An advanced driver license is a state-issued ID that proves you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meets federal security standards for air travel and federal building access
An advanced driver license (sometimes called a "Real ID" or "REAL ID-compliant" license) looks like a regular driver license but includes an extra security feature — usually a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner. The main difference is not what it looks like, but what it lets you do: starting in May 2025, you will need one to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building, even if you have a passport.
Not every state calls it an "advanced driver license." Some states use the term "Real ID," others say "federal compliant," and a few use different names entirely. The name varies, but the requirement is the same across all states. If your current license does not have the star or symbol, it will not work for federal purposes after the important date, though you can still drive and use it for most everyday identification.
Key Takeaways
- An advanced driver license meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting in May 2025.
- You must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person with specific documents proving citizenship, identity, and address.
- The documents you need include a birth certificate or passport, a photo ID, and proof of your current address, though exact requirements vary by state.
- The process usually takes a few weeks, and you may pay a fee that ranges depending on your state and whether you renew your license at the same time.
- If you have a passport, you can use it instead of an advanced driver license for air travel and federal buildings.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Your state's DMV will ask for three types of documents: proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. The exact documents accepted vary by state, but here are the most common ones.
For citizenship or residency, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card (green card). A photocopy will not work — it must be an original or certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or naturalization certificate is usually your best option.
For identity, bring a current photo ID such as a passport, passport card, military ID, or your existing driver license. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.
how the process works at your state's DMV
Visit your state's DMV website and look for a section on Real ID or advanced driver licenses. Most states let you schedule an appointment online, which is faster than walking in. Bring all three types of documents listed above, your current driver license, and any fees your state charges.
At the DMV, you will fill out an process form (often called a DL 44 or similar, depending on your state). A staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and may ask you to sign. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a receipt and a timeline for when your new license will arrive by mail.
Some states charge an extra fee for an advanced driver license on top of the regular renewal fee. Others include it in the standard renewal cost. A few states offer it at no extra charge. Check your state's DMV website before you go so you know what to bring and what it will cost.
How long the process takes
From the day you explore to the day your new license arrives in the mail usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. During that time, you will have a receipt that proves you applied, but it is not a valid ID for air travel or federal buildings. If you need to fly before your new license arrives, bring your passport instead.
If your state is experiencing a backlog — which happens during busy seasons or after a important date extension — the wait can stretch to six weeks or longer. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times before you explore.
When you do not need an advanced driver license
If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you can use it for domestic air travel and federal building access instead of an advanced driver license. A passport never expires for these purposes, even if it is expired for international travel. Many people find it simpler to renew a passport than to visit the DMV, especially if they travel frequently.
You also do not need an advanced driver license for everyday activities like driving, banking, or shopping. Your regular driver license works for all of those. The advanced version is only required for federal purposes — specifically, boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building, courthouse, or military base.
What happens if you do not get one before May 2025
After May 2025, you will not be able to board a domestic airplane with a regular driver license. You will need either an advanced driver license or a passport. You can still drive legally and use your regular license for identification in most situations, but air travel and federal building access will be blocked.
If you miss the important date, you can still get an advanced driver license after May 2025 — there is no cutoff date for obtaining one. The important date only means that the requirement goes into effect on that date. However, waiting until after the important date means you may face longer lines at the DMV and longer processing times.
Differences between an advanced driver license and a passport
Both an advanced driver license and a passport work for domestic air travel and federal building access. The main differences are cost, how long they last, and what else you can use them for. A passport costs more upfront but lasts 10 years (or 5 years if you are under 16). An advanced driver license costs less but only lasts as long as your driver license renewal cycle, which is usually 4 to 8 years depending on your state.
A passport also works for international travel, while an advanced driver license does not. If you travel internationally, a passport is necessary anyway. If you only travel domestically, an advanced driver license may be the simpler choice. Some people get both — a passport for international travel and an advanced driver license for convenience when they are driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to the DMV?
No. Federal law requires you to appear in person at the DMV to get an advanced driver license. Some states allow online or mail renewal for a regular driver license, but not for one that meets federal standards. You must visit in person with your original documents.
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 takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Once you have it, bring it to the DMV. If you have a passport, you can bring that instead — it counts as proof of citizenship.
Do I have to get an advanced driver license, or can I just use my passport?
You do not have to get an advanced driver license if you have a valid passport. A passport works for all the same federal purposes. Many people choose to get an advanced driver license anyway because it is less expensive and you do not need to carry it across borders.
Will my old driver license still work after May 2025?
Your old driver license will still work for driving and everyday identification. It will not work for domestic air travel or federal building access after May 2025. You can continue using it for everything else — shopping, banking, proving your age — indefinitely.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can get an advanced driver license by bringing your green card and other required documents to the DMV. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get an advanced driver license, but you may be able to get a regular driver license depending on your state's rules.