Real ID means a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards

A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that has passed federal security checks. The Department of Homeland Security created this standard after 2001 to make sure identification documents are harder to fake. If you want to board a domestic flight without a passport, your driver's license or state ID must be a Real ID—a regular license is not enough.

You can tell if your ID is a Real ID by looking for a small star or gold circle in the upper right corner of the card. Some states use a star, others use a circle or a different symbol. If your card has this marking, it meets federal standards. If it does not, you will need to bring a different document to the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID driver's license or state ID card has a star or circle symbol and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
  • You can fly domestically with a Real ID, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID—but a regular driver's license without the star is not accepted.
  • To get a Real ID, you visit your state's DMV with proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of address, and pay a fee that varies by state.
  • The Real ID requirement applies only to domestic flights; international flights require a passport regardless of whether your state ID is Real ID compliant.
  • If you do not have a Real ID or other accepted document, you can still board a flight but will go through additional security screening.

Documents that work instead of a Real ID

You do not have to have a Real ID to fly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other documents at the airport security checkpoint. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work for domestic flights. You can also use a commercial driver's license from a state that has not yet issued Real IDs, though this is rare now.

If you are traveling internationally, you must bring a passport no matter what. A Real ID driver's license will not get you through customs or immigration. For domestic travel only, any of the documents listed above will work at security.

How to get a Real ID at your state DMV

To get a Real ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring three types of documents: proof of identity (your current driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Pay the fee, which varies by state—some charge $10 to $15 extra for a Real ID, while others include it in the regular license renewal cost. Processing time is usually two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. You will receive your new card by mail with the star or circle symbol on it.

If you have changed your name since your last ID was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired card along with your other documents.

What happens if you do not have a Real ID at the airport

If you arrive at the airport with a regular driver's license that does not have the star symbol, TSA will not turn you away. Instead, you will go through additional security screening. This takes longer than the standard checkpoint process. You may be asked more questions and your bags may be searched more thoroughly.

The best approach is to bring a Real ID or passport to avoid the extra screening. If you know you do not have one, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow time for the additional process. Check your state's DMV website before your trip to confirm whether your current ID is Real ID compliant.

Real ID requirements by state

All 50 states now issue Real IDs, though the timeline for when they started varies. Some states began in 2009, while others did not start until 2017 or later. If you have held the same driver's license for many years, it may not be a Real ID even if your state now issues them.

The easiest way to check is to look at your card for the star or circle symbol. If you do not see it, your state's DMV website will tell you whether you need to renew to get a Real ID version. You do not have to renew your entire license early just to get Real ID—you can wait until your regular renewal date and request the Real ID version then. However, if you fly frequently, renewing early may be worth the cost.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If you have changed your name, you can get a Real ID with your new name. Bring the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your state DMV will issue a new card with your current legal name and the Real ID symbol.

If you are a lawful permanent resident or have a visa, you can get a Real ID in most states. Bring your passport and visa or green card along with the other required documents. Some states have different rules, so check your state DMV's website before you go. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still fly domestically with a valid passport or passport card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a Real ID?

Yes. A passport card is a valid travel document for domestic flights and works at TSA security checkpoints. It is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it is only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean—not for international air travel.

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

No. A military ID, including a dependent ID, is accepted at airport security for domestic flights. You do not need a Real ID if you have a valid military ID card.

What if my state has not issued me a Real ID yet?

All states now issue Real IDs, but if your current license does not have the star symbol, you can renew it to get one. Visit your state DMV with the required documents. If you need to fly before you can renew, bring a passport or other accepted document instead.

Can I fly with a Real ID that is expired?

No. Your ID must be valid and not expired to use it at security. If your Real ID has expired, bring a passport or other accepted document, or renew your ID before your flight.

Is a Real ID the same as a REAL ID?

Real ID is the federal standard; REAL ID is sometimes written in all capitals by government agencies, but they mean the same thing. Look for the star or circle symbol on your card to confirm it meets the standard.