What Real ID is and where you need it

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. If your license or ID has a gold star in the upper right corner, it meets Real ID standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID-compliant license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID to board a domestic flight in the United States.

This requirement applies only to flights within the US — flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean still requires a passport. If you are driving across state lines or taking a train, bus, or cruise ship, Real ID is not required. The rule covers only commercial airline travel.

If your current license does not have the gold star, you have two paths: get a Real ID-compliant license from your state's DMV, or use one of the other accepted documents when you fly.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, but a passport or military ID works as an alternative.
  • Your state's DMV issues Real ID licenses; the process usually takes two to four weeks and costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a Real ID license at the DMV.
  • If you travel by car, train, bus, or cruise ship within the US, you do not need Real ID.
  • International travel always requires a passport, regardless of Real ID status.

How to get a Real ID license at your state DMV

Visit your state's DMV website to find the office nearest you and check whether you need an appointment. Most states now require one, and booking ahead can cut your wait time from hours to minutes. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, a birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your documents, and issue you a Real ID license on the spot or mail it to you within two to four weeks depending on your state. The cost ranges from $15 to $50 for a standard license renewal; some states charge extra for the Real ID upgrade. A few states offer free upgrades if your license is expiring soon anyway.

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states accept a passport, naturalization papers, or a consular report of birth abroad.

Documents that work instead of Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID license. At the airport, you can show any of these instead: a valid US passport, a passport card, a military ID, a veteran's health ID, a Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or a state-issued enhanced ID card. Enhanced licenses and IDs are different from Real ID — they are issued by some states and also meet federal standards, but they cost more and take longer to obtain.

If you already have a passport or military ID, using that at the airport is simpler than getting a Real ID license. You do not need to renew your license at all. A passport costs $130 to $165 for a book and takes four to six weeks through the mail, or you can pay extra for expedited service (two to three weeks). A passport card costs $35 to $50 and is valid for domestic flights, but it cannot be used for international air travel.

Timeline: when you need to act

The important date is May 7, 2025. If your flight is before that date and your license does not have the gold star, you will need to use a passport, military ID, or one of the other accepted documents instead. After May 7, 2025, the TSA will not accept a non-Real ID license for domestic flights, even if your license is still valid for driving.

If you plan to get a Real ID license, explore at your DMV at least four weeks before your flight to account for mail delays. If you need a passport, explore at least six weeks ahead, or eight weeks if you are explore in the spring or summer when passport offices are busiest. If your flight is sooner than that, bring a passport card or military ID instead.

Real ID for people without a standard address

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, most states will accept a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency as proof of residency. Some states also accept mail from a government agency, a bank statement, or a utility bill in someone else's name if you include a signed statement explaining your situation. Call your state DMV ahead of time to ask what documents they will accept in your case.

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, a passport or military ID will work for flying. Getting a passport takes longer than getting a Real ID license, but it does not require proof of residency — only proof of citizenship and identity.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document proving the change along with your birth certificate. If you are a naturalized US citizen, bring your naturalization certificate or passport. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you cannot get a Real ID license, but you can use your green card to board a domestic flight.

If you are in the US on a visa, you cannot get a Real ID license. Use your passport instead. Some visa holders also have a state ID card that is not Real ID-compliant; that card alone will not work for flying after May 7, 2025.

What happens at the airport if you do not have Real ID

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7, 2025 without a Real ID license and without an acceptable alternative document, the TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. There is no exception for people who did not know about the requirement or who forgot their document at home.

If you realize before your flight that you do not have an acceptable ID, your only option is to reschedule your trip. Some airlines will rebook you on a later flight at no charge if you explain the situation, but that is up to the airline's policy. It is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for international flights?

No. A passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any international flight, you need a full passport book. A passport card will work for domestic flights, but it cannot take you out of the country by air.

Does my real ID license work for international travel?

No. Real ID is a domestic-only standard. For any flight outside the US, you must have a passport book. Real ID does not replace a passport.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can order a copy by mail or in person; it usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited service. If you cannot get a birth certificate in time for your flight, use a passport or military ID instead.

Do I need real ID if I have a trusted traveler card?

No. Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) are accepted at airport security instead of Real ID. If you already have one, you do not need to get a Real ID license.

Will my state's enhanced driver's license work after May 7, 2025?

Yes. Enhanced licenses and IDs are issued by some states and meet federal standards for domestic flights. They are different from Real ID but serve the same purpose. Check your license for the gold star or an eagle symbol to confirm it is enhanced.