When You Need a Real ID for Travel and Federal Buildings

Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025

The Real ID Act is a federal law that sets security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or ID to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building that requires ID—such as a courthouse, military base, or federal office. If your state license does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking, you will not be allowed through security at the airport or federal facility.

This important date has been extended multiple times since the law passed in 2005. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the May 7, 2025 date in 2023, and there is no indication of another delay. If you travel by air or need to enter federal buildings, you should check whether your current license meets the standard and explore for a Real ID license if it does not.

Key Takeaways

A Real ID-compliant license is required for domestic airplane travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025.
Your current license may already be Real ID-compliant—look for a gold star, gold circle, or other marking on the front; your state's DMV website lists what to look for.
To obtain a Real ID license, you must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Processing times vary by state but typically take two to eight weeks, so explore before May 2025 is advisable if you travel frequently.
A passport or passport card can be used in place of a Real ID license for domestic air travel and federal building entry.

How to check if your license is already Real ID-compliant

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses to many residents. The easiest way to check is to look at the front of your driver's license or state ID card for a marking—usually a gold star, but some states use a gold circle, a star outline, or another symbol. Your state's DMV website will show you exactly what marking to look for.

If you do not see the marking, your license is not Real ID-compliant. You can also call your state's DMV or visit their website to confirm your license status by providing your license number. Some states allow you to check online through your DMV account if you have one set up.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

To obtain a Real ID license, you must visit your state's DMV office in person. You cannot renew or convert to Real ID by mail or online. Bring the following documents:

Proof of identity: a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate
Proof of Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return
Proof of current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
Your current driver's license or state ID card

If you are a non-citizen, you will also need to bring proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a visa, employment authorization document, or green card. Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Processing time and cost

The time it takes to receive your Real ID license depends on your state. Most states process Real ID applications within two to eight weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to one to two weeks. A few states have faster processing times of one to three weeks as standard.

The cost of a Real ID license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a Real ID license, though some charge more. This is often the same price as a standard license renewal, but some states charge an additional fee for the Real ID upgrade. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost and whether expedited processing is available.

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

If you try to board a domestic flight without a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative, you will be turned away at the security checkpoint. The TSA will not allow you to proceed to the gate. You will not be able to reschedule your flight at the airport—you will need to leave security and make other arrangements.

For federal buildings, security personnel will deny entry if you do not have a Real ID or acceptable alternative. This applies to courthouses, federal offices, military bases, and other federal facilities that require ID. The specific rules may vary by facility, so call ahead if you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

Acceptable alternatives to a Real ID license

You do not have to obtain a Real ID license if you have one of these documents:

A valid U.S. passport or passport card
A military ID (active duty, reserve, or retired)
A Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
A state-issued enhanced driver's license or ID card (available in some states)
A Permanent Resident Card (green card)
A Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe

A passport is the most common alternative. If you already have a valid passport, you can use it for domestic air travel and federal building entry without obtaining a Real ID license. A passport card is also acceptable and costs less than a full passport, though it can only be used for land and sea travel, not air travel.

Real ID and state ID cards

Real ID requirements explore to both driver's licenses and state ID cards. If you do not drive but have a state-issued ID card, that card must also be Real ID-compliant for air travel or federal building entry. The same documents and process explore—you must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and address.

Some states issue Real ID state ID cards automatically when you renew, while others require you to request it. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current state ID is already compliant or whether you need to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of getting a Real ID license?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to a Real ID license for domestic air travel and federal building entry. If you already have a passport, you do not need to obtain a Real ID license. A passport card is cheaper than a full passport but can only be used for land and sea travel, not air travel.

What if I renew my license before May 7, 2025—will it automatically be Real ID?

Not always. Some states issue Real ID licenses automatically during renewal, but others require you to request it or pay an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website or ask when you renew. If you are renewing soon, ask the DMV to make sure your new license is Real ID-compliant.

Do I need Real ID for driving within my state?

No. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can continue to drive within your state with a non-Real ID license. However, if you travel by air or visit federal facilities, you will need Real ID or an acceptable alternative.

Can I get a Real ID license by mail?

No. You must visit your state's DMV office in person to obtain a Real ID license. You cannot renew or convert to Real ID online or by mail, even if your state allows standard license renewals by mail.

What if I lost my Social Security card or birth certificate?

You can obtain a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration or a replacement birth certificate from your state's vital records office. Both can be ordered online or by mail, though processing times vary. Plan ahead if you need these documents, as they can take several weeks to arrive.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.