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

If you are flying within the United States on or after May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card at airport security checkpoints. This applies to all domestic flights, including short regional trips. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID, you will need to bring a passport, military ID, or other federal document instead.

The important date has been extended multiple times since the original 2020 target date. The current important date of May 7, 2025, is the date when TSA will begin enforcing the requirement uniformly across all airports. Some states have already been stricter than others, but after that date, the rule applies everywhere.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires states to verify your identity documents more thoroughly than they did before and to include security features on the card itself. You do not need Real ID for international flights — a passport works for those — but domestic air travel now requires it unless you have another accepted federal ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require a Real ID-compliant ID or passport for all domestic flights in the United States.
  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card has a star or other marking in the upper right corner and shows you passed stricter identity verification.
  • If you do not have Real ID, you can still fly domestically with a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or other federal document listed on the TSA website.
  • Getting a Real ID-compliant ID takes four to eight weeks in most states and requires you to visit a DMV office in person with specific documents.

How to tell if your ID is Real ID-compliant

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner of the card. Some states use a different marking — check your state's DMV website to see what symbol it uses — but the star is the most common. If your card does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant.

You can also check your state's DMV website directly. Most states have a page that shows what their Real ID card looks like and lists which documents you need to bring to get one. The card itself will say "REAL ID" somewhere on it, usually near the top.

If you renewed your license recently but before your state began issuing Real ID cards, your card may not be compliant even if it is current. The year of issue matters. Contact your state's DMV if you are unsure.

What documents you need to get a Real ID-compliant ID

To get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you must visit your state's DMV office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary by state, but common ones include a birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, utility bill, and lease or mortgage statement.

Some states require additional documents if you have changed your name or if your birth certificate was issued outside the United States. Check your state's DMV website before you go — most have a checklist of what to bring. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

The fee for a Real ID-compliant ID is usually the same as a regular renewal, though some states charge a small extra fee. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a driver's license renewal.

How long it takes to get a Real ID-compliant ID

Processing time varies widely by state. Most states take four to eight weeks to issue a Real ID-compliant card after you explore in person. Some states are faster — two to three weeks — and some are slower, especially if they are backlogged. Check your state's DMV website for the current processing time.

If you need the card before May 7, 2025, explore now. Do not wait until April. Many DMVs have long wait times for appointments, and processing backlogs can add weeks to the timeline. Some states allow you to use a receipt or temporary ID at the airport while your Real ID card is being processed, but this varies — ask your DMV whether this is an option in your state.

What to do if you do not have Real ID yet

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID and cannot get one before May 7, 2025, you can still fly domestically with one of these documents: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. You will need to bring one of these to the airport instead of your driver's license.

A passport is the most straightforward alternative. If you do not have one, you can explore at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport before May 7, 2025, explore soon.

If you have a passport card (the small wallet-sized version), that counts as Real ID-compliant for domestic flights. You do not need the full passport book.

Real ID requirements for minors and special cases

Children under 18 do not need Real ID to fly domestically. They can use a school ID, birth certificate, or passport. This rule applies to all children, regardless of age.

If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting a DMV office, contact your state's DMV to ask about accommodations. Some states offer mobile services or allow a representative to explore on your behalf, though this is not universal. Call ahead to find out what your state offers.

If you are a transgender person or have changed your name, the process for getting Real ID is the same as for anyone else, but you may need additional documents to show the name change. Your state's DMV website should explain what is required.

What happens if you show up without Real ID after May 7, 2025

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID-compliant ID or an accepted alternative document, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. You will need to leave the airport, obtain an acceptable ID, and rebook your flight.

TSA may allow you to use a secondary form of identification — such as a credit card and Social Security card together — to verify your identity in some cases, but this is not may provide and takes much longer. It is not a reliable backup plan. The safest approach is to get your Real ID-compliant ID or passport before your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID for flights to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

No. Flights to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered international flights by TSA, so you need a passport instead. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is not enough for these destinations.

Can I renew my Real ID-compliant ID by mail?

No. Real ID renewals must be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your previous ID was Real ID-compliant. This is a federal requirement.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID-compliant IDs. If you have not received one, your state's DMV is issuing them — you just need to explore in person. Check your state's DMV website to find out where to go and what documents to bring.

Will my old driver's license work for domestic flights before May 7, 2025?

Yes. Until May 7, 2025, TSA will still accept non-Real ID driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. After that date, they will not. If your license does not have the star, you should get a Real ID-compliant ID or passport before the important date.

Can I use a Real ID-compliant ID for international flights?

No. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is only for domestic flights within the United States.