All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards

Every state in the United States has adopted the REAL ID standard and issues compliant identification. The federal government set a important date of May 7, 2025, after which a regular driver's license will not work for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. However, the timeline for when each state began issuing REAL ID cards varies widely — some started in 2008, while others did not begin until 2017 or later.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed in 2005 that set security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires states to verify a person's identity documents, check immigration status, and use specific security features on the card itself. States had to meet these standards or their residents would lose the ability to use a regular license for federal purposes.

Your state almost certainly issues REAL ID cards right now. The question is not whether your state has them, but whether your current license meets the standard and what you need to do to get one that does.

Key Takeaways

  • All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant identification, though they began at different times between 2008 and 2017.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, a regular driver's license will not work for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings — you will need a REAL ID card or another accepted form of ID.
  • Your state's DMV or equivalent agency can tell you whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant by looking at the card or checking your record.
  • Getting a REAL ID card requires in-person process with original documents like a birth certificate, passport, or proof of residency.

When each state began issuing REAL ID cards

States rolled out REAL ID compliance on their own schedules. The earliest adopters — including Vermont, Washington, and Delaware — began issuing compliant cards in 2008 and 2009. Most states followed between 2010 and 2015. The slowest states, including New York and California, did not begin issuing REAL ID cards until 2017 or later.

The federal government extended the important date multiple times. It was originally set for 2008, then moved to 2011, then 2013, then 2017, and finally to May 7, 2025. These extensions gave states time to update their systems and residents time to obtain compliant cards.

Even if your state started issuing REAL ID cards years ago, you may still have a regular license if you have not renewed it or specifically requested a REAL ID card. Renewal and new issuance are not automatic — you have to go to your DMV and explore.

How to check if your license is REAL ID-compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license or ID card. A small gold or black star indicates that the card meets REAL ID standards. If your card does not have this star, it is not REAL ID-compliant.

You can also contact your state's DMV directly and provide your license number. They can tell you whether your card is compliant. Many states also let you check online through their DMV website by logging into your account.

Some states issue REAL ID cards automatically when you renew, while others require you to specifically request one. A few states still issue regular licenses by default and only give you a REAL ID card if you ask for it.

What documents you need to get a REAL ID card

Getting a REAL ID card requires more documentation than a regular license renewal. You will need to bring original documents to your state's DMV office — photocopies usually do not count. The typical requirements are a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease).

Some states also require proof of legal presence in the United States, which can be a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need additional documents like a green card or visa.

Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so check before you go.

The cost and timeline for getting a REAL ID card

The cost of a REAL ID card varies by state. Some states charge the same price as a regular license renewal, while others charge $5 to $25 extra for the REAL ID upgrade. A few states issue REAL ID cards at no additional cost.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue the card on the spot during your appointment, while others mail it to you within one to three weeks. A handful of states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the card quickly.

You must explore in person at your state's DMV office or an authorized location. You cannot get a REAL ID card by mail or online, even if you are renewing an existing license.

What happens after May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, a regular driver's license (one without the star) will not work for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings, national parks, or military bases. You will still be able to use it to drive a car.

If you do not have a REAL ID card by that date, you can still fly domestically or enter federal buildings — you just need to bring an alternative form of ID. Accepted alternatives include a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A passport is the most common backup.

The important date has been extended multiple times in the past, so it is possible it could be extended again. However, you should not count on that. Getting a REAL ID card now means you will not have to worry about it later.

States with additional ID options

Some states offer alternatives to a REAL ID driver's license. A few states issue REAL ID-compliant ID cards that are not driver's licenses — useful if you do not drive or prefer not to have a license. These cards still have the star and work for federal purposes.

A handful of states also issue enhanced driver's licenses, which meet REAL ID standards and also work for land and sea border crossings with Canada and Mexico. These cost more than a regular REAL ID card but combine two documents into one.

Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID card to drive a car?

No. A regular driver's license works for driving anywhere in the United States. REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and access to military bases. If you only drive and never fly, you do not need a REAL ID card.

Can I renew my license by mail and request a REAL ID card at the same time?

No. REAL ID cards require an in-person appointment at your DMV office. You cannot get one by mail, online, or through a third party. You must bring original documents and appear in person.

What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have the documents my state requires?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from your state's vital records office, usually for $10 to $30. Your state's DMV website lists which documents it accepts and where to get them if you do not have them. Some states accept alternatives — for example, a passport instead of a birth certificate.

Will my passport work instead of a REAL ID card for flying?

Yes. A passport is one of the accepted alternatives to a REAL ID card for domestic air travel. You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. However, a REAL ID card is more convenient if you fly often because you do not have to carry your passport.

Can I get a REAL ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. States issue REAL ID cards to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some visa holders. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID card, though some states issue regular driver's licenses to them. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rules where you live.