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

If you are flying within the United States on a commercial airline, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or an alternative form of federal identification. This requirement applies to all domestic flights—even short regional trips. The important date for compliance is May 7, 2025, which means any standard driver's license or state ID issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards will no longer work at airport security checkpoints after that date.

Real ID is a federal security standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. States began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in 2009, but adoption has been gradual. Your current ID is Real ID-compliant only if it displays a gold star or other state-specific marking in the upper right corner. If you do not see this marking, you will need to renew your ID or carry an alternative form of identification when you fly.

The requirement does not explore to travel by car, train, or bus within the United States. You also do not need Real ID for international flights if you have a valid passport. However, a Real ID license is the simplest option for most domestic air travelers because you likely already carry it.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, domestic airline passengers must show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID with the Real ID marking, or an alternative federal ID at airport security.
  • Real ID licenses display a gold star or similar marking in the upper right corner; standard licenses without this marking will not be accepted for domestic flights after the important date.
  • You do not need Real ID for car, train, or bus travel within the United States, or for international flights if you have a valid passport.
  • If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can renew it at your state's DMV or carry an alternative form of federal ID such as a passport, military ID, or passport card.
  • The Real ID requirement applies to all domestic flights, including connecting flights and flights under two hours.

What counts as acceptable identification at airport security

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the most common form of identification for domestic air travel, but it is not the only option. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of federal identification at airport security checkpoints.

Acceptable forms of federal ID include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, federal employee ID, trusted traveler program cards (such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck), and a state ID or driver's license that displays the Real ID marking. If you do not have a Real ID license, you can use any of these alternatives without delay. A passport is particularly useful because it works for both domestic and international travel and does not expire as quickly as some other forms of ID.

State ID cards and driver's licenses that do not have the Real ID marking will be rejected at airport security after May 7, 2025. This includes licenses issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards, even if the license itself is still valid for driving. You will need to either renew your license to get the Real ID version or carry one of the alternative forms of federal ID listed above.

How to check if your license is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to know if your license is Real ID-compliant is to look for a gold star, a gold circle, or another distinctive marking in the upper right corner of your card. The exact marking varies by state—some states use a star, others use a circle or a different symbol—but it will be clearly visible and different from the rest of the card design. If you see this marking, your license is Real ID-compliant and will work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

If your license does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant. This does not mean your license is invalid for driving; it straightforward means it will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel. You can still use your license for other purposes, but you will need to carry an alternative form of federal ID when you fly.

If you are unsure whether your license has the marking, you can check your state's DMV website, which usually shows an image of what a Real ID license looks like in your state. You can also call your local DMV office and describe your license to confirm its status. Many states also allow you to check online by entering your license number.

How to renew your license to get Real ID compliance

To get a Real ID-compliant license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person. You cannot renew to Real ID status online or by mail in most states. When you go to the DMV, bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

The exact documents required vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go. Some states require original documents; others accept copies. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your renewal, so verify the list ahead of time. The fee for renewing to Real ID status is usually the same as a regular license renewal, though some states charge a small additional fee.

Processing times vary by state and by how busy your local DMV is. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them to you within one to three weeks. If you need your Real ID license before May 7, 2025, plan to renew at least a month in advance to account for processing and mailing time. If your current license expires before May 7, you will need to renew anyway, so you might as well get the Real ID version at the same time.

Real ID requirements for international travel

You do not need a Real ID license for international flights. Instead, you must carry a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other accepted travel document. A passport is the standard form of identification for international air travel and is required by the countries you are visiting, not just by the TSA.

If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by air, you will need a passport or passport card. If you are driving to Canada or Mexico, you may be able to use an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) instead of a passport, though a passport is still the most widely accepted form of ID. Check the requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

A Real ID license alone is not sufficient for international flights. Even if your license is Real ID-compliant, you will still need a passport to board an international flight. The Real ID requirement applies only to domestic air travel within the United States.

What happens if you show up without acceptable identification

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID license or an acceptable alternative form of federal ID, the TSA will not allow you to pass through security. You will not be able to board your flight. The TSA may allow you to use a secondary form of identification (such as a credit card and a Social Security card together) to verify your identity, but this process is slow and may cause you to miss your flight.

If you realize you do not have acceptable ID before you reach the airport, you have a few options. If you have time, you can go to your local DMV and request an expedited Real ID renewal, though this may cost extra and is not available in all states. You can also carry an alternative form of federal ID such as a passport or military ID. If you are already at the airport, contact the TSA officer at security to ask about secondary identification options, but do not count on this working—it is much better to have acceptable ID before you arrive.

The best approach is to check your license now and renew it to Real ID status if needed. If your license expires soon anyway, renew it to Real ID status at the same time. This way, you will not have to worry about identification when you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for both domestic and international flights and does not require Real ID. If you have a passport, you can use it instead of a Real ID license for any flight. However, a Real ID license is more convenient for domestic flights because you do not have to carry your passport.

Will my old driver's license work after May 7, 2025?

No, not for domestic flights. After May 7, 2025, any driver's license or state ID without the Real ID marking will be rejected at airport security. You will need to renew your license to get the Real ID version, or carry an alternative form of federal ID such as a passport or military ID.

Can I renew my license online to get Real ID?

Most states require you to renew in person at the DMV to get a Real ID license. A few states may allow online renewal for certain situations, but you should check your state's DMV website to confirm. In-person renewal ensures you bring the correct documents and can have your identity verified.

How much does it cost to renew my license for Real ID?

The cost varies by state. Most states charge the same fee for a Real ID renewal as a regular license renewal, which is typically between $20 and $50. Some states charge a small additional fee for Real ID compliance. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost.

Do I need Real ID for connecting flights?

Yes. Even if you are connecting through another airport, you must show acceptable identification at security for each leg of your journey. A Real ID license or alternative federal ID is required for all domestic flights, including connections.