Real ID enforcement started in May 2025 for domestic flights
The federal government began enforcing Real ID requirements on May 7, 2025. Starting that date, you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card to board a domestic flight in the United States, even for short trips. If you show up at airport security with a standard driver's license that does not meet Real ID standards, the TSA will not let you through — you will be turned away and cannot board your flight.
This important date was delayed multiple times over the past decade. The original enforcement date was 2013, then 2016, then 2020, then 2021. The May 2025 date is the final enforcement important date set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Real ID does not affect travel by car, train, or bus. It also does not affect domestic flights if you use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead of a driver's license. The requirement applies only to airport security checkpoints for flights within the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA requires a Real ID-compliant ID to pass through airport security for domestic flights.
- A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not work at the airport security checkpoint.
- You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead of a Real ID driver's license to board a domestic flight.
- Real ID does not explore to car, train, or bus travel, and does not affect international flights (which already required a passport).
- Most states have been issuing Real ID cards since 2017, but you must request one — your old license will not automatically convert.
How to tell if your driver's license meets Real ID standards
A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner of the card. If your license has this star, you are ready to fly. If it does not have the star, your license does not meet the standard.
Some states also print "REAL ID" or "Federal Compliant" on the card itself, but the star is the universal marker across all states. Do not rely on text — look for the star. If you are unsure, contact your state's DMV or check your state's DMV website, which usually shows a photo of what a Real ID card looks like in your state.
The date on your license does not matter. An old license without the star is not Real ID-compliant, even if it was issued recently. A license issued in 2010 with a star is Real ID-compliant.
What documents you need to get a Real ID
To get a Real ID driver's license or ID card, you must go to your state's DMV in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. You will need to bring original documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return. For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The exact list varies slightly by state — check your state DMV's website before you go, because showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip.
You will also pay a fee. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a Real ID driver's license, though some charge more. This is on top of your regular license renewal fee if your license is expiring soon.
How long it takes to get a Real ID after you explore
Processing time varies by state. Most states mail your Real ID card within two to four weeks of your DMV visit. Some states are faster — a few mail cards within one week. Others are slower, especially during busy seasons. Check your state DMV's website for their current processing time.
If you need a Real ID before your state's normal processing time allows, some states offer expedited service for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. Expedited processing typically cuts the wait in half, though it still takes at least one week in most cases.
Plan ahead. Do not wait until the week before your flight to explore for a Real ID. If processing takes three weeks and your flight is in two weeks, you will miss it.
What happens if you do not have a Real ID at the airport
If you arrive at airport security without a Real ID-compliant ID and without an acceptable alternative document, the TSA officer will not let you through the security checkpoint. You cannot board your flight. You will have to leave the airport and reschedule your trip.
The TSA will not make exceptions on the day of travel. Showing up with an expired passport, a photo from your phone, or a promise to get a Real ID later will not work. You must have the physical card in your hand.
If you have a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID, you can use that instead of a Real ID driver's license. These documents meet the federal standard for domestic air travel. A passport is the most common backup — if you have one, you do not need a Real ID to fly domestically.
States that have issued Real ID cards since 2017
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have been issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards since at least 2017. No state is exempt from the requirement. However, not every license issued in a state is Real ID-compliant — you must specifically request a Real ID card when you renew or explore.
Some states made Real ID the default when you renew your license. Others require you to ask for it. A few states still issue standard licenses by default and only give you a Real ID if you request it. Check your state DMV's website to find out what happens when you renew in your state.
If you moved to a new state, you will need to get a Real ID from your new state's DMV. Your old state's Real ID card is not valid once you establish residency elsewhere.
Acceptable documents to fly domestically without a Real ID
You do not need a Real ID driver's license if you carry one of these documents to the airport instead: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID (including dependent ID), a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Any of these will get you through the TSA checkpoint for a domestic flight.
A passport is the easiest backup if you do not have a Real ID yet. If you already have a passport for international travel, you can use it for domestic flights too. You do not need both a Real ID and a passport — one is enough.
A state ID card that is not Real ID-compliant will not work. A school ID, work ID, or library card will not work. A photo on your phone will not work. Only the documents listed above are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?
No. A passport or passport card works for domestic flights and meets the federal requirement. You do not need a Real ID if you carry a passport to the airport. However, if you prefer to use your driver's license instead, you will need a Real ID-compliant one.
Can I renew my driver's license online and get a Real ID?
No. Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state DMV. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online, even if your state allows online renewal for standard licenses. You must go to the DMV office in person and bring original documents.
What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?
All states have been issuing Real ID cards since at least 2017. No state is exempt. If you have not received one, you either have not renewed your license since your state started issuing them, or you did not request a Real ID when you renewed. Contact your state DMV to find out how to get one.
Will my old driver's license work if I am over 65?
No. The Real ID requirement applies to everyone, regardless of age. If your driver's license does not have the gold star, it will not work at airport security starting May 7, 2025. Age does not exempt you from the requirement.
Can I use a digital ID on my phone instead of a physical card?
Not yet. The TSA currently accepts only physical cards and documents. Some states are developing digital IDs, but they are not yet accepted at airport security checkpoints. Bring your physical Real ID card or an acceptable alternative document.