Real ID is now required to fly domestically in the United States

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers to show a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another accepted form of identification to board domestic flights. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will no longer work at airport security checkpoints.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and identification cards. The requirement applies to everyone 18 and older boarding a domestic flight, including connecting flights within the United States. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license, you will need to bring a passport, military ID, or another TSA-approved document instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold or silver star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
  • You can check your current license by looking for the star symbol or contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can renew it at your state DMV, or bring a passport or military ID to the airport instead.
  • The process to upgrade to a Real ID license typically takes two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you need to renew before the important date.
  • Real ID does not change how you board flights or go through security — it is straightforward a new standard for what identification TSA will accept.

How to tell if your driver's license is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at your physical license. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner of the card. If your license does not have this star, it is not yet compliant with the federal standard.

If you cannot see the star clearly or want to confirm your status another way, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. You can usually find the DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" and looking for a section about Real ID. Some states also allow you to check your status online by entering your license number.

What documents you can use at airport security if you do not have Real ID

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID star, you have other options for boarding a domestic flight. The TSA accepts these documents at security checkpoints:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • A state-issued ID card that is Real ID-compliant
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential
  • A permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • A U.S. citizen identification card

You will need to bring one of these documents to the airport along with your boarding pass. The document must be valid — expired documents are not accepted. If you have a passport, that is often the simplest option because it works for both domestic and international travel.

How to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license

To upgrade your license to Real ID status, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew a Real ID license online or by mail in most states — the DMV requires you to appear in person and provide original documents to verify your identity.

Bring these documents with you to the DMV:

  • Proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers)
  • Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return)
  • Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your current driver's license or state ID

The exact documents required vary slightly by state, so check your state DMV website before you go. Processing time typically takes two to four weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. Plan to renew well before May 7, 2025, to avoid delays.

What happens if you show up at the airport without Real ID or an accepted alternative

If you arrive at airport security without a Real ID-compliant license and do not have one of the other accepted documents listed above, TSA will not allow you to pass through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight.

The TSA may offer a secondary verification process in some cases, where an officer asks you additional questions to confirm your identity, but this is not may provide and does not always result in being allowed through. Your safest option is to bring one of the accepted documents or to renew your license before your flight date.

Real ID requirements for minors and special situations

Children under 18 do not need Real ID to fly domestically. They can board with a school ID, passport, or other form of identification. However, they must travel with an adult passenger.

If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting the DMV in person, some states offer accommodations or mobile services. Contact your state DMV to ask about options. If you are incarcerated or have other barriers to obtaining documents, your state DMV may have a process to help — ask about it when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works at airport security checkpoints and does not require Real ID. If you already have a passport, you can use it to fly domestically without upgrading your driver's license. However, if you plan to drive across state lines or use your license for other purposes, you may still want to upgrade to Real ID for convenience.

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

Most states require you to renew a Real ID license in person at the DMV. A few states offer online renewal for certain situations, but you will likely need to visit in person at least once to provide original identity documents. Check your state DMV website to see what your state offers.

What if I lost my birth certificate or other proof of citizenship?

You can request a replacement birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This process takes one to four weeks depending on the state. You can also use a passport or naturalization papers as proof of citizenship instead. Contact your state DMV to ask which documents they accept.

Will Real ID affect how I go through airport security?

No. Real ID does not change the security screening process itself — you will still remove your shoes, belt, and liquids, and go through the same metal detector or body scanner. Real ID is only a new standard for what identification TSA will accept at the checkpoint.

Do I need Real ID to fly internationally?

No. For international flights, you need a valid passport regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant. Real ID is only a requirement for domestic flights within the United States.