Real ID cards are valid for 8 to 10 years, depending on your age when you get one

A Real ID card lasts 8 years if you are 21 or older when you receive it. If you are under 21, your card expires after 5 years. Some states issue cards that are valid for 10 years, so the exact length depends on which state issued yours. You can find your expiration date printed on the front of your card, usually in the bottom right corner.

The expiration date matters because you will need a valid Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If your card has expired, you cannot use it for those purposes, even if you still have it in your wallet. Renewing before the expiration date is straightforward and follows the same process as your first process.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID cards issued to adults are valid for 8 years; cards issued to people under 21 are valid for 5 years.
  • Some states issue 10-year cards, so check your card's expiration date rather than assuming the standard length.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your Real ID up to one year before it expires, and the renewal process is the same as your initial process.
  • An expired Real ID cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building entry, even if the card itself is still in your possession.

Where to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your Real ID card. The expiration date appears in the bottom right corner, printed as a month and year (for example, 06/2032). This is the last day your card can be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal courthouse.

If you cannot locate your card or the date is unclear, you can contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. They have your process on file and can tell you the exact expiration date over the phone or through their website.

Renewing before your card expires

You can renew your Real ID up to one year before the expiration date. Starting the renewal process early gives you time to gather documents and schedule an appointment, since some DMV offices have long wait times. Many states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person—check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available.

When you renew, you will need to bring the same documents you brought for your original process: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. Some states have streamlined the process for renewals and may not require all of these documents again, so call ahead or check online before you go.

What happens if your Real ID expires

An expired Real ID cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, courthouse, or military base. If your card has expired and you need to travel by air, you will have to use a passport, passport card, or another federally accepted form of identification instead.

You can still use an expired Real ID for other purposes, such as proving your age to buy alcohol or opening a bank account, because those do not require federal compliance. However, for any federal purpose, you will need a valid ID.

Renewing after your card has already expired

If your Real ID has already expired, you can still renew it. The process is the same as renewing before expiration—you bring your documents to the DMV and pay the renewal fee. There is no penalty for renewing late, and your new card will be valid for another 8 to 10 years from the date of renewal.

However, you cannot use an expired Real ID for federal purposes while you wait for your new card to arrive. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your renewal is processed, bring a passport or another accepted form of ID instead.

State-by-state differences in card length

Most states issue Real ID cards that are valid for 8 years (or 5 years for people under 21), but a few states have chosen to issue 10-year cards. The best way to know your card's expiration length is to look at the date on your card itself. If you received your card more than 5 years ago and it has not expired, your state likely issues 8- or 10-year cards.

If you are planning to move to a different state, remember that your current Real ID will remain valid until its printed expiration date, even after you move. You do not have to get a new Real ID just because you changed states. However, when you do renew, you will follow your new state's process and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Real ID for anything?

Yes, you can use an expired Real ID for non-federal purposes like proving your age or opening a bank account. You cannot use it for domestic air travel, entering federal buildings, or other federal purposes. For those, you will need a valid passport or another federally accepted ID.

How do I know if my state issues 8-year or 10-year cards?

Check the expiration date on your card. If you received it recently and it expires 8 or 10 years from the issue date, that tells you your state's standard. You can also call your state's DMV to ask what length they issue.

Can I renew my Real ID online?

Many states allow online renewal for Real ID cards, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see if online renewal is available. Some states require you to renew in person, while others offer mail-in renewal as an option.

What if I lost my Real ID before it expired?

You will need to replace it by visiting your state's DMV with your documents. A replacement card follows the same rules as a renewal and will be valid for 8 to 10 years from the date you receive it. Report the lost card to your DMV as soon as possible.