Real ID is a federal security standard for state driver's licenses and ID cards

Real ID is a set of security requirements that the federal government created after 2001. States that follow these rules can issue driver's licenses and ID cards that the federal government accepts for air travel, entry to military bases, and access to certain federal buildings. A Real ID-compliant license looks like a regular driver's license but has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner.

Not all states issue Real ID licenses yet, though most do. Some states issue both Real ID and non-Real ID licenses. If your state offers Real ID, you can choose to get one when you renew your license, or you can keep a standard license. You do not have to get Real ID to drive a car or use your license for everyday purposes like buying alcohol or entering a store.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you do not have one of these documents, you will not be able to pass through airport security, even with a ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is a security standard that makes a driver's license acceptable for federal purposes like flying domestically and entering federal buildings.
  • A Real ID license has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner and requires more documents to obtain than a standard license.
  • You will need a Real ID, passport, passport card, or military ID to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.
  • Getting a Real ID requires you to visit your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal status.
  • If your state does not yet issue Real ID licenses, a passport or passport card will work for federal purposes until your state implements the standard.

What documents you need to get Real ID

To get a Real ID license, you must go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person and bring original documents or certified copies. You cannot explore by mail or online. The documents fall into three categories: proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal status.

Proof of identity means a passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID. Proof of address means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of citizenship or legal status means a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa and I-94 form if you are not a citizen.

Bring the originals or certified copies—photocopies usually do not work. Some states accept documents from other states; others do not. Call your state's DMV before you go to confirm which documents they accept, because the list varies by state.

How the Real ID process process works at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV with your documents, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A clerk will review your documents, ask you to sign a form confirming you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and take a new photo if your current license photo is too old. You will pay a fee—the amount varies by state, usually between $20 and $50 for a Real ID license.

The DMV will then send your process to the state's records office to verify your identity and citizenship. This verification step is what makes Real ID different from a standard license. Once verified, your license will be printed and mailed to you, usually within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited printing for an extra fee.

If the state cannot verify your information, the DMV will contact you by phone or mail to ask for more documents. This can add weeks to the process, so bring everything on your first visit if possible.

Real ID versus a standard driver's license

A standard driver's license works for driving, buying alcohol, and proving your identity in everyday situations. It does not work for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing a military base. A Real ID license does all of those things.

The main difference is the security features and the verification process. Real ID licenses have a gold or metallic star, a machine-readable zone on the back, and security features like holograms or color-shifting ink. The state verifies your citizenship or legal status before issuing it, which takes longer than issuing a standard license.

If you do not want a Real ID license, you can keep renewing a standard license indefinitely. You will just need a passport or passport card if you want to fly domestically after May 7, 2025.

States that issue Real ID and states that do not

Most states now issue Real ID licenses. As of 2024, all 50 states and the District of Columbia either issue Real ID licenses or have announced plans to do so. However, some states took longer to implement the standard than others, and a few states initially resisted it.

If your state does not yet issue Real ID licenses, you can still fly domestically and access federal buildings with a passport or passport card. You can also check your state's DMV website to see when Real ID will become available. Some states allow you to renew your standard license online or by mail, while others require an in-person visit.

What happens if you do not have Real ID by May 7, 2025

If you do not have a Real ID license, passport, passport card, or military ID, you will not be able to board a domestic flight. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will turn you away at the security checkpoint, even if you have a ticket. You will not be able to reschedule your flight or get a refund from the airline.

The same rule applies to entering a federal building or a military base. If you need to access these places, you will need one of the four accepted documents. A standard driver's license will not work for these purposes after May 7, 2025.

If you are close to your license renewal date, you can renew early and request Real ID at the same time. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail for a standard license, but you must visit the DMV in person for Real ID.

Alternatives to Real ID for flying and federal access

If you do not want to get a Real ID license, you have three other options for boarding a domestic flight: a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID. A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain and costs $130 for an adult. A passport card costs $35 and takes the same time. A military ID is issued by the Department of Defense and is free for active-duty service members and veterans.

A passport or passport card also works for international travel, so it may be worth getting if you travel outside the United States. However, if you only fly domestically and do not travel internationally, a Real ID license is usually faster and cheaper than a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport, passport card, or military ID all work for boarding a domestic flight and entering federal buildings. You do not need Real ID if you have one of these documents. However, if you do not travel internationally and only fly domestically, a Real ID license may be more convenient because you carry it anyway for driving.

Can I renew my Real ID license by mail or online?

No. You must visit your state's DMV in person to get a Real ID license for the first time. Some states allow you to renew a Real ID license by mail if your documents have not changed, but you will need to check your state's DMV website. A standard license can usually be renewed by mail or online.

What if my state has not issued Real ID licenses yet?

As of 2024, all states have either issued Real ID licenses or announced plans to do so. If your state has not yet, you can use a passport, passport card, or military ID for federal purposes. Check your state's DMV website for the date when Real ID will become available.

How much does a Real ID license cost?

The cost varies by state, usually between $20 and $50 for a Real ID license. Some states charge the same price as a standard license; others charge extra for the security features. Call your state's DMV or check their website for the exact fee.

Can I get Real ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a legal resident. You will need to bring your visa and I-94 form or other proof of legal status. The rules vary by state, so call your DMV before you go to confirm what documents you need to bring.