Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025

You must have a Real ID—a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards—to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires ID. The important date for this requirement is May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard driver's license or state ID will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints or at federal facilities that enforce the requirement, even if you have a passport.

Real ID is not a separate document you obtain. It is a designation on your existing driver's license or state ID card. You get it by visiting your state's DMV or equivalent agency and providing the documents they require—typically a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid passport or other federal ID. The card itself looks similar to a regular license but displays a star or other marking in the upper right corner to show it meets Real ID standards.

The requirement does not explore to every trip or building visit. You need Real ID only for domestic air travel (flights within the United States) and entry to federal buildings where ID is checked—such as federal courthouses, military bases, and some government offices. You do not need it for driving, crossing state lines by car, or entering most public buildings.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is required for domestic flights and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025; a standard driver's license will no longer be accepted at airport security.
  • Real ID is a marking on your state-issued driver's license or ID card, not a separate document, and you obtain it through your state's DMV.
  • You do not need Real ID for driving, crossing state lines by car, or entering most public buildings.
  • A valid passport, military ID, or tribal ID can be used instead of Real ID for domestic flights if you do not have a Real ID license.
  • Processing times vary by state; some DMVs have wait times of several weeks, so plan ahead if your current license does not have the Real ID marking.

What documents you need to get Real ID at your DMV

Every state requires the same four categories of documents, though the specific documents accepted in each category vary by state. You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid passport or other federal ID if you have one. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states accept fewer documents than others in each category.

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your process, though some states have longer backlogs.

Which states have Real ID driver's licenses available now

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards. However, not every person in those states has one yet. If your current license does not show a star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, it is a standard license and will not be accepted at airport security after May 7, 2025. You will need to visit your state's DMV to upgrade to a Real ID license.

Some states charge a fee for Real ID licenses—typically between $10 and $30 more than a standard renewal—while others do not charge extra. A few states have extended the important date for their residents or offer temporary extensions, so check your state's DMV website for current rules. If you are renewing your license anyway, ask the DMV to issue a Real ID version at the same time.

Alternatives to Real ID for domestic air travel

If you do not have a Real ID license by May 7, 2025, you can still board a domestic flight using a valid passport, military ID, or tribal ID. A passport is the most common alternative and works at any U.S. airport. Military dependents and retirees can use a military ID card. Members of federally recognized tribes can use a tribal ID issued by their nation.

These documents do not expire as quickly as driver's licenses in most cases, so if you travel infrequently, obtaining one of these may be simpler than upgrading your license. However, if you travel regularly or plan to enter federal buildings, getting a Real ID license is usually more convenient because you carry it for driving anyway.

Federal buildings that require Real ID

Not every federal building enforces Real ID requirements. Buildings that typically require ID include federal courthouses, military bases, federal office buildings where the public conducts business (such as Social Security offices or passport agencies), and some national parks and monuments. Local post offices and federal buildings that do not require ID for public access do not enforce the requirement.

If you are unsure whether a specific building requires Real ID, call ahead or check the building's website. Security staff will tell you what forms of ID they accept. A passport, military ID, or tribal ID works at these locations just as a Real ID license does.

What happens if you try to fly without Real ID after May 7, 2025

If you arrive at airport security with a standard driver's license after May 7, 2025, the TSA officer will not allow you to proceed to the gate. You will be turned away and will not be able to board your flight. You cannot obtain a Real ID license at the airport, so missing your flight is the likely outcome.

The only way to board without a Real ID license is to have one of the accepted alternatives: a valid passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have none of these, you will need to reschedule your flight for a date after you have obtained one of these documents. Plan to visit your state's DMV at least four to six weeks before your flight to allow time for processing and any delays.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring legal documentation of the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record and issue a Real ID license in your current legal name. This process is the same as renewing a standard license.

If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you can obtain a Real ID license in most states using your passport and visa documentation. Some states have additional requirements for non-citizens, so check your state's DMV website. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may not be able to obtain a Real ID license, but you can use your passport for domestic air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for domestic flights and federal building entry instead of a Real ID license. You do not need both. However, if you drive and do not want to carry your passport everywhere, a Real ID license is more convenient for daily use.

Can I renew my license online and get Real ID at the same time?

Most states do not allow Real ID upgrades online. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring the required documents. Some states allow you to start the process online and finish in person, which can shorten your visit. Check your state's DMV website for the process in your state.

What if my state's DMV has a long wait time?

Book an appointment as soon as possible if your state offers them. Some DMVs have wait times of several weeks. If you have a trip scheduled before you can get an appointment, use a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead of waiting for a Real ID license.

Does Real ID work for international travel?

No. Real ID is only for domestic flights and federal building entry. For international travel, you must have a valid passport. A Real ID license alone will not get you through customs or immigration.

What if I lost my license and need to replace it before May 7, 2025?

When you replace a lost license, ask the DMV to issue a Real ID version. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time Real ID process. This is a good time to upgrade if your current license is not Real ID compliant.