How to check your driver's license type right now
Your driver's license is an EDL — an Enhanced Driver's License — if it has a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card. That star is the federal REAL ID mark, and it means your license meets the Department of Homeland Security's security standards. If your license does not have the star, it is a standard driver's license.
You can also check the text on your license. An EDL will say "REAL ID" or "Federal Compliant" somewhere on the front or back. The exact wording varies by state. Some states print it near the top; others put it at the bottom. The star, though, is the quickest way to know — it appears on every EDL issued after the federal important date.
If you are not sure whether you are looking at the right spot, hold your license up to the light. The star should be visible and raised slightly from the card surface. It is not printed flat like other text.
Key Takeaways
- A gold or metallic star in the upper right corner of your driver's license means it is an EDL that meets federal REAL ID standards.
- States began issuing EDLs around 2009, but the federal important date for REAL ID compliance was extended multiple times and is now May 2025.
- An EDL works for domestic flights, federal building entry, and military bases; a standard license does not meet these requirements.
- If your license does not have the star, you can renew it early at your state's DMV to get an EDL, or use a passport for federal purposes.
What the star means and why it matters
The star indicates that your state's DMV verified your identity using documents that meet federal standards — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. States that issue EDLs have also upgraded their security features and connected their records to a federal database that other states can check.
This matters because federal agencies and some private businesses now require the star for certain transactions. You need an EDL or passport to board a domestic flight, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. A standard driver's license no longer meets these requirements, even though it is still valid for driving and most everyday identification.
The federal government set a important date of May 7, 2025, for all states to issue only REAL ID-compliant licenses. After that date, a standard license will not work for federal purposes, though you can still use it to drive.
Which states issue EDLs and which do not
Not every state offers an EDL as a separate product. Some states automatically issue REAL ID-compliant licenses to everyone and do not use the term "EDL" at all. Others offer EDL as an optional upgrade you can request when you renew.
States that automatically issue REAL ID licenses include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States that offer EDL as an optional product you request include Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, and Wyoming (which offers both). If you live in a state that does not automatically issue REAL ID licenses, you will need to ask for an EDL when you renew, or bring the correct documents to your DMV and request one before your current license expires.
What documents you need to get an EDL
To get an EDL, you must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the general requirements are consistent across all states that issue EDLs.
Proof of identity usually means a birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or passport card. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You do not need to bring all three types of proof — your state's DMV website lists which specific documents they accept for each category. Bring your current driver's license as well. If you are renewing, the process is usually the same as a standard renewal, except you will be asked whether you want REAL ID compliance.
The timeline for getting an EDL after you explore
If you explore for an EDL in person at your DMV, you can usually get a temporary license the same day and receive the physical card by mail within two to three weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can cut the wait to one week.
If you renew by mail or online, the timeline depends on your state. Some states allow online renewal only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address. In those cases, you can renew and request REAL ID compliance without visiting the DMV, and the card arrives in the same timeframe as a standard renewal — usually three to four weeks.
Do not wait until your current license expires to renew. Many states allow you to renew up to six months before expiration, and doing so early means you will have your EDL before the May 2025 important date.
What to do if you need federal ID before your EDL arrives
If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your EDL arrives, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These documents all meet federal REAL ID standards and work when ready.
A passport takes four to six weeks to arrive if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, or up to 11 weeks if you explore by mail. A passport card is faster — it arrives in the same timeframe as a driver's license renewal. If you already have a passport, you can use it for any federal purpose right now, even if your driver's license does not have the star.
If you do not have a passport and cannot wait for an EDL, check whether your state offers a temporary REAL ID document. Some states issue a temporary paper license or a temporary card that works for federal purposes while you wait for your permanent EDL to arrive.
Common reasons your license might not have the star
If your license does not have the star, the most common reason is that you renewed your license before your state began issuing EDLs, or you renewed it as a standard license instead of requesting REAL ID compliance. Some people deliberately choose a standard license because they do not need federal ID and want to avoid the extra documents required for an EDL.
Another reason is that your state does not automatically issue REAL ID licenses and you did not request one when you renewed. In states like Alaska and Arizona, you have to specifically ask for an EDL — it is not the default option.
A third reason is that you renewed online or by mail in a state that does not allow REAL ID renewal through those channels. Some states require you to renew in person at the DMV if you want REAL ID compliance, because they need to verify your identity documents face-to-face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard driver's license for a domestic flight after May 2025?
No. After May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will not accept a standard driver's license for domestic flights. You will need an EDL, passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card. You can renew your license to an EDL at any time before that date.
Do I have to get an EDL if I do not fly or go to federal buildings?
No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving and most everyday identification. You only need an EDL if you plan to fly domestically, enter a federal courthouse, visit a military base, or access certain federal facilities. After May 2025, you will need one for federal purposes, but not for driving.
What if I lost my EDL or it was stolen?
Report it to your state's DMV as soon as possible. You can usually request a replacement card by phone, online, or in person. Replacement cards typically arrive within two to three weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport or other federal ID if you need to fly or enter a federal building.
Does an EDL cost more than a standard driver's license?
In most states, an EDL costs the same as a standard license renewal. A few states charge a small additional fee — usually between $5 and $15 — for REAL ID compliance. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost in your state.
Can I tell if someone else's driver's license is an EDL?
Yes. Look for the gold or metallic star in the upper right corner of the card. If the star is there, the license is REAL ID-compliant. If there is no star and the license was issued after 2020, it is a standard license.