A Real ID compliant license is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security
A Real ID compliant license is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that has been upgraded to meet security requirements established by the federal government. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, set minimum standards for how states must issue and protect identification documents. If your state's ID meets those standards, it will have a star or other marking in the upper right corner of the card.
The main difference between a Real ID compliant license and a standard license is the security features and the documentation your state required you to show when you got it. Real ID compliant licenses use better anti-counterfeiting technology, require proof of citizenship or legal presence, and involve more thorough background checks. You cannot get a Real ID compliant license with just a birth certificate and a utility bill — your state will ask for more.
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or another acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you do not have one and try to fly, you will not be allowed through security. A passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will also work for flying, but a standard driver's license will not.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID compliant license has a star or marking on it and meets federal security standards that your state chose to adopt.
- You will need a Real ID compliant license, passport, or military ID to board a domestic flight starting May 7, 2025.
- Getting a Real ID compliant license requires showing more documents than a standard license — usually a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
- Not all states issue Real ID compliant licenses in the same way, so the documents you need and the cost will depend on where you live.
- You do not need a Real ID compliant license for driving, voting, or entering federal buildings — only for flying domestically.
What documents you need to get a Real ID compliant license
Your state's DMV will ask you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but common ones include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers for identity; a Social Security card or W-2 form for your SSN; and a utility bill or lease for your address.
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show proof of citizenship or legal presence — this might be a passport, green card, visa, or employment authorization document. States are required by federal law to verify this before issuing a Real ID compliant license.
You cannot use a standard driver's license as proof of identity for a Real ID compliant license. You also cannot use a passport card to prove your address — you need a separate document showing where you live. Call your state's DMV before you go in to ask which specific documents they accept, because the list differs.
The cost and timeline for getting one
The cost of a Real ID compliant license ranges from about $20 to $75 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or upgrading an existing license. Some states charge the same price for a standard license and a Real ID compliant one; others charge extra. A few states offer Real ID compliant licenses at no additional cost.
The time it takes to get one depends on whether you go in person and how busy your local DMV is. Most people can walk out with a Real ID compliant license the same day if they bring all required documents and go during a quiet time. If your state needs to verify information with another agency — for example, checking your Social Security number or citizenship status — it may take a few days to a few weeks.
Some states allow you to renew a Real ID compliant license by mail, but you cannot get one for the first time without going to the DMV in person. If you are upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID compliant one, you will usually need to go in person as well.
Real ID compliant licenses by state
All 50 states now issue Real ID compliant licenses, but they do not all call them the same thing or mark them the same way. Some states use a gold star, others use a gold circle, and a few use different symbols. The marking is always in the upper right corner of the card.
Some states made Real ID compliant licenses the default when you renew, so you may already have one without realizing it. Check the upper right corner of your license — if there is a star or circle there, it is Real ID compliant. If there is nothing, it is a standard license.
A few states offer both standard and Real ID compliant licenses and let you choose which one you want. If you live in one of those states and want a Real ID compliant license, you will need to ask for it specifically at the DMV.
What you can and cannot use a Real ID compliant license for
You can use a Real ID compliant license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. Starting May 7, 2025, it is the easiest form of ID to use at airport security because TSA agents are trained to recognize the marking.
You do not need a Real ID compliant license to drive, vote, get a job, or open a bank account. A standard driver's license works for all of those things. You also do not need one to enter a state government building or courthouse — those rules vary by location, but most do not require Real ID compliance.
If you have a passport or passport card, you can use those instead of a Real ID compliant license for flying. A military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card also works for domestic flights. You only need a Real ID compliant license if you want to use your driver's license as your flight ID.
What happens if you do not have a Real ID compliant license when you fly
If you show up at the airport on or after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID compliant license and without another acceptable form of ID, TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. This applies to all domestic flights, including flights to and from U.S. territories.
If you have a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID, you can use one of those instead. TSA will accept any of those documents at security. If you do not have any of those and only have a standard driver's license, you will need to reschedule your flight or find another way to travel.
TSA does not have the authority to issue Real ID compliant licenses or to extend the important date. If you need to fly and do not have acceptable ID, your only options are to get a Real ID compliant license before your flight, get a passport, or not fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Real ID compliant license if I have a passport?
No. A passport or passport card is acceptable for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, and accessing a military base. You do not need a Real ID compliant license if you have a passport. However, a passport costs more and takes longer to get than a Real ID compliant license, so some people choose to get the license instead.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license by mail?
It depends on your state. Some states allow you to renew a Real ID compliant license by mail if you already have one. You cannot get one for the first time by mail — you must go to the DMV in person. A few states also require you to renew in person every few years even if you have had a Real ID compliant license before.
What if my state has not issued me a Real ID compliant license yet?
All 50 states have been issuing Real ID compliant licenses for several years. If you do not have one, it is because you have not renewed your license since your state started offering them, or because you chose a standard license instead. Go to your state's DMV website to find out how to upgrade or renew.
Will a Real ID compliant license work for international travel?
No. A Real ID compliant license is only for domestic flights and federal building access. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID compliant license will not get you into Canada, Mexico, or any other country.
How long is a Real ID compliant license good for?
A Real ID compliant license is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually 4 to 8 years depending on your age and state. When it expires, you will need to renew it at the DMV. If you want to keep it Real ID compliant, ask for a Real ID compliant renewal.