You need a Real ID driver's license or another approved document to fly domestically in the United States
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another approved form of identification. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not work at airport security checkpoints. The change affects every state, though the timeline for when each state's licenses became Real ID-compliant varies.
If your current license does not have a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID license. You will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get one before you fly. The process is straightforward, but it requires documents you may not have on hand, and processing times differ by state.
Key Takeaways
- Real ID licenses have a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner; standard licenses do not.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to your state DMV to get a Real ID license.
- Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether you renew by mail or in person.
- If you do not have a Real ID license by May 7, 2025, you can still fly with a passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved document instead.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Your state DMV will ask for three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Acceptable documents vary slightly by state, but the general categories are consistent.
For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Some states also accept a recent pay stub or property tax bill.
Check your specific state's DMV website before you go, because a few states have additional requirements or accept different documents. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
how the process works for a Real ID license in person
Visit your state DMV office with your documents, your current license, and your Social Security number memorized or written down. Tell the staff member you want to renew or upgrade to a Real ID license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and collect the fee, which ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state.
Some states issue the license on the spot; others mail it to you within one to three weeks. Ask the DMV staff when you should expect to receive it. If you are flying before the license arrives, bring your passport or another TSA-approved ID instead.
Renewing by mail if your state offers it
Some states allow you to renew a Real ID license by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. Check your state DMV's website to see if mail renewal is available and what documents to send.
Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal — expect four to six weeks for processing and delivery. If you need the license before then, go to the DMV in person instead. Keep copies of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
What to do if you cannot get a Real ID license in time
If you are flying before you can get a Real ID license, bring one of these documents to the airport instead: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a veteran's health identification card, a Native American tribal ID, a NEXUS card, a SENTRI card, or an Enhanced Driver's License. Any of these will work at TSA security checkpoints.
A passport is the easiest backup if you do not already have one of the other documents. Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport even faster, some post offices and passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, though availability is limited.
Real ID requirements for people with name or address changes
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to the DMV along with your other documents. The DMV will not issue a Real ID license without proof of the name change.
If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. Some states require you to show that you lived at your previous address for a certain period before issuing a license, so ask the DMV staff what they need.
Timeline for getting your Real ID license
| Method | Processing Time | When to Start |
|---|---|---|
| In-person at DMV (same-day issue) | Same day | Any time before your flight |
| In-person at DMV (mailed to you) | 1 to 3 weeks | At least 3 weeks before your flight |
| Mail renewal (where available) | 4 to 6 weeks | At least 6 weeks before your flight |
| Passport (standard processing) | 4 to 6 weeks | At least 6 weeks before your flight |
| Passport (expedited processing) | 2 to 3 weeks | At least 3 weeks before your flight |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Real ID license if I have a passport?
No. A passport works at airport security checkpoints and does not expire for travel purposes the way a Real ID license does. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID license to fly domestically.
What if my state has not issued Real ID licenses yet?
Every state has now issued Real ID licenses. If your state was slow to adopt the standard, your old license may still be a standard license, but your state's DMV can issue you a Real ID license now. Check your state DMV website to confirm.
Can I fly with a standard driver's license after May 7, 2025?
No. After May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a standard driver's license at security checkpoints. You must have a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or another approved document.
How much does a Real ID license cost?
The cost ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or upgrading an existing license. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive a car?
No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. Real ID is required only for flying domestically, entering federal buildings, and boarding certain cruise ships.