Real ID enforcement began in May 2023 for domestic flights

The federal government started enforcing Real ID requirements on May 7, 2023. On that date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began turning away passengers at airport security checkpoints who presented a standard driver's license or state ID card instead of a Real ID-compliant document. This important date applies to domestic flights only — flights within the United States, including to and from U.S. territories.

Before May 2023, TSA accepted any valid state-issued ID at security. Now, if your license or ID does not meet Real ID standards, you will need to bring an alternative document like a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID to pass through security. The enforcement date has not changed since it was announced, and there are no further delays planned.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID enforcement at airport security started May 7, 2023, and applies to all domestic flights.
  • A standard driver's license or state ID issued before your state became Real ID-compliant will not work at security checkpoints.
  • You can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID even if your state ID is not Real ID-compliant.
  • Each state began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses on different dates, so the year your license was issued matters more than your state.

How to tell if your ID is Real ID-compliant

Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards have a gold or black star in the upper right corner. If your license has this star, it meets the federal standard and you can use it at airport security. If there is no star, your ID is not Real ID-compliant.

The star is the only visual marker you need to check. You do not need to look at the back of the card or check any other features. If you are unsure whether your license has the star, hold it up to the light and look at the top right area carefully — the star is small but visible.

Which states issue Real ID licenses and when they started

Every state now issues Real ID-compliant licenses, but they did not all start at the same time. Some states began offering them in 2009, while others did not start until 2017 or later. The year your state began issuing Real ID licenses does not matter for the May 2023 important date — what matters is whether your individual license has the star.

If you renewed your license after your state started issuing Real ID cards, your new license should have the star. If you renewed before your state began the program, your license will not have the star even if you live in a state that now offers them. You can renew your license early to get a Real ID-compliant version, or you can bring a passport or other acceptable document to the airport instead.

What documents work at airport security if your ID is not Real ID-compliant

You have several options if your driver's license does not have the Real ID star. A U.S. passport or passport card works at any airport security checkpoint. A military ID, including a dependent ID card, also works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe is acceptable as well.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still fly — you will just need to go through additional identity verification at the security checkpoint. TSA will ask you questions to confirm your identity, which takes extra time. Bringing a passport or military ID is faster and simpler than answering verification questions, but it is not required.

Real ID requirements for federal buildings and military bases

Real ID enforcement also applies to federal buildings and military bases, though the timeline is different from airports. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or an alternative document to enter a federal building or military installation. This gives you two years after the airport important date to get a compliant ID if you have not already.

If you work at a federal building or military base, check with your employer about their specific requirements and any transition period they may offer. Some federal agencies have their own ID systems that override the Real ID requirement for employees, so your workplace rules may differ from the general important date.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license in your state

To get a Real ID-compliant license, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person — you cannot renew online for Real ID. Bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and state residency. Your state DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, and the list varies by state.

Processing times vary widely depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them to you within one to two weeks. If you are planning to fly soon and do not have a Real ID license, bring a passport instead rather than waiting for a new license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still fly with a regular driver's license after May 2023?

No, not at the security checkpoint. If your license does not have the Real ID star, TSA will not accept it. You will need to bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. You can still go through security — you will just need to bring one of these alternative documents.

Do I need Real ID for flights to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean?

No. Real ID applies only to domestic flights within the United States. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant. Check the destination country's entry requirements as well, since some countries have their own rules.

What if I lost my passport and my license is not Real ID-compliant?

You can bring other documents to the airport. A military ID, tribal ID, or even a state ID without the Real ID star can work — TSA will ask you additional questions to verify your identity. This takes longer than presenting a Real ID license, but you can still fly. You can also explore for a passport card, which is faster and cheaper than a full passport book.

Do I need Real ID to rent a car or check into a hotel?

No. Real ID is a federal requirement for airport security, federal buildings, and military bases only. Car rental companies and hotels have their own ID requirements, which do not include the Real ID star. A standard driver's license works for those purposes.