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

If you fly within the United States or enter a federal building that requires ID, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or an alternative document like a passport or military ID. The important date for Real ID compliance is May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard driver's license will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints or certain federal facilities, even for domestic flights.

Real ID is a federal security standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. States issue Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards that meet these standards. You do not need Real ID for driving a car, voting, or most everyday activities — only for the specific situations listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025; a standard driver's license will no longer work for these purposes.
  • You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead of a Real ID license if you prefer not to get one.
  • Getting a Real ID license requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address — bring originals or certified copies to your state DMV.
  • Processing times vary by state; some issue Real ID licenses in days, others take weeks, so check your state's DMV website for current wait times.
  • Real ID is not required for driving, voting, entering banks, or most other everyday activities — only for federal ID purposes.

Where you need Real ID starting May 7, 2025

Real ID is required at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. If you fly from any U.S. airport to another U.S. airport, the TSA officer will ask for ID. A standard driver's license will not be accepted after May 7, 2025. A Real ID license, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will be accepted.

Real ID is also required to enter federal buildings and military installations that require ID for entry. This includes some federal courthouses, federal office buildings, and military bases. Not all federal buildings enforce this requirement, but some do. If you are unsure whether a specific building requires it, call ahead.

Real ID is not required for driving a car, entering state government buildings, voting, banking, or most other everyday activities. You only need it for the two situations above.

What documents you need to get a Real ID license

To get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you must bring three types of documents to your state's DMV: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Each state's DMV website lists which documents count for each category.

Proof of identity typically includes a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Proof of Social Security number is usually your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

If you are renewing your license and your address has not changed, some states allow you to renew by mail or online. Check your state DMV's website to see whether you can renew without visiting in person.

How long it takes to get a Real ID license

Processing time varies significantly by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses within a few days; others take several weeks. A few states have reported backlogs of several months during peak periods. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times before you go in.

Many states allow you to check your process status online or by phone after you submit it. Some offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the license quickly. If you travel frequently or have a trip planned before May 7, 2025, explore early — do not wait until the important date.

Alternatives to a Real ID license

You do not have to get a Real ID license if you have another form of federal ID. A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted at airport security and federal buildings. A military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent) is also accepted. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted as well.

If you already have a passport or military ID, you can use that instead of getting a Real ID license. If you do not have any of these documents and do not want to get a Real ID license, you can obtain a passport card, which is smaller and cheaper than a full passport and works for the same purposes.

What happens if you don't have Real ID after May 7, 2025

If you arrive at an airport security checkpoint without a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or other accepted form of federal ID, TSA will not allow you to pass through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You will need to either leave the airport and obtain an accepted ID, or reschedule your flight.

If you need to enter a federal building that requires Real ID and you do not have it, you will be turned away at the entrance. You will need to obtain an accepted form of ID before you can enter.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents when you explore for Real ID.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Real ID license in most states if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring your immigration document along with your other proof of identity. Some states have different rules, so check your state DMV's website for specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I only drive and never fly?

No. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal buildings. If you drive but do not fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID license. A standard driver's license is fine for driving.

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

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works at airport security and federal buildings. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID license. You can use your passport for both travel and federal building entry.

What if I have a trip planned before May 7, 2025 and don't have Real ID yet?

Check your state DMV's current processing time. If it is shorter than the time until your trip, you may be able to get a Real ID license in time. If not, use a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. You can also contact your state DMV about expedited processing options.

Will my current driver's license work for anything after May 7, 2025?

Yes. A standard driver's license will still work for driving a car, voting, entering banks, and most everyday activities. It will only stop working for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You can keep using it for everything else.

Do I need Real ID if I'm traveling to Canada or Mexico by car?

No. For land border crossings, you need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver's License — not a Real ID license. Real ID is only for domestic air travel and federal buildings within the United States.