When You Need a REAL ID for Travel and Federal Buildings

You need a REAL ID if you want to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets security standards for state driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to board a domestic flight, even for a short trip within your state. You will also need one to enter certain federal facilities like military bases, nuclear power plants, and some federal courthouses.

A REAL ID is not a separate card you have to obtain. It is a designation on your existing state driver's license or ID card that shows it meets federal security standards. Most states have already begun issuing REAL ID-compliant documents, and many residents already have one without realizing it. You can check whether your current license qualifies by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card—the exact symbol varies by state.

If your license does not have that marking, you will need to visit your state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to upgrade it. The process is straightforward but requires documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and state residency.

Key Takeaways

You must have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025, or enter federal buildings like military bases and courthouses.
A REAL ID is a marking on your state driver's license or ID card, not a separate document—look for a small star in the upper right corner to see if you already have one.
If your license does not have the REAL ID marking, you can upgrade it at your state's DMV by bringing proof of identity, your Social Security number, and proof of state residency.
International travel by air does not require a REAL ID; a valid passport works instead, and you can use a passport card for domestic flights as well.

Who must have a REAL ID and when

The important date for REAL ID is May 7, 2025. After that date, the TSA will not accept a standard (non-REAL ID) driver's license or state ID card for domestic air travel. You will need either a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card).

Federal buildings that require REAL ID include military installations, federal courthouses, and facilities that handle nuclear materials or classified information. Not every federal building enforces this requirement—many post offices and Social Security offices do not—but you should assume any federal facility may ask for it. If you work at or frequently visit a federal building, check with that facility about its specific requirements.

Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically, but they do need a valid form of identification like a school ID, passport, or birth certificate. Once they turn 18, they will need a REAL ID or one of the accepted alternatives.

What documents you need to get a REAL ID

Your state's DMV will require you to bring documents in three categories: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of state residency. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the general pattern is the same everywhere.

For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID card so the DMV can process the upgrade. Some states require you to renew your license at the same time, which means paying a renewal fee even if your license is not yet expired. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm the exact fee and whether an appointment is required.

How the REAL ID upgrade process works at your DMV

Visit your state's DMV website and look for the REAL ID section. Most states let you schedule an appointment online, which can save you hours of waiting. Bring all the documents listed above, plus your current license. The DMV staff will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and process your upgrade.

The upgrade usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment and all your documents in order. If you are missing a document, the DMV will tell you what you need and you will have to return another day. Some states allow you to submit documents by mail or upload them online before your appointment, which can speed up the process.

Your new REAL ID-compliant license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use for travel until the card arrives. Keep that temporary document with you if you plan to fly before your new card is delivered.

States that have already issued REAL ID licenses

Most states have been issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses since 2018 or earlier. If you have renewed your driver's license in the past few years, you likely already have a REAL ID. Check the upper right corner of your license for a small star or other marking—the symbol differs by state, but all REAL ID cards have one.

A few states took longer to implement REAL ID, but all 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses. If you are unsure whether your state has started, visit the Department of Homeland Security's official REAL ID page, which lists every state and whether it is fully compliant. Your state's DMV website will also have information about REAL ID and how to check your current license.

What to do if you cannot get a REAL ID before the important date

If you cannot obtain a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you have other options for domestic air travel. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) will all work at airport security. You do not need a REAL ID specifically—you just need one of these accepted forms of identification.

If you do not have a passport and do not want to get one, a passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version that costs less and takes less time to obtain than a full passport. You can explore for one at your local passport acceptance facility (often a post office or courthouse) using Form DS-11. Processing times vary, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.

If you work at a federal building and cannot obtain a REAL ID, speak with your employer's security office. Some federal facilities have alternative procedures for employees who have valid reasons for not having a REAL ID, though this is less common than it was before the important date.

International travel and REAL ID

You do not need a REAL ID to travel internationally by air. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is required for international flights, regardless of whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant. If you already have a passport, you can use it for domestic flights as well, so you do not need to upgrade your license if you travel internationally.

If you are planning to drive to Canada or Mexico by car, you will need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, SENTRI card, or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A standard REAL ID driver's license is not sufficient for land border crossings. Check the requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of getting a REAL ID?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card all work for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You do not have to get a REAL ID if you have one of these documents.

What if my driver's license expired but I have not renewed it yet?

You can still upgrade to a REAL ID even if your license is expired. Bring your expired license along with the required documents to your state's DMV. Some states will issue you a new REAL ID license; others may require you to pay a renewal fee.

Do I need a REAL ID to drive a car?

No. A REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal buildings. You can continue to drive with a standard (non-REAL ID) driver's license indefinitely.

How much does it cost to upgrade to a REAL ID?

The cost varies by state. Most states charge between $10 and $30 for a REAL ID upgrade, though some charge more if you are also renewing your license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. The DMV will accept any of these as proof of your number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.