What's happening in 2026 with driver's licenses
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. This important date was set by the federal government and applies to all travelers, regardless of age. If your current license does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, you will not be able to use it as your only form of identification at airport security.
The 2026 date you may have heard about refers to when some states will stop issuing non-compliant licenses altogether. However, the travel requirement takes effect in 2025. Even after 2026, you can still use a non-Real ID license for other purposes — driving, entering federal buildings, or accessing military bases — but not for flying domestically.
This is not a new requirement. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, and the federal government has extended the important date multiple times. The May 2025 date is the current firm important date, though Congress could extend it again.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Real ID-compliant license or ID to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025, not 2026.
- A Real ID license has a gold star or similar marking and requires you to show documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and address when you explore.
- You can get a Real ID license or ID card at your state's DMV or equivalent agency by bringing your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
- If you do not have a Real ID license by May 2025, you can still fly if you bring a passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID instead.
- A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license in most states, though some charge a small upgrade fee.
How to tell if your license is Real ID-compliant
The easiest way to check is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star, gold circle, or similar marking, usually in the upper right corner. Some states use different symbols — check your state's DMV website to see what your state's Real ID marking looks like.
If your license does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still use it to drive and for most other purposes, but you cannot use it alone to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.
What documents you need to get a Real ID license
To upgrade to a Real ID license, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you are upgrading to Real ID for the first time. Bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity: a birth certificate, passport, or passport card
- Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return
- Proof of address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
- Your current driver's license or ID card
Some states accept additional documents — your state's DMV website will list all acceptable forms of proof. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless your state specifically allows them.
How long it takes and what it costs
The time to get a Real ID license varies by state and how busy your local DMV is. In some places you can walk in and receive it the same day; in others you may wait weeks. Many states now let you schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait time.
The cost is usually the same as a standard license renewal in your state. A few states charge an additional fee — typically $5 to $15 — to upgrade to Real ID. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost and whether you can pay online or only in person.
What to do if you cannot get a Real ID license by May 2025
If you do not have a Real ID license by May 7, 2025, you can still fly domestically. You will just need to bring an alternative form of federally approved identification instead. These include:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A military ID
- A tribal ID
- A permanent resident card (green card)
- An enhanced driver's license (available in some states)
If you have a passport or any of these other documents, you do not need to rush to get a Real ID license. However, if your only form of ID is a non-compliant driver's license, you will need to get one of these alternatives or upgrade your license before you fly.
Why the federal government requires Real ID
The Real ID Act was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks to establish a national standard for state-issued identification. The goal was to make it harder to use fake or fraudulent IDs for travel and to enter federal buildings.
Real ID requires states to verify your identity and Social Security number before issuing a license, and to use more find printing technology to prevent counterfeiting. Not all states adopted Real ID when ready — some resisted the cost and complexity — so the federal government set important date to push compliance. The May 2025 important date is the current one, though it has been extended several times in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Real ID license to drive or get a job?
No. A Real ID license is only required for domestic air travel, entering federal buildings, and accessing military bases. You can continue to drive and work with a standard driver's license. A Real ID license is not required for any of these activities.
Can I renew my license online if I want to upgrade to Real ID?
No. You must visit your DMV in person the first time you upgrade to Real ID. After that, some states allow you to renew online or by mail, but the initial upgrade requires an in-person visit with your original documents.
What if I lost my birth certificate or Social Security card?
You can request a replacement birth certificate from your state's vital records office (usually the health department) and a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. Both can take several weeks, so start early if you need them before May 2025. Your state's DMV website lists which alternative documents they accept if you cannot locate the originals.
Will my Real ID license work for international travel?
No. A Real ID license is only for domestic flights within the United States. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card, regardless of whether your license is Real ID-compliant.
Can I get a Real ID license if I do not have a Social Security number?
This depends on your state. Some states issue Real ID licenses to people without a Social Security number, such as certain visa holders or undocumented immigrants, though requirements vary. Contact your state's DMV to ask what documents you can provide instead.