Yes, you need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an alternative document to fly domestically in the United States

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require every passenger on a domestic flight to show either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner), a passport, a passport card, or a military ID. If your license does not have the star and you do not have one of the other documents, TSA will not let you through security.

The star itself is just a visual marker that your state's DMV has verified your identity documents and address meet federal standards. It does not give you any special privileges — it straightforward proves your license meets the security requirements for air travel. If you do not have the star yet, you have time to get one, but the process takes weeks in most states.

Key Takeaways

  • A REAL ID star on your driver's license is one of four documents TSA will accept at airport security starting May 7, 2025; a passport, passport card, or military ID work just as well.
  • The star appears in the upper right corner of your license and is issued by your state's DMV when you renew or replace your license with documents proving your identity and current address.
  • Getting a REAL ID star typically takes two to six weeks depending on your state, so you should start the process now if you plan to fly after May 7, 2025.
  • If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need the star — either document will get you through airport security for domestic flights.

What the star actually is and why TSA requires it

The star is not a new type of license. It is a marking on a standard driver's license or state ID card that shows your state's DMV has confirmed your identity using documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Federal law (the REAL ID Act, passed in 2005) requires this verification before states can issue licenses that work for federal purposes like flying.

Before May 7, 2025, TSA accepted licenses without the star. After that date, they will not. The change gives you a important date to either get the star or carry a passport instead. States have been issuing REAL ID licenses since 2009, so many people already have one without realizing it — check the upper right corner of your license to see if yours has the star.

How to get the star on your license

Visit your state's DMV website and look for "REAL ID" or "REAL ID driver's license." The process is the same in every state: you go to a DMV office in person, bring the required documents, and pay a fee (usually $20 to $50, depending on your state). You cannot do this by mail or online.

The documents you will need are typically a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states add extra requirements, so check your DMV's website before you go. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.

After you submit your documents, the DMV will either issue your REAL ID license on the spot or mail it to you within two to six weeks, depending on your state. If you need to fly before your new license arrives, bring your passport instead.

What to bring to the airport if you do not have the star yet

If your license does not have the star and you have not had time to get one, bring one of these documents instead: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID (including a military dependent ID). Any of these will get you through TSA security for a domestic flight. You do not need both your license and one of these documents — one is enough.

If you have none of these documents and your license lacks the star, you will not be able to pass through security. TSA will not issue temporary passes or make exceptions. Plan ahead: if you do not have a passport and your license lacks the star, getting a passport takes eight to 11 weeks for routine service, so the faster route is usually to get the REAL ID star at your DMV.

The difference between REAL ID and a passport

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license and a passport both prove your identity to TSA, but they are different documents issued by different agencies. Your state's DMV issues the REAL ID license; the U.S. State Department issues the passport. For domestic flights, both work equally well. For international flights, you need a passport — the REAL ID star does not help you leave the country.

If you travel internationally even once a year, getting a passport might make more sense than getting the REAL ID star, since the passport covers both domestic and international travel. If you only fly domestically, the REAL ID star is faster and cheaper. You do not need both.

What happens if you show up without the star or an alternative document

TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. There is no exception process or temporary pass — if your license lacks the star and you do not have a passport, passport card, or military ID, you cannot fly that day.

If this happens, your options are to reschedule your flight for a date when you have one of the required documents, or to drive or take another form of transportation instead. This is why checking your license now and getting the star if you need it is important: missing a flight is expensive and disruptive.

States that are still issuing non-REAL ID licenses

All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses, but some still allow you to choose a non-compliant license if you prefer (usually for privacy reasons). If you chose the non-compliant option when you last renewed, your license will not have the star. You will need to go back to the DMV and request the REAL ID version to get the star, or bring a passport to the airport instead.

Check your license now. If it has a star in the upper right corner, you are set. If it does not, and you plan to fly after May 7, 2025, either schedule a DMV appointment to get the star or make sure you have a valid passport with you when you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport if my license does not have the star?

No. TSA requires a valid (unexpired) passport, passport card, or military ID. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired and your license lacks the star, you will need to renew your passport or get the REAL ID star before you can fly.

Do I need the star if I have a passport card?

No. A passport card is a valid travel document for domestic flights and works just like a full passport at airport security. You do not need the REAL ID star if you have a passport card.

Will my old license without the star still work after May 7, 2025?

No. After May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a driver's license without the star for domestic flights. You will need to show a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, passport card, or military ID instead.

How long does it take to get the REAL ID star at the DMV?

The DMV appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but receiving your new license takes two to six weeks depending on your state. Some states mail it to you; others let you pick it up at the office. Check your state DMV's website for the exact timeline.

Can I get the star without renewing my license?

In most states, you can replace your license with a REAL ID version without waiting for your renewal date. You pay a replacement fee (usually $20 to $50) and bring the required documents. This is faster than waiting for your license to expire if you need the star soon.