An REAL ID license meets federal security standards for domestic air travel and federal building access

An REAL ID driver's license is a state-issued ID that meets security requirements set by the federal government under the REAL ID Act of 2005. The key difference: a standard driver's license does not meet those requirements. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either an REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you do not have one of those documents, you cannot fly, even on short regional routes.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the September 11 attacks to standardize how states issue IDs and make them harder to counterfeit. States that comply with the law issue licenses with a star in the upper right corner — that star is the only visible sign that your license meets federal standards. Not all states have adopted REAL ID yet, though most have. A few states issue licenses that do not comply and likely will not.

You do not have to get an REAL ID license. You can still use a standard license for driving, entering state buildings, and other everyday purposes. But for federal purposes — flying domestically, entering a military base, or accessing certain federal offices — you will need either an REAL ID license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID.

Key Takeaways

  • An REAL ID license has a star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards; a standard license does not and will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
  • You need an REAL ID license, passport, passport card, or military ID to board a domestic flight; a standard driver's license alone is no longer sufficient.
  • Getting an REAL ID license requires you to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address to your state's DMV or equivalent office.
  • The process and cost vary by state, but most states charge between $15 and $30 extra for an REAL ID license compared to a standard license.
  • You can renew an REAL ID license in person at your DMV, but most states do not allow online or mail renewal for REAL ID licenses even if you can renew a standard license that way.

What documents you need to bring to get an REAL ID license

Your state's DMV will ask you to bring original documents or certified copies. The exact list varies slightly by state, but you will need to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. Bring documents in this order of preference.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), or naturalization/citizenship document. Some states also accept a military ID or tribal ID. For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For current address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

You will also need to bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are renewing an REAL ID license, bring the license itself. If you are getting an REAL ID license for the first time, bring your standard license or state ID. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted for identity and citizenship documents, though some states accept copies of utility bills and address proofs.

How the REAL ID process process works at your DMV

Walk into your state's DMV office with your documents and tell the clerk you want an REAL ID license. You will fill out a form — usually the same form you would use to renew a standard license, but with a box to check for REAL ID. The clerk will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Some states now let you start the process online before you go to the DMV. You fill out the form and upload photos of your documents through the state's website, then book an appointment to come in and have your photo taken and documents verified in person. This can shorten your wait time at the office. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.

After you complete your visit, your license will be mailed to you within one to three weeks in most states. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25. Until your new license arrives, you can use your old license for driving and your receipt from the DMV as proof that you have applied for an REAL ID license.

Cost and timing for getting an REAL ID license

The cost of an REAL ID license varies by state. Most states charge between $15 and $30 more than a standard license renewal. A few states charge the same price for both. Some states charge less if you are renewing an existing REAL ID license than if you are getting one for the first time. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

The timeline depends on how you explore and how busy your local DMV is. If you explore in person without an appointment, expect to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, especially near the May 7, 2025 important date. If you book an appointment online, you may wait only 15 to 30 minutes. After your visit, your license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. If you pay for expedited processing, it may arrive in five to ten business days.

Do not wait until May 2025 to explore. Many DMVs report long lines and delays as the important date approaches. If you fly regularly or plan to fly before then, get your REAL ID license now. If you do not fly and do not need to enter federal buildings, you can keep your standard license indefinitely.

States that have not adopted REAL ID

Most states have adopted REAL ID and issue compliant licenses with the star. A few states have not. As of now, Missouri and New Hampshire issue licenses that do not meet REAL ID standards and have not committed to changing that. If you live in one of these states and want an REAL ID-compliant license, you will need to get a passport or passport card instead.

Some states issue both compliant and non-compliant licenses depending on what you request. If you live in one of these states and ask for a standard license, you will get one without the star. If you ask for an REAL ID license, you will get one with the star. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what your state offers.

REAL ID license versus passport for flying

Both an REAL ID license and a passport work for domestic air travel. The difference is scope. An REAL ID license works for flying within the United States and entering federal buildings, but it does not work for international travel. A passport works for both domestic and international travel, plus federal building access.

A passport takes longer to get than an REAL ID license. A new passport typically takes four to six weeks through the standard process, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited processing. An REAL ID license usually arrives in one to three weeks. If you need to fly soon and do not have either document, an REAL ID license is faster.

A passport costs more upfront — $130 to $165 for a new adult passport, plus fees for expedited processing. An REAL ID license costs $15 to $30 more than a standard license. But a passport is valid for 10 years, while a driver's license is typically valid for four to eight years depending on your state. Over time, the cost per year is similar.

What happens if you fly without an REAL ID license after May 7, 2025

If you try to board a domestic flight without an REAL ID license, passport, passport card, or military ID, the TSA will not let you through security. You will be turned away at the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight, and you will not get a refund for your ticket.

The TSA does not have a grace period or exception process. If your license does not have the star and you do not have a passport or other may have access to ID, you cannot fly. The only way to avoid this is to get an REAL ID license, passport, or passport card before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my REAL ID license online or by mail?

Most states do not allow online or mail renewal for REAL ID licenses, even if they allow it for standard licenses. You must go to the DMV in person so they can verify your documents and take a new photo. A few states have started allowing online renewal with document upload, but you still must visit the DMV to have your photo taken.

Do I need an REAL ID license to drive a car?

No. You can drive with a standard license for the rest of your life. An REAL ID license is required only for domestic air travel, entering military bases, and accessing certain federal offices. For everyday driving and state purposes, a standard license works fine.

What if I lost my REAL ID license?

Go to your DMV and report it lost. You will fill out a replacement form, bring your documents again, and pay a replacement fee — usually $10 to $25. Your new license will be mailed to you in one to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can use your receipt as proof of replacement.

Can I get an REAL ID license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a passport, passport card, naturalization document, or military ID to prove identity instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.

Does my REAL ID license work for international travel?

No. An REAL ID license works only for domestic flights and federal building access. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. If you travel internationally, get a passport instead of or in addition to an REAL ID license.