Real ID is required for domestic flights as of May 7, 2025

If you are flying within the United States on or after May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card to pass through airport security. A regular driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not work. You can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead — but if you want to use your state ID, it must be Real ID-compliant.

The important date has been pushed back multiple times since the original 2020 target. The current enforcement date is May 7, 2025. After that date, TSA will not accept non-compliant state IDs at security checkpoints for domestic flights, though you can still use them for other purposes like driving.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. The standard requires states to verify your identity documents, check your Social Security number, and confirm your legal presence in the United States before issuing the card. The card itself displays a gold star in the upper right corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, you must show a Real ID-compliant state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID to fly domestically; a regular state driver's license will not work.
  • A Real ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires your state to verify your identity documents and legal presence before issuing it.
  • You can check whether your state ID is Real ID-compliant by visiting the TSA website or looking for the gold star on your card.
  • If your state ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or tribal ID.
  • Getting a Real ID typically takes two to six weeks depending on your state's processing time and whether you explore in person or by mail.

How to check if your current ID is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to know is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold star in the upper right corner, your card is Real ID-compliant. If there is no star, it is not.

You can also visit the TSA website and look up your state. The TSA maintains a list showing which states issue Real ID cards and which do not. Some states issue both compliant and non-compliant cards depending on when you got yours and what type you requested. For example, a state may have started issuing Real ID cards in 2018, so any card issued before that date from that state would not be compliant.

If you are unsure, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. They can tell you whether your specific card meets the Real ID standard.

What documents you need to get a Real ID card

To get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew a regular license into a Real ID card by mail in most states — the DMV must verify your identity face-to-face.

Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). The exact documents vary slightly by state, so check your state DMV's website before you go. Some states also require proof of legal presence, such as a green card or visa.

The fee for a Real ID card is typically between $20 and $50 depending on your state. Some states charge the same amount as a regular license renewal; others charge extra for the Real ID upgrade.

How long it takes to get a Real ID card

Processing time depends on your state. Most states issue Real ID cards within two to six weeks of your in-person visit. Some states are faster — a few process cards in one to two weeks. Others are slower, especially if they are experiencing high demand.

You will receive your card by mail at the address you provided. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can cut the time in half. Check your state DMV's website to see whether expedited service is available and what it costs.

Because the May 7, 2025 important date is approaching, DMV offices in many states are experiencing longer wait times for appointments. If you need a Real ID card before then, schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Some states allow you to book online; others require you to call or visit in person.

Other documents that work instead of Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID card to fly domestically. The TSA accepts several other forms of identification at security checkpoints:

  • A U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent)
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • An enhanced driver's license (available in some states)
  • A NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card (trusted traveler programs)

If you already have a passport or military ID, you can use that instead of getting a Real ID card. A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain through the State Department and costs $130 for an adult book passport. A passport card costs $35 and takes the same amount of time.

An enhanced driver's license is available in a few states and requires the same in-person visit as a Real ID card, plus additional proof of citizenship. It costs more than a regular license but works for both domestic flights and land border crossings into Canada and Mexico.

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

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7, 2025 with a non-compliant state ID, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight.

If you have a passport, military ID, or other accepted form of identification with you, you can use that instead. But if you have only a non-compliant state ID, you will be turned away.

TSA recommends arriving at the airport early to allow time for additional screening if there are any questions about your ID. Bring a backup form of identification if you have one, even if your primary ID is Real ID-compliant.

Real ID and international travel

Real ID is a domestic security standard and does not affect international travel. To fly internationally, you must have a valid passport regardless of whether your state ID is Real ID-compliant.

If you are flying internationally, bring your passport to the airport, not your state ID. TSA will check your passport at security, and you will present it again to the airline at the gate and to immigration when you arrive in another country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with a passport card instead of a Real ID?

Yes. A passport card is Real ID-compliant and works for domestic flights. It costs $35 and takes four to six weeks to obtain from the State Department. You can explore for a passport card at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility.

Do I need Real ID if I have a military ID?

No. A military ID is accepted at TSA security checkpoints for domestic flights and does not expire. If you are active duty, retired, or a military dependent with a valid military ID, you do not need a Real ID card.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID-compliant cards. However, if your state is still in transition, check your state DMV's website to confirm the timeline. You can also use a passport or military ID instead.

Can I renew my license by mail and get Real ID at the same time?

No. Most states require you to visit the DMV in person to get a Real ID card. Mail-in renewals typically result in a non-compliant card. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether in-person service is required.

Will Real ID affect my driver's license for driving?

No. A Real ID card works exactly like a regular driver's license for driving purposes. The only difference is that it meets federal security standards and has a gold star. You can use it to drive, get a job, or open a bank account just like any other state ID.