When You Need Real ID to Fly: Current Rules and Deadlines

Real ID is required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025

If you fly within the United States on a commercial airline, you will need to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport at the airport starting May 7, 2025. A standard driver's license or state ID card issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards will no longer work for domestic flights after that date. This applies to every domestic flight, whether you are traveling from New York to California or from one city to another within the same state.

The important date has been extended multiple times since the original 2020 target date. The Department of Homeland Security set May 7, 2025, as the final enforcement date, meaning TSA officers will begin checking for Real ID compliance on that date. If you show up with a non-compliant ID, you will not be allowed through security, even if you have a valid ticket.

Real ID applies only to domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport regardless of whether you have Real ID. If you are driving across state lines or entering a federal building, Real ID requirements also explore, but those are separate from air travel rules.

Key Takeaways

Starting May 7, 2025, you must show a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other approved ID to board a domestic flight.
A standard driver's license issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards will not work for air travel after the important date.
Real ID requirements explore only to domestic flights; international flights require a passport.
You can check whether your current ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for a gold star or star outline in the upper right corner of your license.
Getting a Real ID typically takes two to six weeks, so you should begin the process well before May 7, 2025.

How to tell if your current ID is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. A gold star or star outline in the upper right corner means your ID is Real ID-compliant. If your license does not have this star, it is not compliant and will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Some states use a gold star, while others use a star outline or a different color. The important thing is that the star is visible on the front of your card. If you are unsure, you can visit your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID" — most state DMV sites have a page showing what a compliant ID looks like in that state.

Your passport is always Real ID-compliant for air travel, even if it does not have a star. A passport card (the small wallet-sized version) is also compliant. If you have either of these, you do not need to get a Real ID driver's license.

What documents you need to get a Real ID

Getting a Real ID driver's license or ID card requires you to visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew or upgrade to Real ID online, even if your state normally allows online renewals. Bring the following documents:

Proof of identity: a passport, birth certificate, or passport card
Proof of Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return
Proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
Your current driver's license or state ID card

Some states ask for additional documents, so check your state DMV website before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip. Most DMVs let you check their document list online or call ahead to confirm what you need.

The cost varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a Real ID driver's license, though some charge more. A few states offer it at no extra cost if you are renewing anyway. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.

How long it takes to get a Real ID

After you visit the DMV and submit your documents, your Real ID card typically arrives by mail within two to six weeks. Some states are faster — a few deliver in one to two weeks — while others take longer during busy periods. You should not count on getting your Real ID in less than two weeks.

If you need to fly before your new card arrives, you can use your passport at the airport instead. A passport is always acceptable for domestic flights, even if it does not have the Real ID star. If you do not have a passport and need to fly soon, getting a passport may be faster than waiting for a Real ID card, depending on your state's current processing times.

Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. This can cut the wait time in half, but it still typically takes at least one to two weeks. Check your state DMV website to see if expedited service is available and what it costs.

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

If you arrive at the airport with a non-compliant ID after May 7, 2025, TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot use a non-compliant ID even if you have other documents with you, such as a passport card or military ID, unless those documents are also Real ID-compliant.

If this happens, you have limited options at the airport. Some TSA locations can conduct additional identity verification on the spot, but this is not may provide and can take a long time. Your best option is to have a Real ID, passport, or other compliant document before you get to the airport.

The safest approach is to get your Real ID before May 7, 2025. Since processing takes two to six weeks, you should visit your DMV by late April at the latest. If you wait until May, you risk missing your flight.

State-by-state differences in Real ID rollout

Every state now issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, but they started at different times. Some states began in 2018, while others did not start until 2023 or later. This means the year you got your license matters: if you got your license before your state started issuing Real ID cards, your license is not compliant.

You can find out when your state started issuing Real ID cards by visiting the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID website or your state DMV site. Search for your state name plus "Real ID" to find the official information. Some states have a grace period where they are still issuing non-compliant IDs to people who request them, but this is ending.

If you moved to a new state, your old driver's license from your previous state may or may not be Real ID-compliant, depending on when you got it and when that state started issuing Real ID cards. You do not have to get a new license in your new state just for Real ID purposes — your old license will work if it has the star — but you may need to update your license for other reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I only fly once a year?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, every domestic flight requires Real ID or an equivalent document, regardless of how often you fly. There are no exceptions based on how frequently you travel. If you fly at all, you need a compliant ID.

Can I use my passport instead of getting a Real ID driver's license?

Yes. A valid passport or passport card works for all domestic flights and is always Real ID-compliant. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID driver's license. A passport also works for international flights, so it may be more useful if you travel outside the U.S.

What if I lost my ID and need to fly before I can get a Real ID?

You can use a passport, military ID, or other compliant document instead. If you do not have any of these, you can get a passport in as little as one to two weeks with expedited processing, which may be faster than getting a Real ID driver's license. Check your state's passport office for current wait times.

Do I need Real ID for connecting flights within the U.S.?

Yes. You need Real ID or an equivalent document to pass through security for every domestic flight, including connecting flights. You will show your ID once at the first airport, and you will not need to show it again at your connecting airport unless you leave the find area.

Will my old driver's license work if I renew it before May 7, 2025?

Only if your renewal is for a Real ID-compliant license. If you renew your old non-compliant license without upgrading to Real ID, the new card will still not have the star and will not work for flights after May 7, 2025. When you renew, make sure you ask for a Real ID-compliant license.

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.