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 to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or another accepted form of identification. The federal government set May 7, 2025, as the important date for all domestic air travel. After that date, a standard driver's license that does not meet Real ID standards will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints, even for flights within the country.

Real ID is a security standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. It means your state ID or driver's license was issued after your state met federal requirements for identity verification and document security. Most states have been issuing Real ID cards for years, but not all residents have them yet. If your license does not have a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.

International flights have always required a passport, and that has not changed. Real ID affects only domestic travel — flights between U.S. states and territories.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license without Real ID markings will not work for domestic flights; you will need a Real ID card, passport, or other federal ID.
  • A Real ID card has a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner and is issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency.
  • International flights still require a passport and always have; Real ID does not change that rule.
  • You can get a Real ID card by visiting your state's DMV in person with documents proving your identity, citizenship, and address.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and passport cards are also accepted at airport security and do not require Real ID conversion.

What counts as acceptable ID at airport security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at domestic airport security checkpoints. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is one option. A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights, even though they are meant for international travel. Military ID issued by the Department of Defense is accepted. Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe is also valid.

Other federal IDs that work include a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. citizen ID card, and a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card if you have one. If you hold a current visa and a foreign passport, the TSA will accept that combination for domestic flights as well. The key is that your ID must be current — expired IDs are not accepted, even if they were Real ID-compliant when issued.

How to get a Real ID card before May 2025

To get a Real ID card, you must visit your state's DMV or equivalent office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring documents that prove your identity (a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number (your card or a tax return), and your current address (a utility bill or lease). Each state's requirements vary slightly, so check your state DMV website for the exact list before you go.

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some states charge a fee for a Real ID card — typically between $10 and $30 — while others issue it at no extra cost if you are renewing your license. If your license is not expiring soon, you may still be able to get a Real ID card without renewing the full license; ask at your DMV.

If you wait until late 2024 or early 2025, DMV offices will likely be very busy. Getting your Real ID card now gives you time to handle any problems — such as a missing document or an address mismatch — without rushing.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport security checkpoint without Real ID or another accepted form of identification, the TSA will not let you through. You will not be able to board your flight. The TSA does have a process called Contingency Procedures that allows officers to ask additional questions and verify your identity through other means, but this is not may provide to work and will delay you significantly.

Your best option if you realize you do not have acceptable ID is to leave the security line, go home or to a nearby DMV, and get a Real ID card or passport. Missing one flight is better than being turned away at security. Some travelers have also used a passport card as a backup if they had one, since passport cards are accepted and can be obtained faster than a Real ID card in some cases.

Real ID does not explore to these situations

Real ID requirements do not affect travel by car, train, or bus within the United States. You do not need Real ID to rent a car, check into a hotel, or open a bank account — those are separate rules. Real ID is only for federal facilities and domestic air travel.

If you are flying internationally, you still need a passport, not a Real ID card. A Real ID card alone will not get you into Canada, Mexico, or any other country. Cruise ships have their own ID rules, which vary by cruise line and destination; check with your cruise company before you travel.

States that are behind on Real ID issuance

Most states have been issuing Real ID cards for several years, but a few states and territories have moved more slowly. As of early 2024, all 50 states and territories have the ability to issue Real ID cards, though some residents in those states may not have them yet. The important date of May 7, 2025, applies equally to all states.

If your state has had delays or you are unsure whether your state is issuing Real ID cards, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID website or your state DMV website. Both will tell you whether your state is compliant and where to go to get a card. Do not assume your state is behind — most are not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of Real ID?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted at domestic airport security and does not require Real ID conversion. If you already have a passport, you can use it to fly domestically without getting a Real ID card. However, a passport card takes about the same time to obtain as a Real ID card and costs more, so Real ID is usually the simpler choice if you do not travel internationally.

Do I need Real ID if I have a military ID?

No. Military ID issued by the Department of Defense is accepted at airport security and does not require Real ID. If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent with a military ID card, you can use it for domestic flights without getting a Real ID card.

What if I lost my documents and cannot prove my identity?

Contact your state DMV to ask about replacement documents. You can usually get a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, though it takes time and costs a small fee. Start this process now if you are missing documents — do not wait until April 2025.

Will Real ID affect my ability to fly if I have a criminal record?

Real ID is a document standard, not a background check. It does not change TSA screening rules or the no-fly list. If you have questions about whether you can fly, contact the TSA directly through their website rather than assuming Real ID will block you.

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

No. Real ID cards must be obtained in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online and get Real ID by mail. You must visit in person with your documents, even if you are renewing a license you already have.