What REAL ID compliance means and why it matters

REAL ID compliance means a state's driver's license or ID card meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — a regular driver's license from a non-compliant state will not work for those purposes.

Most states have already met the requirements. A handful have not, and a few have received extensions. The distinction matters because if your state is not compliant and you do not have a passport or other federal ID, you cannot use your driver's license to fly domestically after the important date.

This is not about your state being "bad" — it is about whether the state's ID system meets specific technical and security standards. Some states delayed compliance for policy reasons; others are still working through the process.

Key Takeaways

  • As of early 2025, all 50 states and territories have either achieved REAL ID compliance or received federal extensions allowing them to continue issuing non-compliant IDs temporarily.
  • After May 7, 2025, a driver's license from any state will work for domestic flights and federal buildings — the important date applies nationwide, not state by state.
  • If you live in a state still issuing non-compliant IDs, you can still fly domestically by using a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal document instead.
  • Some states offer both compliant and non-compliant IDs; you choose which type when you renew, and the compliant version costs the same or slightly more.
  • Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current ID is REAL ID-compliant — the card itself will have a star in the upper right corner if it is.

States that received federal extensions

A small number of states requested and received extensions from the Department of Homeland Security, meaning they were allowed to continue issuing non-compliant IDs past the original important date. These extensions do not change the May 7, 2025 federal requirement — they straightforward gave those states more time to transition their systems.

The states that received extensions at various points include Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, and a few others. However, by early 2025, most of these states have either completed their transition or are in the final stages. The exact status changes, so your state's DMV website will have the current information about whether your state is issuing compliant IDs now.

Even if your state received an extension in the past, that does not mean your ID is exempt from the May 7, 2025 important date. The extension only delayed when the state had to start issuing compliant IDs — it did not exempt residents from needing one to fly.

How to check if your ID is REAL ID-compliant

The easiest way to know is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold or black star in the upper right corner, your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If there is no star, it is not.

You can also visit your state's DMV website and search for "REAL ID" — most states have a page explaining which IDs they currently issue and whether they are compliant. Some states offer both types; you choose when you renew.

If you are unsure and your ID does not have a star, assume it is not compliant. You can renew early to get a compliant version, or you can use a passport or other federal ID for flights and federal buildings.

What to do if your state is still issuing non-compliant IDs

If your state has not yet transitioned to issuing only REAL ID-compliant IDs, you have options. First, you can renew your driver's license and request the compliant version — most states offer this at renewal, and it usually costs the same as a regular renewal.

Second, you can obtain a passport or passport card from the U.S. State Department. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for domestic flights and federal building entry. Processing times vary, but standard service takes several weeks.

Third, if you have a military ID, veteran health ID, or other federal document, those all work for domestic flights and federal buildings after May 7, 2025. You do not need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license if you have one of these.

Timeline: what happens after May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, the TSA will not accept a driver's license or state ID without the REAL ID star for domestic flights. You will need to show a REAL ID-compliant ID, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or another approved federal document.

This applies to all states equally — there is no state exemption after that date. If you are flying domestically and your ID does not have the star, bring a passport or other federal ID instead.

Federal buildings, including courthouses and some government offices, will also require REAL ID-compliant identification or an alternative federal document. The specific rules vary by building, so check ahead if you are visiting a federal facility.

States and territories: current status

All 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories have either achieved REAL ID compliance or are issuing compliant IDs alongside non-compliant ones during a transition period. No state is permanently exempt or unable to issue REAL ID-compliant IDs.

Some states made the transition earlier than others. California, for example, began issuing compliant IDs in 2018. Other states waited until closer to the important date. The important date is May 7, 2025, when the federal requirement takes effect — not when your individual state started issuing compliant IDs.

If you need to know your specific state's current status, your state's DMV website is the most reliable source. Search for "REAL ID" on the site, and you will find information about which IDs are compliant and how to renew.

Alternatives if you cannot get a REAL ID-compliant ID in time

If your state is still in transition and you need to fly before you can renew your driver's license, a passport or passport card is your fastest alternative. Standard passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks; expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra.

If you are a veteran, you can use your VA health ID or veteran designation on your driver's license. If you are active military, your military ID works. If you work for the federal government, your federal employee ID works. Native American tribal IDs also work for domestic flights.

If you need to enter a federal building and do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID or passport, call ahead to ask what documents they accept. Some federal buildings have additional options or can make exceptions for specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my regular driver's license after May 7, 2025?

Not for domestic flights or federal building entry. After that date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or another approved federal document. You can renew your license now to get the compliant version, or you can use a passport instead.

Does my state have to issue REAL ID-compliant IDs?

Yes. All states are required to issue REAL ID-compliant IDs. Some states took longer to transition than others, but all 50 states and territories now issue them. You can renew your license and request the compliant version whenever you are ready.

What if I renew my license but do not ask for the REAL ID version?

You will receive a non-compliant ID, which will not work for domestic flights or federal buildings after May 7, 2025. When you renew, make sure to ask for the REAL ID-compliant version, or specify that you want the ID with the star. It usually costs the same.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book?

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, and it works for domestic flights and federal building entry. It does not work for international travel by air. If you might travel internationally, get the passport book instead.

Do I need to renew my license early to get a REAL ID-compliant ID?

No. You can renew whenever your license expires. However, if you fly domestically before your renewal date and your current ID does not have the star, bring a passport or other federal ID instead. You do not have to renew early unless you want to.