Real ID enforcement for domestic flights started in May 2025

The federal government began enforcing Real ID requirements for domestic air travel on May 7, 2025. Starting that date, every passenger 18 and older must present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or bring an alternative form of identification, to board a domestic flight. This applies to all commercial flights within the United States, including flights to U.S. territories.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. The requirement does not mean you need a special "Real ID card" — most states have been issuing Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs as their standard product for years. You likely already have one without knowing it.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID, you can still fly domestically by bringing an alternative document instead. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. You will just go through a slightly longer verification process at security.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID enforcement began May 7, 2025, and applies to all passengers 18 and older on domestic flights.
  • Most state driver's licenses and IDs issued in recent years are already Real ID-compliant, though you should check your state's website to confirm.
  • If your ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly by bringing a passport, military ID, or other federal document instead.
  • Getting a Real ID-compliant license or ID requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV with documents proving your identity, residency, and citizenship or legal status.

How to tell if your ID is Real ID-compliant

Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs have a star symbol in the upper right corner. If your license has that star, you are set for domestic flights. If it does not, your state may still have issued it as compliant — the star is just the visual marker.

The safest way to know is to check your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV Real ID" and look for a page that lists which licenses are compliant. Some states switched all their licenses to Real ID years ago; others still issue both compliant and non-compliant versions depending on what you request. Your state's site will tell you which category your license falls into.

If you are not sure whether you have a Real ID-compliant ID and do not want to check online, bring your passport or military ID to the airport instead. It takes a few extra minutes at security, but you will board the same flight.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license or ID at your DMV

To get a Real ID-compliant license or ID, you must visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring documents proving three things: your identity, your current address, and your citizenship or legal immigration status.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address. For citizenship or legal status, bring a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document — the exact list varies by state.

Check your state's DMV website before you go to see the exact documents they want. Some states accept a wider range of documents than others. Bring more than you think you need; it is better to have extras than to make a second trip.

The fee for a Real ID-compliant license or ID is usually the same as a regular renewal, though some states charge a small extra fee. Processing time varies — some states issue it on the spot, others mail it within weeks. Plan ahead if you have a trip coming up.

What to do if you cannot get a Real ID before your flight

If you have a flight booked and do not have a Real ID-compliant ID, bring one of these documents instead: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, federal employee ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card. Any of these will work at airport security.

You will go through the same security screening as everyone else, but the TSA officer will take a bit longer to verify your document. This does not make you miss your flight — it just means the security line takes a few extra minutes. Arrive at the airport with the same amount of time you normally would.

If you do not have any of these documents and your flight is soon, you have two options: postpone the trip, or get an expedited passport. An expedited passport takes about two weeks and costs more than a standard one, but it is a federal document that works for flying. Check the State Department website for passport process locations near you.

Real ID does not explore to international flights or other travel

Real ID is only for domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport regardless of whether your state ID is Real ID-compliant. A passport is the only document that works for leaving and re-entering the United States.

Real ID also does not explore to other forms of travel. You do not need it to drive, to board a train, to enter a federal building, or to cross a land border — though some of those have their own requirements. Real ID is specifically for domestic air travel.

Why Real ID took so long to enforce

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, but enforcement kept getting delayed. The original important date was 2008. The government pushed it back multiple times — to 2013, then 2016, then 2020, then 2021. The final delay came in 2021, when the important date moved to May 2025.

The delays happened because states needed time to update their systems and issue new licenses, and because there was ongoing debate about whether the requirement was necessary. By 2025, most states had been issuing Real ID-compliant licenses for years, so the enforcement date was less disruptive than it would have been earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I am under 18?

No. Passengers under 18 do not need Real ID or any federal ID to fly domestically. A school ID, birth certificate, or any form of identification that shows your name and age is enough. You still need to be on the passenger list, but you do not need to show ID at security.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?

Most states allow online renewal for regular licenses, but Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit because the DMV must verify your documents. If you are renewing a non-compliant license online, you will get another non-compliant one. You must go to the DMV in person to switch to Real ID.

What if my state ID is expired but has the Real ID star?

An expired ID with the Real ID star will not work at airport security. You need a valid, unexpired ID. Renew it at your DMV before your flight, or bring a passport or military ID instead.

Do I need Real ID for connecting flights within the United States?

Yes. Every domestic flight, including connections, requires Real ID or an alternative federal document. If you are connecting through a U.S. airport on your way to an international destination, you still need Real ID for the domestic leg — your passport covers the international leg.

Can I use a Real ID-compliant ID from another state?

Yes. A Real ID-compliant license or ID from any state works for domestic flights. You do not need to have a license from the state where you live or where you are flying from.