A Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board any domestic flight in the United States. If you show up with a standard driver's license that does not meet Real ID standards, TSA will not let you through security, even if you have a valid ticket. The same requirement applies to entering federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants.

A Real ID is not a separate card you carry. It is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set by Congress in 2005. Your state DMV issues it. The card itself looks similar to a regular license, but it has a star symbol in the upper right corner so you can spot it at a glance.

If you do not have a Real ID and you fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need to bring a passport, military ID, or another federally accepted document instead. But carrying a Real ID is simpler than keeping track of a separate passport for every trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID becomes required for all domestic flights on May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or military ID instead.
  • You get a Real ID from your state DMV by showing original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, and address.
  • The process takes a few weeks to a few months depending on your state and whether you need to renew your license anyway.
  • Real ID costs the same as a regular license renewal in most states, though a few charge a small extra fee.
  • You can check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star in the upper right corner.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Every state requires the same basic documents to issue a Real ID. You will need to show proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring originals, not copies—the DMV will not accept photocopies.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport and visa or immigration document. The exact list varies slightly by state, so check your state DMV's website before you go; most have a checklist you can print or read.

You will also need to sign an process form at the DMV. Bring your current driver's license if you have one. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you may be able to do both in one visit.

How long the process takes and what it costs

The DMV visit itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy your local office is. After you leave, your new Real ID will arrive by mail in one to four weeks in most states. Some states are slower; check your DMV's website for the typical timeline in your area.

Real ID costs the same as a regular driver's license renewal in 40 states. A handful of states charge an extra fee—usually between $5 and $15—to cover the cost of the enhanced security features. A few states offer it for free. If you are renewing your license anyway, you are not paying extra for the Real ID itself; you are just paying the renewal fee you would pay regardless.

If your license is not expiring soon, you can still get a Real ID without renewing. Most states will issue you a Real ID card that is valid for the same length of time as a regular license, even if your current license still has years left. You will pay the full renewal fee in that case.

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

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license. If there is a gold or black star, your license is already Real ID-compliant and you do not need to do anything. If there is no star, your license is not compliant and you will need to get a new one before May 7, 2025.

Some states began issuing Real ID licenses years ago, so you may already have one without realizing it. If you are unsure, you can also log into your state DMV's website and check your license status, or call your local DMV office and give them your license number.

What happens if you do not have a Real ID when you fly

If you arrive at the airport after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID and without an acceptable alternative document, TSA will not let you through security. You will miss your flight. There is no exception for people who did not know about the requirement or who forgot their ID at home.

Acceptable alternatives to Real ID include a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. If you have any of these, you can still fly domestically without a Real ID. But if you do not have one of these documents and you do not have a Real ID, you cannot board.

The important date has been extended multiple times since it was first announced in 2013, but May 7, 2025, is the final date. After that, the requirement is in effect with no further delays planned.

Real ID for people who cannot visit the DMV in person

Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV to get a Real ID because the agent needs to verify your original documents and take your photo. You cannot do this by mail or online.

If you are homebound or have a disability that makes it hard to visit the DMV, some states offer mobile services or allow a representative to come to your home. Call your local DMV office and explain your situation; they can tell you what options are available in your area. A few states also allow you to renew your license online if you already have a Real ID and are just renewing it, but you cannot get a Real ID for the first time without visiting in person.

Real ID and immigration status

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to get a Real ID. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can get one by showing your green card and the other required documents. If you are in the country on a visa, you can also get a Real ID in most states by showing your passport and visa.

The Real ID standards do not require citizenship. They require proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number or tax ID, and proof of address. If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access based on your immigration status, call your state DMV and ask; they can tell you what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you can use it to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. You do not need a Real ID. But if you fly often and do not want to carry your passport every time, a Real ID is more convenient.

Do I need a Real ID if I only fly to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

No. Flights to U.S. territories are not considered domestic flights under the Real ID rule. You can use a regular driver's license. However, you will still need a passport or other federal ID to enter those territories.

What if my state has not started issuing Real IDs yet?

All 50 states and U.S. territories are issuing Real IDs. If your state has not yet, contact your DMV to find out when they will begin. You may be able to request one in advance or get on a waiting list.

Can I renew my Real ID online or by mail?

It depends on your state. Some states allow online renewal if your license is not expiring soon and you already have a Real ID. But you cannot get a Real ID for the first time without visiting the DMV in person. Check your state DMV's website to see what your state offers.

What if I lost my Real ID or it was stolen?

Contact your state DMV to report it and request a replacement. You will usually need to visit in person and pay a replacement fee, which is typically $10 to $25. The replacement will arrive by mail in the same timeframe as a new license.