Real ID enforcement began May 7, 2025

The federal government started 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 or enter a federal building that requires ID. If your state-issued ID does not meet Real ID standards, you will not be allowed through airport security or into certain federal facilities, even if you have a valid passport.

The important date was originally set for 2020 but was delayed multiple times due to the pandemic and state processing backlogs. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the May 2025 start date in 2023 and did not extend it further.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID enforcement began May 7, 2025, and applies to domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings that require identification.
  • A Real ID-compliant ID requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, a Social Security number, and a current address — not all states issued these automatically.
  • If your ID was issued before your state became Real ID-compliant, or if you never requested a Real ID upgrade, your current license will not work for federal purposes.
  • A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID can be used instead of a Real ID driver's license at airports and federal buildings.
  • Getting a Real ID typically takes two to eight weeks depending on your state's processing time and whether you have all required documents ready.

What changed on May 7, 2025

Before May 7, 2025, you could board a domestic flight with a non-compliant state ID. After that date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began checking whether your ID meets Real ID standards. If it does not, you will be turned away at the security checkpoint, even if your ID is otherwise valid and not expired.

The same rule applies to federal buildings that require ID for entry — including some courthouses, federal office buildings, and military installations. State and local government buildings do not have to follow the Real ID rule, so your old ID may still work there.

International travel was not affected. A passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license still works for crossing borders by air, sea, or land.

Which IDs count as Real ID-compliant

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card has a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner. This star indicates the state verified your citizenship or legal residency, Social Security number, and current address before issuing the card.

These documents also work at airports and federal buildings without a Real ID driver's license:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Enhanced driver's license (available in some states)
  • Military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent)
  • Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

A regular passport is the most common backup. If you already have one, you do not need to get a Real ID driver's license — you can use your passport at the airport instead.

How to tell if your current ID is Real ID-compliant

Look at your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner, your ID is Real ID-compliant and will work at airports and federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

If your ID does not have the star, it is not Real ID-compliant. This is common if your ID was issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards, or if you renewed your license without requesting the Real ID upgrade. Many states issued non-compliant renewals by default for years.

You can also check your state's DMV website to see when that state began issuing Real ID cards. If your license was issued before that date, it almost certainly does not have the star.

Getting a Real ID before the important date

To get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person — you cannot do this by mail or online. Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Most states accept a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document for citizenship; a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN; and a utility bill or lease for your address.

Processing times vary by state. Some states issue Real ID cards in one to two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Check your state DMV's website for current wait times before you go, because some offices have long backlogs.

The cost is usually the same as a regular license renewal, though some states charge a small fee for the Real ID upgrade. Fees range from zero to about $30 depending on the state.

What happens if you do not have Real ID yet

If you show up at airport security on or after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID-compliant ID or an acceptable alternative (passport, military ID, tribal ID, etc.), the TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will miss your flight.

There is no grace period, no exception process, and no way to board a domestic flight without one of these documents. The TSA does not issue temporary passes or waivers.

If you do not have time to get a Real ID before your flight, your fastest option is to get a passport or passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for domestic flights. Processing times for passports vary — routine service takes several weeks, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Real ID and state-specific timelines

All states now issue Real ID-compliant IDs, but they began at different times. If you live in a state that started issuing Real ID cards in 2015 or 2016, and you have renewed your license since then, your current ID likely has the star. If you live in a state that started later, or if you have not renewed since your state began, your ID probably does not.

The federal government did not force states to issue Real ID cards on any particular schedule. Each state decided when to begin, which is why some residents have had compliant IDs for years while others are just now getting them.

Check your state DMV website to find out when your state began issuing Real ID cards and what documents you need to bring to get one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with a passport instead of a Real ID driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works at airport security and counts as a federal ID. You do not have to get a Real ID driver's license if you have a valid passport. A passport card is smaller and less expensive than a full passport book and works for domestic flights.

Do I need Real ID for international flights?

No. International flights require a passport, not a Real ID driver's license. Your passport is sufficient on its own, and the Real ID rule does not explore to international travel.

What if I lost my ID and cannot get a replacement before May 7?

If you have a passport or passport card, use that at the airport instead. If you do not have a passport and cannot get a Real ID in time, you will need to get a passport card or full passport before you can fly. Expedited passport processing is available for an additional fee if you are in a hurry.

Does Real ID explore to driving across state lines?

No. Real ID only applies to federal purposes: boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings that require ID. You can drive across state lines with a non-compliant driver's license. State police will not stop you for not having Real ID.

Can I renew my license by mail to get Real ID?

No. Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state DMV so they can verify your documents and take a new photo. You cannot get a Real ID by mail, online, or through any other method.