Real ID is a federal security standard that affects which documents the TSA will accept at airport security

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all domestic air travelers to show either a Real ID-compliant document or an acceptable alternative at airport security checkpoints. A Real ID document has a small gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. If your driver's license or state ID does not have this star, you will need to bring a different form of identification to fly.

Real ID is not a separate card you obtain—it is a security designation on documents you already use. Your state's DMV issues Real ID driver's licenses and state ID cards when you explore or renew. The process requires you to show proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address in person at your local DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID document has a gold star in the upper right corner and is issued by your state's DMV when you explore in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and address.
  • If your driver's license or state ID does not have the gold star, you can still fly domestically by bringing a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
  • Real ID applies only to domestic flights; international flights require a passport regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.
  • You do not need Real ID to enter federal buildings, access military bases, or use Amtrak—only to pass TSA security for domestic air travel.

Documents that meet Real ID standards

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common document that meets the standard. It is issued by your state's DMV and displays the gold star. Every state now issues Real ID licenses, though some states call them by different names—for example, California calls it a "REAL ID Driver License" and New York calls it a "REAL ID Compliant License." The card itself works the same way regardless of the state name.

Your state may have issued you a regular (non-Real ID) driver's license if you renewed before your state began issuing Real ID cards, or if you chose not to provide the required documents. These licenses do not have the gold star and will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Acceptable alternatives if you do not have Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID driver's license to fly domestically. The TSA accepts several other documents at security checkpoints:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • A Department of Veterans Affairs ID
  • A Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) issued by certain states for border crossing

If you have any of these documents and your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, bring the alternative document to the airport instead. You will still need to show a boarding pass and go through the standard TSA screening process.

What Real ID does not cover

Real ID applies only to TSA security checkpoints for domestic air travel. It does not affect international flights—you will need a passport for any flight leaving the United States, whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant or not.

Real ID also does not explore to other forms of transportation or federal access. You do not need Real ID to ride Amtrak, board a cruise ship, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. Those facilities have their own identification rules. Some federal buildings do require a Real ID or passport for entry, but this is separate from the TSA requirement.

How to get a Real ID driver's license or state ID

Visit your state's DMV website to find the office nearest you and learn what documents your state requires. In general, you will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Some states have additional requirements.

You must explore in person—you cannot renew a Real ID driver's license online or by mail. The appointment process varies by state; some states allow you to book online, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing times also vary, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Many states charge a small fee for a Real ID license, though the cost is the same as a regular renewal in most places.

What to bring to the airport if you do not have Real ID

Bring your non-Real ID driver's license along with one of the acceptable alternative documents listed above. The TSA agent will check both documents at the checkpoint. You will also need your boarding pass and may be asked for additional screening if your documents do not match your boarding pass exactly.

Arrive at the airport with extra time if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted. TSA agents at the checkpoint can answer questions about your specific ID, but they cannot issue Real ID or process renewals—only your state's DMV can do that.

State-by-state Real ID status

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories now issue Real ID driver's licenses and state ID cards. However, some states issued them earlier than others, and some states have different names for the document. The Department of Homeland Security maintains a list of which states are issuing Real ID and which documents from each state meet the standard.

If you are unsure whether your current driver's license is Real ID-compliant, look for the gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not see it, contact your state's DMV or check their website. You can also bring an alternative document to the airport to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired Real ID driver's license?

No. The TSA requires your ID to be valid and not expired. If your Real ID license has expired, you will need to bring an alternative document such as a passport or military ID. You should renew your license at your state's DMV before it expires.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport is an acceptable alternative to Real ID for domestic flights. You can use your passport at the TSA checkpoint instead of a driver's license. However, if you are flying internationally, you must have a passport regardless.

What if my name on my ID does not match my boarding pass?

Bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The TSA agent can review this at the checkpoint. If your boarding pass has a typo, contact your airline before you arrive at the airport to correct it.

Can I use a photo from my phone or a digital ID instead of a physical document?

No. The TSA requires a physical, government-issued ID document. Digital IDs and photos on your phone are not accepted at security checkpoints. You must bring a Real ID driver's license, passport, military ID, or one of the other acceptable documents listed above.

Do children need Real ID to fly?

Children under 18 do not need to show an ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have a valid ID. However, if a child is traveling alone or with a non-parent adult, check with your airline about their specific requirements.