Why You Need a REAL ID for Domestic Travel and Federal Buildings

What REAL ID is and why the federal government requires it

REAL ID is a federal security standard 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 current license does not meet the standard, the TSA will not accept it as your only form of ID at airport security, even for flights within the United States.

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks. It set minimum security standards for how states issue driver's licenses and ID cards, including what documents you must show and what information the state must verify before issuing the card. The goal is to make it harder to obtain a fraudulent ID that could be used to board a plane or access a federal facility.

Most states have already begun issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses. You can check whether your current license meets the standard by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card — the exact symbol varies by state. If your license does not have this marking, you will need to renew it or get a replacement ID before the important date if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

Key Takeaways

Starting May 7, 2025, you must show a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires identification.
A REAL ID-compliant license has a small star or similar marking in the upper right corner; check your current license to see if it already meets the standard.
To get a REAL ID, you will need to visit your state's DMV or licensing office in person and bring specific documents such as a birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
The process typically takes two to four weeks, though some states offer expedited options for an additional fee.
If you do not have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, or other federal-approved ID instead.

What documents you need to bring to get a REAL ID

Your state's DMV will require you to show original or certified copies of several documents before issuing a REAL ID. You will need proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your date of birth (usually the same document), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration document). You will also need to show two documents that prove your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card as well. Some states also require a Social Security number verification, which they may check against Social Security Administration records. The exact list of acceptable documents varies slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go to avoid making a second trip.

You cannot renew a REAL ID by mail or online in most states — you must visit the DMV or licensing office in person. Some states allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can shorten your wait time. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted.

How long it takes and what it costs

The standard processing time for a REAL ID is two to four weeks from the date you submit your process at the DMV. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the time to one week or less. A few states have walk-in appointments available, though wait times at the DMV can be several hours during busy periods.

The cost of a REAL ID varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a new REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is usually the same as a standard renewal. Some states charge extra for expedited processing — typically $10 to $25 more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and whether you can pay online or must pay in person.

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

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by the important date, you can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings — you will just need to bring a different form of federal-approved ID instead. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license (available in some states) will all work. You will also need to bring a second form of ID, such as your current non-compliant driver's license, to complete the TSA security process.

Carrying a passport or passport card adds an extra step at airport security because TSA agents will need to verify it, which can slow down the process. If you fly frequently, getting a REAL ID before the important date will make airport security faster and more convenient. If you fly rarely or have a passport already, you may not need to rush to get a REAL ID.

REAL ID versus other federal-approved IDs for travel

Several forms of ID will work for domestic air travel and federal building access, not just a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. A U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, a Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card (such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck card), and an enhanced driver's license (offered in a few states) all meet federal standards. Some states also issue REAL ID-compliant ID cards that are not driver's licenses, which work the same way.

A passport is the most widely recognized form of ID and works for both domestic and international travel. However, passports cost more than a driver's license — a new passport book costs $130 to $165 — and take longer to process, usually four to six weeks or more. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a REAL ID. If you do not have a passport and do not travel internationally, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is usually the simplest option.

An enhanced driver's license is available in a small number of states (including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont) and costs about the same as a REAL ID. It works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico as well as domestic flights and federal buildings. If you live in a state that offers enhanced licenses and travel to Canada or Mexico by car, an enhanced license may be worth the extra step.

How to check if your current license is REAL ID-compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license or ID card. If there is a small star symbol (or in some states, a marking that looks like a flag or other symbol), your license is already REAL ID-compliant and you do not need to do anything. The exact symbol varies by state — some use a star, others use a flag or circle — so check your state's DMV website if you are unsure what to look for.

If your license does not have the marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant. You will need to visit your state's DMV to renew it or get a replacement. If your license is not expiring soon, you can still renew it early to get a REAL ID-compliant version. Some states allow you to renew early without paying the full renewal fee, though this varies.

You can also check your state's DMV website, which usually has a page explaining what the REAL ID marking looks like and when your state began issuing compliant licenses. If you are unsure whether your license is compliant, call your state's DMV or visit in person — staff can tell you when ready.

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 and entry to federal buildings. If you never fly domestically and do not need to enter federal facilities, you do not need a REAL ID. Your current driver's license will continue to work for driving and state-level purposes.

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

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights and federal building access and does not expire until you renew it. However, passports cost more than a driver's license and take longer to obtain. If you already have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID.

What if I lost my birth certificate or other required documents?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The process usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30. You can also use other documents that prove your identity and citizenship, such as a passport or naturalization certificate. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable alternatives.

Can I renew my REAL ID online or by mail?

Most states require you to renew a REAL ID in person at the DMV because you must show original documents. A few states allow online renewal if your current license is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address, but you will still need to visit in person eventually. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available.

Will my REAL ID work for international travel?

No. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license does not work for international travel. You will need a passport or passport card to leave the United States. A REAL ID only works for domestic flights and federal building access within the United States.

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.