The federal important date is May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star or other REAL ID marking in the upper right corner, you will not be able to use it for these purposes after that date. You can still use an expired REAL ID for flights and federal buildings — the expiration date does not matter for REAL ID purposes, only the compliance marking.

This important date has been extended multiple times since it was first set for 2020. The Department of Homeland Security announced the May 2025 date in 2022 and has not signaled further delays, though Congress could change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a REAL ID-compliant ID by May 7, 2025, to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, even if your current license is not expired.
  • A REAL ID has a gold star or other state-specific marking, usually in the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID.
  • You can renew your license in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency; the process typically takes two to six weeks.
  • Passport books and passport cards count as REAL ID and do not expire on the same schedule as driver's licenses.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and certain other federal documents also satisfy the requirement.

What counts as REAL ID

A REAL ID-compliant license is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Every state now issues REAL ID licenses, and they all carry a marking — usually a gold star — to show they meet the standard. Some states use a different symbol, such as a gold circle or a state seal; check your state's DMV website to see what marking to look for.

Documents that satisfy the REAL ID requirement without needing a separate license include a U.S. passport book, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), and a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. If you have any of these, you do not need to get a REAL ID license to fly or enter federal buildings.

How to get a REAL ID license

You obtain a REAL ID license the same way you renew your regular driver's license: by visiting your state's DMV or equivalent agency in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you want a REAL ID marking. Bring your current license or ID, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and two proofs of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Processing times vary by state. Most states complete REAL ID licenses within two to six weeks. Some states are faster; others have longer backlogs. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you go in. If you need your license sooner, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

States with different timelines

While May 7, 2025, is the federal important date, a few states have their own earlier dates for certain purposes. For example, some states require REAL ID for entry to state buildings or for certain state transactions before the federal important date. Check your state's DMV website to see if your state has set an earlier date for any purpose.

If you live in a state that has not yet begun issuing REAL ID licenses, contact your state's DMV directly. As of now, all 50 states and U.S. territories issue REAL ID licenses, but the rollout happened at different times, and some states took longer to complete the transition.

What happens if you do not have REAL ID by May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, a non-compliant driver's license will not be accepted as ID for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings. You will need to present an alternative form of ID instead. Acceptable alternatives include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card.

If you arrive at an airport without REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, you will not be allowed to board your flight. If you need to enter a federal building — such as a courthouse or federal office — you will be turned away. There is no grace period or exception process; the requirement is absolute as of that date.

REAL ID and passport cards

A U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized version of a passport book and counts as REAL ID. It is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those destinations — you need a passport book for that. For domestic flights, a passport card works just as well as a REAL ID license.

Passport cards take about four to six weeks to arrive if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. If you already have a passport book, you can explore for a card at the same time. The card costs less than a book and is useful if you want a backup form of REAL ID or plan to travel by car or boat to nearby countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of getting a REAL ID license?

Yes. A passport book or passport card satisfies the REAL ID requirement for flights and federal buildings. You do not need a REAL ID license if you have a valid passport. However, a passport is more expensive and takes longer to obtain than a REAL ID license, so many people choose to get the license instead.

Does my REAL ID license expire on the same date as my old license?

No. Your REAL ID license has its own expiration date, which is usually four to eight years from the date you receive it, depending on your state. An expired REAL ID still counts as REAL ID for flights and federal buildings — the expiration date does not matter for that purpose. However, you cannot use an expired license to drive.

What if I lost my license and need to replace it before May 7, 2025?

When you replace a lost or stolen license, ask the DMV to issue a REAL ID-compliant replacement. You will need to bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal. The replacement will have the REAL ID marking and will satisfy the requirement.

Can I renew my REAL ID online or by mail?

No. You must renew in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency to get a REAL ID marking. Some states allow online or mail renewal for a regular (non-REAL ID) license, but that will not give you the federal compliance marking you need after May 7, 2025.

Do I need REAL ID to drive a car?

No. REAL ID is required only for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. A regular driver's license is sufficient for driving. However, if you plan to fly or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025, you will need REAL ID or an alternative form of federal ID.