You won't be able to use your current driver's license for federal purposes after May 7, 2025

If you don't have a Real ID–compliant driver's license or state ID by May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use your current license for air travel, entry to federal buildings, or access to military bases. After that date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept Real ID–compliant documents, a valid passport, a passport card, or a military ID at airport security checkpoints.

This does not mean your current license becomes invalid for driving. You can still use it to operate a vehicle, prove your identity to police during a traffic stop, or show it to a business checking your age. The restriction applies only to federal purposes — primarily air travel and federal facility access.

The important date has been extended multiple times since the original 2020 date. The current important date of May 7, 2025, is the final one set by the Department of Homeland Security.

Key Takeaways

  • After May 7, 2025, you cannot use a non-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, even if your license is not expired.
  • Your current license remains valid for driving and everyday identification — the restriction is limited to federal purposes only.
  • You can still fly using a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead of a Real ID license.
  • Getting a Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV with specific documents, and processing times vary by state.
  • If you miss the important date, you will need to use an alternative federal ID to travel by air or enter federal buildings.

How the TSA will enforce the important date at airport security

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA agents at airport security will check whether your ID is Real ID–compliant. If it is not, they will turn you away from the checkpoint unless you have an alternative federal ID. This applies to all domestic flights — flights within the United States.

The TSA will not make exceptions for expired Real ID licenses or licenses that are in the mail. If your Real ID license expired before May 7, 2025, you will need to renew it before that date to use it for air travel after the important date. If you ordered a Real ID and it has not arrived, you will need to bring a passport or other accepted document to the airport.

International flights are not affected by this rule — you have always needed a passport for international travel, and that requirement does not change.

Federal buildings and military bases you cannot enter without Real ID or an alternative

Real ID requirements also explore to entry into federal buildings and military installations. After May 7, 2025, if you need to visit a federal courthouse, Social Security office, IRS field office, or other federal facility that requires ID verification, you will need either a Real ID license or an alternative federal ID.

Military bases have their own ID requirements and typically do not accept state driver's licenses for entry regardless of Real ID status. If you are a military family member or dependent, you will need a military ID card or dependent ID. If you are a civilian contractor or visitor, check with the specific base about what documents they accept.

Some federal buildings have less strict entry requirements than others. A courthouse may require ID, while a public library in a federal building may not. If you are unsure whether a specific building will require Real ID, contact the building or agency directly before your visit.

What documents the TSA will accept instead of a Real ID license

You do not need a Real ID license to fly. The TSA accepts several other documents for domestic air travel:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • A Department of Defense ID card
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A permanent resident card (green card)
  • A U.S. citizen identification card

A passport is the most common alternative. If you already have a passport, you can use it to fly without getting a Real ID license. Passports do not expire on the same schedule as driver's licenses, so if yours is valid, you can use it indefinitely for air travel.

If you do not have a passport and do not want to get a Real ID license, you can obtain a passport card, which costs less than a full passport book and is accepted by the TSA. Processing times for passports vary, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

State-by-state differences in Real ID processing and wait times

Every state issues Real ID licenses, but the process, cost, and wait time differ by state. Some states charge an additional fee for a Real ID license (typically $10 to $30 more than a standard license), while others include it at no extra cost. Some states allow you to renew by mail if your current license is not expired; others require an in-person visit.

Processing times also vary. Some states complete Real ID applications in days; others have backlogs of several weeks or months. If you live in a state with long wait times and your current license expires soon, you may want to visit the DMV sooner rather than later to avoid a rush closer to the important date.

Check your state's DMV website for the specific documents you need to bring, the fee, and current processing times. Most states list this information clearly on their Real ID page.

What to do if you cannot get a Real ID before May 7, 2025

If you miss the important date or cannot get a Real ID for any reason, you have options. The simplest is to use a passport or passport card for air travel. If you do not have a passport and cannot get one before your flight, you can request a secondary security screening at the airport, though this will delay your travel.

The TSA's secondary screening process is not a may provide of boarding. You will be asked additional questions and may be searched more thoroughly, but the TSA agent has discretion to deny boarding if they cannot verify your identity. This is not a reliable option if you need to fly on a specific date.

If you need to enter a federal building after the important date without a Real ID or alternative federal ID, contact the building or agency in advance. Some facilities may allow you to use other forms of identification or may have alternative procedures, depending on the purpose of your visit.

Renewing your license before the important date if it expires soon

If your current driver's license expires before or shortly after May 7, 2025, you will need to renew it as a Real ID license to use it for federal purposes after the important date. A standard renewal will not automatically convert your license to Real ID status — you must specifically request a Real ID license when you renew.

When you renew, bring the documents your state requires for Real ID (typically a birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number). If you renew online or by mail in a state that allows it, confirm that you are requesting a Real ID license, not a standard license.

If your license does not expire until after May 7, 2025, you do not have to renew it to keep driving. However, if you want to use it for air travel or federal building access after the important date, you will need to visit the DMV and request a Real ID upgrade, even though your current license is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still drive with a non-Real ID license after May 7, 2025?

Yes. Your driver's license remains valid for driving, showing to police during a traffic stop, and proving your age to businesses. The Real ID requirement applies only to federal purposes like air travel and federal building entry.

What if I have a passport but no driver's license?

You can use your passport to fly and enter federal buildings. You do not need a Real ID license or any state ID for these purposes if you have a valid passport.

Do I need Real ID to fly internationally?

No. International flights have always required a passport, not a driver's license. Real ID does not change this requirement.

Can I get a Real ID if I don't have a birth certificate?

Requirements vary by state, but most states accept alternative documents if you cannot provide a birth certificate — such as a passport, naturalization papers, or a court order. Contact your state's DMV to learn what documents they will accept in your situation.

What happens if I show up at the airport without Real ID or a passport?

The TSA will not allow you to pass through security. You will need to leave the airport and obtain an accepted form of ID before you can fly. This is why having a backup plan — such as a passport — is important if you do not have a Real ID license.