You need a REAL ID if you want to fly domestically or enter a federal building

A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you cannot board a domestic flight in the United States without one—unless you have a passport, military ID, or a few other federal documents instead. You also need it to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants.

Most people don't need to do anything special. If you renewed your driver's license or state ID in the last few years, you likely already have a REAL ID—your state probably switched to issuing them automatically. The card itself looks almost identical to a regular ID. The difference is what's on the back: a gold or silver star in the upper right corner, or sometimes a marking that says "REAL ID" or your state's equivalent.

If you're not sure whether your current ID is a REAL ID, look for that star or marking. You can also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or check their website—most states have a tool where you can verify your ID status by entering your license number.

Key Takeaways

  • A REAL ID is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or military ID instead.
  • Most state driver's licenses and ID cards issued in recent years are already REAL IDs, marked with a gold or silver star on the back.
  • You can verify whether your current ID is a REAL ID by checking for the star marking or contacting your state DMV.
  • If your ID is not a REAL ID, you can upgrade it at your state DMV by providing proof of identity, residency, and citizenship or legal status.
  • The upgrade process typically takes a few weeks and costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state.

Who does not need a REAL ID right now

If you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), you do not need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight. A passport is the most common alternative—it works for both domestic and international travel. Military dependents and retirees with a military ID card are also exempt.

Some states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which meet REAL ID standards and are marked differently. If you live near the Canadian or Mexican border and have an EDL, that card works for both domestic flights and land border crossings.

Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically, though they do need some form of ID if they are traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian.

What documents you need to get a REAL ID

To upgrade your current ID to a REAL ID, or to get one for the first time, you must bring proof of three things to your state DMV: identity, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status. The exact documents vary by state, but here is what typically works.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address—it usually has to be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of citizenship or legal status, bring a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa and I-94 form if you are a lawful permanent resident or authorized to work in the U.S.

Some states accept additional documents—a few will take a Social Security card as proof of identity, or a property tax bill as proof of residency. Check your state DMV's website before you go, because showing up with the wrong documents means a wasted trip. Most states let you check their requirements online or call ahead to confirm what they will accept.

The REAL ID process process at your state DMV

Walk into your state DMV with your documents, tell the clerk you want a REAL ID, and they will verify that your papers meet the federal standard. You will fill out a form (usually the same one you would use for a regular license renewal), have your photo taken, and pay a fee. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

Processing time is typically two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee—usually $10 to $25 more—if you need it faster. A few states let you renew online or by mail if your current license is not expired, but you still have to visit in person the first time you get a REAL ID.

You will receive your new card by mail. If you need to fly before it arrives, bring your old ID plus a receipt showing you applied for the REAL ID—the TSA will accept that combination at the airport as proof you are in the process of upgrading.

Cost and timing before the May 2025 important date

The cost of a REAL ID varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a new or renewed ID card. Some states charge the same price whether you get a regular ID or a REAL ID; others charge a small premium for the federal security features. A few states offer REAL IDs at no extra cost.

You have until May 7, 2025, to get a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically. That important date has been extended multiple times over the past decade, but the federal government has stated this is the final extension. If you fly regularly or have a trip planned before then, it makes sense to explore now rather than wait until the last few weeks, when DMV offices get overwhelmed.

If you miss the important date, you can still get a REAL ID after May 7—it is not a one-time window. You straightforward will not be able to use a non-REAL ID driver's license for domestic flights. You would need to bring a passport or other federal ID to the airport instead.

What happens if you show up at the airport without a REAL ID

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7, 2025, with a driver's license that is not a REAL ID, the TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will be turned away unless you have a passport, military ID, or another accepted federal document with you.

This is not a fine or a legal violation—it is straightforward a screening requirement. You can still fly; you just need to go home and get a passport or other acceptable ID, or reschedule your flight. The TSA website has a full list of documents that work as alternatives to a REAL ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID if I only drive and never fly?

No. A REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel, federal building access, and entry to military bases. If you drive locally and do not fly, your current driver's license works fine. You do not have to upgrade it.

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

Yes. A valid U.S. passport works for domestic flights and federal building access. If you already have a passport and do not mind carrying it, you do not need a REAL ID. Passports cost more upfront but last 10 years, while driver's licenses typically renew every 5 to 8 years.

What if I lost my birth certificate or cannot find my citizenship documents?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born—most states process these in one to four weeks. If you are a naturalized citizen and cannot find your naturalization certificate, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Contact your state DMV to ask which documents they will accept as alternatives while you wait for replacements.

Will my REAL ID work for international travel?

No. A REAL ID driver's license works only for domestic flights and federal building access. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. A REAL ID cannot replace a passport.

Can I renew my REAL ID by mail or online?

Some states allow online or mail renewal if your current license is not expired and you are not changing your address. However, you must visit in person the first time you get a REAL ID. After that, renewal by mail or online may be an option depending on your state. Check your state DMV website to see what your state offers.