Real ID is required for domestic flights and federal facilities starting in 2025

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 will need one to board a domestic flight within the United States or enter a federal building that requires ID — including most courthouses, military bases, and federal office buildings. If you have a standard driver's license without the Real ID marking, you will not be able to use it for these purposes, even if your license is otherwise valid.

The Real ID requirement exists because the federal government wanted all states to use the same security features and verification methods when issuing IDs. This means your state checked your documents more thoroughly — your birth certificate, Social Security number, proof of address — before issuing the card. The result is a card with a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner that signals to TSA and federal security staff that your identity has been verified to federal standards.

If you do not have a Real ID by May 2025 and you fly domestically or need to enter a federal building, you will have to use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. These documents work just as well at airport security and federal entrances, but they cost more and take longer to obtain than upgrading to a Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID becomes mandatory for domestic flights and federal buildings on May 7, 2025, and a standard driver's license will no longer work for these purposes.
  • The Real ID marking — usually a gold star — shows that your state verified your identity documents before issuing your card.
  • You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead of Real ID for flights and federal buildings if you do not have one.
  • Getting a Real ID requires visiting your state's DMV with original documents like a birth certificate and proof of address, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state.
  • Real ID does not change how you travel or what you can do — it only changes which ID card the government will accept for these specific purposes.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Your state's DMV will ask you to show proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. Bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address. Some states also accept a passport as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers. The exact list varies by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go; bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

You do not need to renew your license early to get Real ID. If your current license is not expiring soon, you can wait until renewal time and request the Real ID version then. If you want it sooner, you can visit the DMV and pay a fee to upgrade — usually $15 to $30 — without renewing the full license.

How Real ID affects your daily life

Real ID only matters for two specific situations: boarding a domestic flight and entering a federal building. It does not affect driving, voting, opening a bank account, or any other everyday activity. You can still use your standard driver's license for all of those things.

If you rarely fly and do not visit federal courthouses or military bases, you may never need Real ID. But if you fly even once a year for work or vacation, getting one now saves you from scrambling to find your passport at the airport in May 2025. The TSA will not turn you away if you show up with a passport instead, but the line may be longer because TSA staff will have to verify it manually.

Real ID versus a passport — which one to get

A Real ID is cheaper and faster to obtain than a passport. A Real ID costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks in most states. A passport costs $130 to $165 for an adult and takes four to six weeks through the mail, or one to two weeks if you pay extra for expedited service at a passport agency.

A passport works everywhere a Real ID works — at airport security and federal buildings — plus it works for international travel. A Real ID only works domestically. If you travel internationally at all, a passport is the better choice because it covers both domestic and international flights. If you never leave the country, Real ID is cheaper and faster.

You can have both. Many people carry a Real ID for everyday driving and a passport for international trips. The two serve different purposes and there is no rule against having each one.

What happens if you do not have Real ID after May 2025

If you try to board a domestic flight without Real ID, a passport, military ID, or tribal ID, TSA will not let you through security. You will have to leave the airport, obtain one of these documents, and rebook your flight. This means missing your flight and paying rebooking fees.

If you need to enter a federal courthouse or military base and do not have Real ID or an alternative document, you will be turned away at the entrance. Federal buildings do not have a workaround — you must have one of the accepted forms of ID.

The May 2025 important date is firm. The Department of Homeland Security has extended it twice already, but there are no plans for another extension. If you fly or visit federal buildings regularly, getting Real ID before the important date is the simplest way to avoid disruption.

States with different Real ID timelines or requirements

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real ID, but a few states had delayed compliance in the past. As of 2024, every state accepts Real ID applications and issues cards with the federal marking. However, the exact documents each state requires and the fees they charge vary.

Some states require an in-person visit to the DMV; others allow you to renew by mail if your current license is not expiring soon. A few states charge extra for Real ID; most include it at no additional cost when you renew. Check your state's DMV website for the specific process and cost in your state.

If you have moved to a new state recently, you will need to get a Real ID from your new state's DMV using your new address. Your old state's Real ID is still valid for travel and federal buildings, but if your license expires or you want to update it, you must go through your new state's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I only drive and never fly?

No. Real ID is only required for domestic flights and federal buildings. If you drive locally and do not visit federal courthouses, military bases, or other federal facilities, you do not need it. Your standard driver's license works for everything else.

Can I use my passport instead of getting Real ID?

Yes. A passport works at airport security and federal building entrances just like Real ID does. If you already have a passport or plan to travel internationally, you do not need to get Real ID. A passport covers both domestic and international travel.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Some states accept a passport as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate, so check your state's DMV website first.

Will Real ID work for international travel?

No. Real ID only works for domestic flights and federal buildings. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. If you travel internationally, get a passport instead of Real ID.

Can I get Real ID by mail?

Most states require an in-person visit to the DMV for your first Real ID, because the DMV needs to see your original documents and take a new photo. Some states allow mail renewal if your current license is expiring and you have not changed your address or name. Check your state's DMV website for the mail renewal option.