When You Need a Real ID to Fly Domestically

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

If you are flying within the United States on or after May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require you to show a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card at airport security. A regular driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not be accepted. This important date has been extended multiple times since it was first announced in 2005, but the TSA has confirmed May 7, 2025 as the enforcement date.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. The standard requires states to verify your identity documents more thoroughly than they did before and to include specific security features on the card itself. If your state has already upgraded to Real ID compliance, your current license may already meet the requirement — but you need to check, because not all states moved at the same pace.

This requirement applies only to domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport regardless of whether your ID is Real ID-compliant. If you are driving across state lines or entering a federal building, Real ID may also be required depending on the location, but this guide focuses on air travel.

Key Takeaways

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will not accept a regular driver's license at airport security unless it is Real ID-compliant.
Your state's DMV can tell you whether your current license meets Real ID standards, and you can usually check online or call to confirm.
If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can renew it to get a compliant card, or you can use a passport or passport card at security instead.
The process to upgrade to a Real ID license varies by state but typically requires you to visit the DMV in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Military ID, tribal ID, and certain other federal documents are also accepted at airport security and do not require Real ID compliance.

How to check if your license is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to find out is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. Real ID-compliant cards issued after the standard was adopted display a small star or other marking in the upper right corner of the card. The exact symbol varies by state — some use a gold star, others use a different design — but your state's DMV website will show you what to look for. If your card has this marking, you are already compliant and do not need to do anything before May 7, 2025.

If your card does not have the marking, or if you are unsure, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Most states allow you to check your status online by entering your license number, or you can call the DMV and ask. Some states also send a notice in the mail when they issue a Real ID-compliant card, so check any recent correspondence from your DMV. Do not rely on the card's expiration date — an old license that expired years ago will not be accepted even if it was issued before Real ID standards existed.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license or ID card

If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you will need to visit your state's DMV to renew or upgrade it. The process is not the same as a regular renewal. You must explore in person — you cannot renew by mail or online — and you will need to bring specific documents. Most states require proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). Some states have additional requirements, so check your DMV's website before you go.

The fee for a Real ID-compliant license or ID card is typically the same as a regular renewal, though some states charge a small additional fee. Processing time varies by state and by how busy your local DMV is — it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If you need the card quickly, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Plan ahead and do not wait until late April 2025 to explore, because the DMV will likely be overwhelmed as the May 7 important date approaches.

Acceptable documents at airport security after May 7, 2025

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of identification at airport security, but it is not the only one that will be accepted. You can also use a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a Trusted Traveler card (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI). If you have any of these documents, you do not need to upgrade your driver's license to fly domestically.

A passport is particularly useful if you travel internationally or if you do not want to visit the DMV. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book but serves the same purpose for domestic flights. Military ID is accepted for active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel. Tribal ID is accepted for members of federally recognized Indian tribes. If you already have one of these documents and it is not expired, you can use it instead of getting a Real ID license.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at airport security on or after May 7, 2025 without a Real ID-compliant license, passport, military ID, or other accepted document, the TSA will not allow you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. This is not a situation where you can pay a fee or fill out a form to proceed — you must have one of the accepted documents in your possession.

If this happens, your options are limited. You can leave the airport and return home to get an acceptable ID, but you will miss your flight. Some airports have an expedited ID verification process where TSA officers can contact your state's DMV to confirm your identity, but this is not may provide to work and can take time. The best approach is to check your ID status well before your flight and upgrade if needed.

Real ID requirements for minors and special cases

If you are traveling with a child under 18, the child does not need a Real ID-compliant ID to fly domestically. Children can travel with a birth certificate, passport, or passport card. However, if a minor has a state ID card or driver's license, it should be Real ID-compliant to be accepted at security. Some states issue ID cards to minors for identification purposes, and these cards are subject to the same Real ID standard as adult cards.

If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting the DMV in person, contact your state's DMV to ask about accommodations or alternative processes. Some states allow you to explore by mail or through a representative if you have documented medical reasons. If you are incarcerated or have other legal restrictions that prevent you from obtaining a Real ID license, a passport or passport card remains a valid alternative for domestic air travel.

Timeline and what to do now

The May 7, 2025 important date is firm, but you do not need to rush when ready. If your license already has the Real ID marking, you are set. If it does not, plan to visit your DMV sometime in the next few months — do not wait until April. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents you need to bring and whether you can schedule an appointment online. Some DMVs have long wait times, especially as the important date approaches, so going early gives you a better chance of getting in without a long delay.

If you travel frequently or prefer not to deal with the DMV, a passport or passport card is a good alternative. These documents are issued by the U.S. State Department and take longer to process than a state ID, so if you are considering this route, start the process soon. A passport book takes about four to six weeks to arrive under normal processing, or two to three weeks with expedited processing (for an additional fee).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is accepted at airport security and does not require Real ID compliance. If you already have a passport, you can use it to fly domestically without upgrading your driver's license.

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

Only if the renewal results in a Real ID-compliant card. A regular renewal of a non-compliant license will not automatically make it compliant. You must specifically request a Real ID upgrade when you renew, and you must bring the required documents in person to the DMV.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

All U.S. states and territories have adopted Real ID standards by now. If you are unsure whether your state is compliant, check your state's DMV website or call the DMV directly. You can also use a passport or passport card instead.

Can I fly with a Real ID license that is expired?

No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. An expired Real ID license will not be accepted at security. If your Real ID license is expiring soon, renew it before your flight.

Do I need Real ID for connecting flights?

Yes. You will need to show acceptable ID at security for your first flight, and if you have a connecting flight, you will go through security again at the connecting airport. The same Real ID requirement applies at each checkpoint.

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.