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

Real ID is a set of security requirements that the federal government created after the September 11 attacks. States that issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards must verify your identity more thoroughly than they did before — checking documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. When you fly domestically (within the United States), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now requires you to show either a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification.

You do not need Real ID to drive a car or use it for everyday purposes. The requirement applies only when you want to enter a federal building or board a domestic flight. If your state-issued driver's license or ID card has a star or marking in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant. If it does not, you can still fly — you just need to bring a different form of ID instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is a security standard for state ID cards and driver's licenses that requires states to verify your identity more carefully before issuing them.
  • You need either a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative (like a passport) to pass through TSA security at a domestic airport.
  • Most states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses by default, but you can check your license for a star symbol in the upper right corner to confirm.
  • If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID to the airport instead.

How to tell if your license is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. A Real ID-compliant license has a star symbol, usually gold or metallic, printed in the upper right corner of the card. Some states place it slightly differently, but it is always a star. If your license has this star, it meets the Real ID standard.

If your license does not have a star, it is not Real ID-compliant. This does not mean your license is invalid — it is still a legal form of ID for driving and other purposes. It straightforward means you cannot use it alone at the airport; you will need to bring an alternative form of identification instead.

You can also check your state's DMV website to see whether your license is Real ID-compliant. Most state DMV sites have a page explaining which licenses they issue with the Real ID star and which they do not.

What documents you need to get a Real ID license

When you go to your state's DMV to get a Real ID-compliant license, you will need to bring original documents or certified copies. The TSA publishes a list of acceptable documents on its website, but the general categories are: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card. Some states require you to appear in person; others allow you to renew by mail if your current license is still valid. Check your state DMV's website to see what process applies where you live.

The cost varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a Real ID license, though some charge the same amount as a regular license. Processing times also vary — some states issue them within days, while others take several weeks.

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

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID star, you can still fly domestically. You just need to bring one of these documents instead: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID (active duty or retired), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card (trusted traveler programs). Any of these will get you through TSA security.

The TSA website maintains a full list of acceptable forms of identification. If you are unsure whether a document you have will work, check that list before you go to the airport. Bringing the wrong document will slow down your security screening and may prevent you from boarding your flight.

When Real ID became required for flying

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, but the TSA did not begin enforcing the requirement at airport security checkpoints until May 7, 2025. Before that date, a non-Real ID driver's license was acceptable at the airport. Starting in May 2025, TSA officers will not accept a non-Real ID license as your only form of identification — you will need to bring an alternative document or have a Real ID-compliant license.

This important date has been extended several times over the years. The TSA originally planned to enforce it in 2016, then moved it to 2017, then 2018, and so on. The current important date is May 7, 2025, but it is worth checking the TSA website closer to that date in case there are any further changes.

Real ID and international travel

Real ID is not required for international flights. When you fly outside the United States, you must bring a valid passport regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant. The passport is what the U.S. government and the destination country use to verify your identity for international travel.

If you are flying domestically but your trip involves a connection through a foreign country, you still only need Real ID (or an alternative form of ID) for the domestic portion. You will need your passport for the international portion, but that is a separate requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail if I want a Real ID?

It depends on your state. Some states allow mail-in renewals for Real ID licenses if your current license is still valid and you have not changed your address. Others require you to appear in person at the DMV. Check your state DMV website to see what your state allows.

What if I lost my birth certificate or Social Security card?

You can request a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. Both take time, so plan ahead if you need these documents for a Real ID process.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport is an acceptable form of identification at the airport, so you do not need a Real ID license. You can continue using your non-Real ID license for driving and bring your passport when you fly domestically.

Will my old license stop working for driving after May 2025?

No. A non-Real ID license is still valid for driving a car, entering most buildings, and everyday use. The Real ID requirement applies only to federal buildings and domestic air travel. Your old license will continue to work for everything else.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Processing times vary by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses within a few days; others take several weeks. Check your state DMV website for the current processing time in your area. If you need it quickly, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.