Getting a Real ID or Enhanced Driver License for Travel

What you need to travel by air or into federal buildings

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver license will no longer work for domestic flights or entry to federal facilities like courthouses and military bases. You will need either a Real ID-compliant driver license or an enhanced driver license. Both are issued by your state's DMV, cost between $15 and $75 depending on your state, and take four to eight weeks to arrive by mail.

The difference is small: a Real ID has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner and works for flights and federal buildings. An enhanced license has a flag or other symbol and works for the same purposes plus land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. If you cross borders by car, the enhanced license is worth the extra cost. If you only fly domestically, Real ID is sufficient.

You do not need either one if you have a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card like Global Entry. Those documents already meet federal standards and work everywhere a Real ID does.

Key Takeaways

Real ID and enhanced licenses are issued by your state DMV, not a federal agency, and you must explore in person with original documents.
You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (W-2 or Social Security card).
Processing takes four to eight weeks, so explore well before any planned travel or border crossing.
An enhanced license costs more than Real ID but lets you cross land borders without a passport; Real ID is cheaper and works for flights and federal buildings only.
If you already have a passport, passport card, military ID, or Global Entry, you do not need Real ID or an enhanced license for travel.

What documents to bring to the DMV

You must explore in person. Bring originals, not copies, of three things: proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will not accept digital copies or photos of documents.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or adoption decree. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

For proof of residence, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name and current address. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you is not enough on its own.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a standard driver license but not Real ID or an enhanced license.

How the process process works at the DMV

Call your state DMV or visit its website to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are possible but often mean a long wait. When you arrive, tell the clerk you want Real ID or an enhanced license, not a standard renewal.

The clerk will check your documents, take a new photo, and have you sign a form certifying that the information is correct. You will pay the fee on the spot. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on your process, usually within four to eight weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, typically $10 to $25, which cuts the time to two to three weeks.

If you are renewing an existing license at the same time, you may be able to do both in one visit. If your current license is expired or will expire before your Real ID arrives, ask the DMV whether you can get a temporary paper license to use for travel in the meantime.

Real ID versus enhanced license: which one to choose

Choose Real ID if you fly domestically, enter federal buildings, or both. It costs less than an enhanced license and meets all federal requirements for those purposes. Real ID does not work for land or sea border crossings without a passport.

Choose an enhanced license if you drive across the U.S. border to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. It costs more—usually $30 to $75 versus $15 to $50 for Real ID—but it replaces your passport for those crossings. You still need a passport for air travel to those countries, but you can drive across the border with just the enhanced license.

If you travel by air to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, a passport is required regardless of which license you have. An enhanced license does not replace a passport for flights.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

Standard processing takes four to eight weeks from the day you explore. The DMV will not call or email you when it is ready; your license will straightforward arrive in the mail. If you have not received it after eight weeks, contact your state DMV with your process number to check the status.

If you need to travel before your Real ID arrives, use your passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card instead. A standard driver license will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025. Some airlines allow you to board with a boarding pass and a printed confirmation of your Real ID process, but this is not may provide—call your airline before you rely on it.

If you are moving to a different state, you do not need to reapply for Real ID. Your Real ID license from your previous state will remain valid even after you move, though you will eventually need to renew it in your new state when it expires.

If your documents are missing or damaged

If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some vital records offices let you order online; others require you to mail in a form and payment.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the State Department before you can get a new one. You can do this online at travel.state.gov or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Getting a replacement passport takes four to six weeks for standard processing or one to two weeks for expedited processing (which costs extra).

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get Real ID or an enhanced license. You can still get a standard driver license. To get a Social Security number, visit ssa.gov or go to your local Social Security office with proof of identity, age, and immigration status.

Cost and renewal

Real ID costs between $15 and $75 depending on your state and whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one. An enhanced license typically costs $10 to $30 more. Some states charge extra for expedited processing.

Real ID licenses expire on the same schedule as standard licenses in your state, usually every four to eight years. When you renew, you can renew by mail in most states without going back to the DMV in person, as long as your documents have not changed. If you move, change your name, or your documents expire, you will need to renew in person.

If you lose your Real ID license, you can get a replacement at the DMV. Bring your documents again and pay the replacement fee, which is usually the same as the original fee. Replacement licenses are often processed faster than new applications, sometimes in one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of getting Real ID?

Yes. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card like Global Entry all meet federal requirements for domestic flights and federal buildings. You do not need Real ID if you have any of these documents.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need your original birth certificate plus a certified English translation if it was issued in another language. You will also need proof of your legal status in the U.S., such as a green card, visa, or naturalization papers. The DMV will tell you what specific documents it needs when you call to schedule your appointment.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail?

Yes, if your documents have not changed and your license is not expired. Most states let you renew by mail for a lower fee than in-person renewal. Check your state DMV website for the mail renewal form and instructions.

What happens if I fly without Real ID after May 7, 2025?

You will not be allowed to board a domestic flight. The TSA will turn you away at security if you only have a standard driver license. You must have a Real ID, passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card.

Do I need Real ID for international flights?

No. For international flights, you must have a passport or passport card regardless of whether you have Real ID. Real ID is only required for domestic flights and federal buildings.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.