Yes, you need a Real ID to fly domestically in the United States as of 2025

The federal government has required a Real ID — a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards — to board domestic flights since May 2025. If your ID does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, you will not be allowed through airport security, even if you have a valid passport or other travel document.

Real ID is not a separate card you obtain. It is a standard your existing state ID or driver's license must meet. Most states began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses years ago, but some people still carry older licenses that do not meet the requirement. You can check your ID now to see if it qualifies, and if it does not, you can renew it at your state's DMV.

The important date has passed, and there is no extension. If you plan to fly domestically in 2025, you must have either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or you must bring a passport instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is a security standard for driver's licenses and state IDs, marked by a gold star or similar symbol in the upper right corner of the card.
  • You do not need Real ID if you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID — these are accepted alternatives for domestic flights.
  • Most states have been issuing Real ID licenses since 2013, but you should check your current ID to confirm it has the required marking.
  • If your ID does not meet the standard, you can renew it at your state's DMV; processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks.
  • Real ID applies only to domestic flights; international flights require a passport regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.

How to check if your ID is Real ID-compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold star, a gold circle, or another distinctive marking (the symbol varies by state), your ID meets the Real ID standard. If your card has no such marking, it does not comply.

You can also contact your state's DMV directly if you are unsure. Most state DMV websites have a page explaining what their Real ID marking looks like and how to verify your card. Some states use a star, others use a circle or a different symbol, so the exact appearance depends on where your ID was issued.

What to do if your ID is not Real ID-compliant

Visit your state's DMV office or website to renew your driver's license or state ID to a Real ID-compliant version. You will need to bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and state residency — typically a birth certificate, passport, or utility bill. The exact documents required vary by state.

Processing times differ by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. If you plan to fly soon, check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you go in. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail, which may be faster than visiting an office in person.

Acceptable alternatives to Real ID for domestic flights

You do not have to get a Real ID license if you have one of these documents:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent)
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) issued by certain states for border crossing

If you already have a passport, you can use it to fly domestically without getting a Real ID license. However, if you do not have a passport and do not want to renew your driver's license, you will need to obtain one of the other documents listed above.

Real ID requirements for international flights

Real ID does not explore to international flights. To fly internationally, you must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant. A Real ID license alone will not get you on an international flight.

If you plan to travel internationally in 2025, explore for a passport now if you do not have one. Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. You can explore at your local post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility.

Real ID and airport security screening

Real ID is checked at the security checkpoint, not at the ticket counter. When you reach the TSA security line, you will present your ID along with your boarding pass. If your ID does not have the Real ID marking and you do not have an acceptable alternative, the TSA officer will not allow you to proceed through security.

Arriving early does not solve this problem. If you show up at the airport without a Real ID-compliant license and no passport or other acceptable document, you will not be able to fly that day. Plan ahead and verify your ID before you book your flight.

State-by-state Real ID status

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs. However, the timeline for when each state began issuing them varies. If you have not renewed your driver's license in several years, it may not be Real ID-compliant even if your state currently issues them.

Some states issued Real ID licenses starting in 2013; others did not begin until 2017 or later. If you are unsure whether your specific card meets the standard, check the marking on your card or contact your state's DMV. Do not assume your license is compliant based on when you got it or what state issued it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired Real ID license?

No. Your ID must be valid (not expired) to use it for domestic flights. An expired Real ID license will be rejected at security. If your Real ID license has expired, you will need to renew it or bring a passport or other acceptable document instead.

What if I lost my Real ID license and need to fly soon?

You can use a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or Green Card instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to get a replacement license from your state's DMV. Some states offer expedited replacement for lost or stolen IDs; check your state's DMV website for options and processing times.

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

No. A passport card is an acceptable alternative to Real ID for domestic flights. You can use it at the security checkpoint instead of a Real ID-compliant driver's license. Passport cards are smaller and less expensive than full passports but serve the same purpose for domestic air travel.

Will my old driver's license work if I renew it online?

That depends on your state. Some states issue Real ID licenses through online renewal; others require you to visit a DMV office in person. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available. If your state requires an in-person visit, you will need to go to an office to get a Real ID-compliant license.

Can I use a Real ID license to cross the Canadian border by car?

A standard Real ID license is not sufficient for land border crossing. You will need a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a Trusted Traveler Program card like NEXUS or SENTRI. Check the U.S. State Department website for current requirements before you travel.