What you need to fly domestically in the United States

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a handful of other federal documents to board a domestic flight. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID standards will not work at airport security checkpoints, even for flights within the country.

The easiest path for most people is getting a REAL ID driver's license from your state's DMV. This is not a separate card — it replaces your regular license. You keep the same number and expiration date; the only visible difference is usually a small star in the upper right corner. The process takes a few weeks and costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state, though some states charge nothing if you renew at the same time.

If you do not want to get REAL ID, you have other options. A passport, passport card, or military ID will all get you through airport security. A trusted traveler program card like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry also works. But if you drive and need a license anyway, REAL ID is usually the simplest choice.

Key Takeaways

  • A REAL ID driver's license is marked with a small star and works for domestic flights; a regular license will not pass airport security after May 7, 2025.
  • You must bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address when you visit the DMV.
  • Processing takes two to six weeks in most states, so explore well before your flight date.
  • If you do not want REAL ID, a passport, military ID, or TSA PreCheck card will work at airport security instead.
  • The cost ranges from free to $50 depending on your state and whether you renew your license at the same time.

What documents to bring to the DMV

Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents they accept, because rules vary slightly by state. But most require the same core set: proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

For citizenship, bring your passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full number on it. For your address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current driver's license or ID card too.

Some states also ask for a second form of ID or proof of legal presence. Check your state DMV's REAL ID page before you go — most have a checklist you can print or screenshot. Showing up with the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

how the process works at your state DMV

You cannot renew REAL ID online in most states, even if you can renew a regular license online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others run on first-come, first-served. Check your state's website to see which applies to you.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you want a REAL ID driver's license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the fee. You will sign a declaration under penalty of perjury confirming your citizenship and legal presence — this is the part that makes REAL ID different from a regular license.

You will get a receipt with a tracking number. Processing takes two to six weeks depending on your state. Some states mail the card; others let you pick it up at the office. Check your receipt or your state's website to see which applies to you.

Why the important date matters and what happens if you miss it

May 7, 2025, is when the federal government stops accepting regular driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. After that date, TSA officers will only take REAL ID licenses, passports, military IDs, or a few other documents. If you show up with a regular license, you will not be allowed through security, even if your flight is in an hour.

This important date has been pushed back several times since it was first set in 2013, so some people think it will move again. It will not. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the date multiple times. If you fly domestically, you need to plan ahead.

The good news is that you have months to get REAL ID. If you explore now, you will have your card well before May. If you wait until April, you risk getting stuck in a processing backlog or missing your flight.

REAL ID alternatives if you do not want a new license

A passport is the most common alternative. It works at airport security and is useful for international travel too. A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks to arrive; an expedited passport costs $195 and takes two to three weeks. A passport card costs $35 and is smaller and faster but only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean — not for flights.

A military ID, veteran's health ID, or Native American tribal ID also works. So does a TSA PreCheck card ($78 to $85 for five years), which also gets you through a faster security line. A Global Entry card ($100 for five years) works too and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

If you do not fly often, a passport might make more sense than REAL ID. If you fly several times a year, TSA PreCheck pays for itself in convenience alone. But if you need a driver's license anyway and do not have a passport, REAL ID is usually the cheapest and fastest option.

What to do if your state has not issued REAL ID yet

All 50 states and most territories now issue REAL ID licenses. If your state has not started yet — which is extremely unlikely — your state DMV website will say so clearly. In that case, you must use a passport, military ID, or other federal document to fly until your state catches up.

If you live in a state that issues REAL ID but your license was issued before that happened, your license is not REAL ID-compliant. You need to renew it and request REAL ID at the same time. You cannot upgrade an old license without renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get REAL ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. Most states accept a passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID as proof of citizenship instead. Check your state DMV's website for the full list of documents they accept. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office, but that takes time — a passport might be faster.

Do I need REAL ID to drive or to get a regular license?

No. REAL ID is only required for flying domestically and for entering federal buildings. You can keep renewing a regular driver's license forever if you do not fly. But if you fly at all after May 7, 2025, you will need REAL ID or another federal document.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a valid visa or work permit?

You can get REAL ID if you have a valid visa, employment authorization document, or other proof of legal presence. Bring your passport and the document showing your legal status to the DMV. Rules vary by state, so call your local DMV office first to confirm what they need.

Can I renew REAL ID by mail or online?

Most states require you to renew REAL ID in person at a DMV office. A few states let you renew online if your license is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address. Check your state's website to see if you may have access to for online renewal.

How long does REAL ID take to arrive?

Processing takes two to six weeks in most states. Some states are faster; some are slower. Check your state DMV's website for their current processing time. If you have a flight coming up, explore now rather than waiting — a delayed card means you cannot fly.