A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards

A Real ID is a driver's license or state identification card that has been issued under stricter security rules set by the federal government. It has a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner, which is the mark that tells you it meets those standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building that requires ID.

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 after the September 11 attacks. It set minimum security standards for how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards — things like how they verify your identity documents, how they store your information, and what security features go on the card itself. Not all states adopted Real ID at the same pace, which is why the federal government has extended the important date multiple times. The important date is now May 7, 2025.

You do not have to get a Real ID if you do not fly or enter federal buildings. You can still use a regular driver's license for driving, voting, and most other everyday purposes. But if you fly domestically or need to enter a federal courthouse, military base, or certain government offices, you will need either a Real ID or one of the other documents the Transportation Security Administration accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID is marked with a gold star and meets federal security standards for identity verification and card features.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID or another federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
  • You can get a Real ID by visiting your state's DMV with original documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and state residency.
  • A Real ID costs the same as a regular driver's license in most states, though a few charge a small fee for the upgrade.
  • You do not need a Real ID for driving, voting, or other everyday activities — only for federal purposes.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

When you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to get a Real ID, you will need to bring original documents — not copies — that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in the state.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a permanent resident card. Some states also accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport with a visa. Check your state's DMV website to see exactly which documents they take, because the list varies slightly.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For state residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check — something dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and address.

You will also need to fill out an process form, which your state's DMV provides online or at the office. Bring it filled out to save time, though you can fill it there if you need to.

The difference between a Real ID and a passport

A Real ID and a passport are both federal forms of identification, but they serve different purposes and are issued by different agencies. A Real ID is issued by your state's DMV and is used for domestic travel and federal building access. A passport is issued by the U.S. Department of State and is used for international travel.

If you have a valid passport, you do not need a Real ID to board a domestic flight — the TSA accepts a passport as proof of identity. But if you do not have a passport and you fly domestically, you will need a Real ID. A passport takes longer to get (usually 4 to 6 weeks, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing) and costs more. A Real ID usually takes a few days to a few weeks and costs the same as a regular driver's license.

You can have both a Real ID and a passport at the same time. Many people do, because a passport is useful for international travel even if you do not fly domestically very often.

How long it takes and what it costs

Getting a Real ID usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states offer it on the spot if you bring all your documents and there is no line. Others mail it to you within 7 to 14 days. Check your state's DMV website for their specific timeline.

The cost is the same as a regular driver's license in most states — usually between $20 and $60 for a renewal or replacement. A few states charge a small additional fee (usually $5 to $10) for the Real ID upgrade, but most do not. If you are renewing your license anyway, you can get the Real ID version at no extra cost in most places.

If you need it faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. This moves you to the front of the line or gets your card mailed to you within a few days instead of a few weeks.

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

If you do not have a Real ID and you try to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025, the TSA will not let you through security. You will be turned away at the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight, and you will not get a refund for your ticket.

The same applies to federal buildings: if you need to enter a federal courthouse, a military base, or certain government offices and you do not have a Real ID or another federally accepted form of ID, you will be denied entry.

The TSA does accept other forms of ID besides a Real ID: a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a permanent resident card, a tribal ID (in some cases), and a few others. If you do not want to get a Real ID, you can use one of those instead for flying. But if you do not have any of them and you do not get a Real ID, you will not be able to fly domestically.

Real ID and immigration status

You can get a Real ID even if you are not a U.S. citizen, as long as you have a valid visa or a permanent resident card. The document you bring to prove your identity determines what you are may be able to access for: if you have a permanent resident card, you can get a Real ID. If you have a visa, some states will issue a Real ID and some will not — it depends on the state.

If you are undocumented, you cannot get a Real ID through the standard process. Some states have created their own ID cards for people without Social Security numbers or proof of legal residency, but those are not Real IDs and will not work for federal purposes. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive and never fly?

No. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you drive locally and do not fly or enter federal buildings, a regular driver's license works fine for everything you do.

Can I renew my license online and get a Real ID?

Most states do not allow online renewals for a Real ID because you have to show original documents in person. You will need to visit a DMV office. Some states let you renew a regular license online, but switching to a Real ID requires a trip to the DMV.

What if I lost my birth certificate or passport?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A replacement passport can be ordered from the State Department. Both take time, so start early if you need a Real ID before May 7, 2025. Your state's DMV website lists which documents they accept, so you may have other options.

Will my Real ID work for international travel?

No. A Real ID works for domestic flights and federal buildings, but not for international travel. You need a passport or passport card for that. Some countries also require a passport even for travel from the U.S., so check the country's entry rules before you travel.

Can I get a Real ID by mail?

No. You have to appear in person at a DMV office to show your original documents. You cannot mail in your documents or use a third-party service to get a Real ID.