-citizens by the State Department.

Checking if your current ID is Real ID-compliant

Look at your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner, your ID is Real ID-compliant and you can use it to fly after May 7, 2025. If there is no star, your ID is not Real ID-compliant.

Some states put the star in a different location or use a different symbol. If you are unsure, visit your state DMV's website and look for the Real ID section. It will show you what a Real ID card looks like in your state and tell you whether your current card is compliant.

If you renewed your license recently and it does not have a star, you may have renewed it as a standard ID instead of Real ID. You can go back to the DMV and upgrade to Real ID without waiting for your next renewal, though you may have to pay a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I drive to another state?

No. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can drive across state lines with a standard driver's license. However, if you plan to fly home, you will need Real ID or another acceptable document.

Can I use a Real ID card to enter a federal building or military base?

Yes. Real ID-compliant IDs are accepted at federal buildings and military bases. A standard driver's license is not. If you need to enter a federal building regularly, Real ID is useful for that reason alone.

What if I lost my passport and do not have time to get a new one before my flight?

If you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, use that instead. If you do not have Real ID, you will need to get a passport or another acceptable document before you can fly. A passport replacement can take several weeks, so contact the State Department as soon as possible.

Do I need Real ID to fly internationally?

No. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card. Real ID is not accepted for international travel. You must have a passport regardless of whether you have Real ID.

Can I use a Real ID card to vote or get a job?

Real ID is a federal security standard for air travel and federal building access. It does not affect voting or employment. Your state ID or driver's license works the same way for those purposes whether it is Real ID-compliant or not.