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

A Real ID is a form of identification issued by your state that includes extra security features the federal government requires. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID or another accepted form of ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. If your current driver's license or state ID does not have a Real ID marking — usually a gold or black star in the upper right corner — you cannot use it alone to fly.

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set a national standard for state-issued IDs. Before Real ID, each state had its own security rules, which meant some IDs were easier to counterfeit than others. The federal government now requires states to verify your identity and citizenship before issuing a Real ID, and to use specific security printing and materials that are harder to forge.

You do not have to get a Real ID if you do not fly domestically. You can still use a regular driver's license for driving, voting, entering federal buildings, or other everyday purposes. Real ID is only required for domestic flights, and only if you want to use your driver's license or state ID as your boarding document.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID is marked with a gold or black star and meets federal security standards that regular driver's licenses do not.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you must show a Real ID, passport, military ID, or other federal document to board a domestic flight.
  • You can still use a regular driver's license for driving and other purposes — Real ID is only required for air travel.
  • Getting a Real ID requires you to visit your state's DMV in person with documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and citizenship or legal residency.
  • Processing times vary by state, so plan ahead if you need a Real ID before your next flight.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV for a Real ID

Your state's DMV will ask you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The exact documents accepted vary by state, but here are the most common ones.

For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For proof of citizenship or legal residency, bring your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document.

You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since you were born (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states have additional requirements or accept different documents.

how the process works for a Real ID at your state DMV

Visit your state's DMV office in person — you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. Bring all the documents listed above, your current driver's license or state ID, and a completed process form (your DMV will have this or you can read it from their website). Some states let you fill out the form online before you go, which can speed up the process.

At the DMV, staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect your signature. They will verify your information against federal databases to confirm your identity and citizenship. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Ask the DMV staff how long processing will take after you leave — this ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your state.

You will pay a fee for a Real ID, which varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a Real ID driver's license or state ID card. Some states charge the same price as a regular ID, while others charge extra for the federal security features. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.

Other forms of ID that work for flying without a Real ID

If you do not have a Real ID yet, you can still board a domestic flight with any of these documents: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a Department of Defense ID, a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card, a Native American tribal ID, a NEXUS card, a SENTRI card, or a FAST card. You can also use a state ID or driver's license that is marked as compliant with the federal REAL ID Act, even if it does not have the star marking (some states use different markings).

If you have a passport, it is often the easiest option because it works for both domestic and international flights. A passport takes longer to get than a Real ID — usually 4 to 6 weeks for a standard process — but it does not expire as quickly. A passport book is valid for 10 years if you are an adult, while a Real ID driver's license is usually valid for 5 to 8 years depending on your state.

What happens if you show up to the airport without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID or other accepted form of ID, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. The airline may allow you to rebook your flight for a later date, but they are not required to give you a refund or a free rebooking.

If you realize before your flight that you do not have acceptable ID, some airports have an expedited Real ID service or can direct you to a nearby DMV that offers same-day or next-day service. Call your airport's information line or the TSA ahead of time to ask what options are available. This is not may provide, so the safest approach is to get your Real ID or confirm you have another accepted form of ID well before your travel date.

Real ID requirements for children and minors

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID to fly domestically. They can board a flight with a school ID, a passport, a birth certificate, or even just a parent or guardian present. However, if a child has a state ID or driver's license (usually age 16 or older), that ID must be a Real ID to use it for flying.

If your child is 16 or 17 and has a driver's license, check whether it has the Real ID star marking. If it does not, they will need to renew it at the DMV to get a Real ID version, or they can use a passport or birth certificate instead. The rules are the same as for adults — they must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and citizenship or legal residency to the DMV.

State-by-state differences in Real ID processing time and fees

Processing time and cost vary significantly by state. Some states issue a Real ID on the spot during your DMV visit, while others mail it to you within 1 to 3 weeks. A few states take 4 to 6 weeks or longer, especially if they are experiencing high demand. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out how long it will take in your area.

Fees also differ. Some states charge the same price for a Real ID as a regular driver's license renewal (usually $30 to $50). Other states charge an extra $5 to $15 for the Real ID security features. A few states offer Real ID for free if you renew your license at the same time. Look up your state's DMV website to find the exact fee before you go, so you know how much cash or which payment methods to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights, so you do not need a Real ID if you have one. You can use your passport as your boarding document instead of a driver's license. If you do not have a passport yet and only fly domestically, a Real ID is simpler and faster to get.

Can I renew my regular driver's license as a Real ID by mail?

No. You must visit your state's DMV office in person to get a Real ID. You cannot renew it by mail or online, even if you could renew a regular license that way. Some states let you fill out the process online before you go, which can save time at the DMV.

What if my state hasn't issued Real IDs yet?

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real IDs. If your state is behind on rolling out the program, you can still use a passport, military ID, or other federal document to fly. Check your state's DMV website to see if Real ID is available in your area.

Will my Real ID work for international flights?

No. A Real ID only works for domestic flights within the United States. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID cannot be used to enter another country or to board an international flight.

How long is a Real ID valid?

A Real ID driver's license or state ID is usually valid for 5 to 8 years, depending on your state and your age. Check your state's DMV website for the exact expiration period. When your Real ID expires, you will need to renew it at the DMV if you want to continue using it for flying.