Senior citizens do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, but the rules depend on when you were born

If you were born before December 7, 1964, you can still use an expired driver's license or state ID card to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building through 2025. If you were born on or after that date, you must have a REAL ID-compliant document — a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or a REAL ID-marked state ID — starting May 7, 2025. The federal government has extended the important date multiple times, but this is the current firm date.

The confusion happens because REAL ID is not a separate document you obtain. It is a security standard that your existing state ID either meets or does not. Your state ID either has a gold or star marking (or your state's equivalent) showing it is REAL ID-compliant, or it does not. If you are over 60 and have never needed to replace your license, you may still be holding a non-compliant card — and you will need to replace it before May 2025 if you plan to fly.

Key Takeaways

  • Senior citizens born before December 7, 1964 can use an expired standard state ID to fly domestically until 2025, but this grace period ends May 7, 2025.
  • A REAL ID is not a separate document — it is a marking on your existing state driver's license or ID card showing it meets federal security standards.
  • If you were born on or after December 7, 1964, you must have a REAL ID-compliant document to fly domestically or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.
  • You can get a REAL ID by visiting your state's DMV with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card counts as REAL ID and does not expire for domestic flights, so it is an alternative to renewing your state ID.

Who actually needs REAL ID and when

REAL ID applies only to domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings — courthouses, military bases, and federal offices. It does not explore to driving a car, voting, or crossing the Canadian or Mexican border by land. If you fly internationally, you already need a passport, which is REAL ID-compliant.

The age cutoff matters because the federal government grandfathered in people over 60. If you were born before December 7, 1964, you can board a domestic flight with an expired standard state ID until May 7, 2025. After that date, everyone — regardless of age — must have a REAL ID-compliant document. This means if you are 65 now and have not renewed your license in 15 years, you have until May 2025 to get a REAL ID state ID or passport.

If you were born on or after December 7, 1964, the important date already applied to you. You have needed REAL ID since May 2023. If you have not yet obtained one and you fly domestically, you will be turned away at the airport.

What documents count as REAL ID

A REAL ID-compliant document is one of these: a state driver's license or ID card marked as REAL ID-compliant (usually with a gold star or star in the upper right corner, though some states use different symbols), a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, an enhanced driver's license, a Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), a military ID, or a Native American tribal ID. For most seniors, the practical options are a REAL ID state ID, a passport, or a passport card.

A passport or passport card is often the easiest route if you do not drive or rarely drive. A passport does not expire for domestic flights — you can use an expired passport to board a domestic flight. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, costs $130 (or $165 with expedited processing), and works for domestic flights and federal building entry. A full passport book costs $165 (or $200 expedited) and also works for international travel.

If you want to keep your state ID instead, you will need to visit your state's DMV and explore for a REAL ID-compliant replacement. This is not automatic — you cannot straightforward renew your old license and expect it to be REAL ID-compliant. You must specifically request a REAL ID state ID.

How to get a REAL ID state ID at the DMV

Visit your state's DMV website first to confirm what documents they require and whether you need an appointment. Requirements vary slightly by state, but you will need to bring: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (like a tax return or W-2), proof of current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your current driver's license or state ID. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can often read and fill out before you go.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. If your birth certificate is not a certified copy, you can order one from your state's vital records office, which typically takes one to two weeks. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can use a recent tax return, W-2, or bank statement showing your number. If you have moved recently and do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease, mortgage statement, or even a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address will work.

The DMV will take a new photo and issue you a REAL ID-compliant card. The card itself looks almost identical to a standard state ID — the only difference is the star or marking in the corner. Processing time varies by state, from same-day to two weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Ask at the DMV whether you can get the card the same day or whether you need to return to pick it up.

Getting a passport or passport card instead

If you do not want to visit the DMV, a passport or passport card is a valid alternative. You explore at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office. You will need the same documents as for a REAL ID state ID: your birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of citizenship (your birth certificate serves this purpose), a government-issued photo ID (your current driver's license works), and proof of current address.

A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less. It works for domestic flights and federal building entry, but not for international travel. A full passport book works for everything. Processing normally takes four to six weeks, but you can pay extra for expedited processing, which takes two to three weeks. If you need it faster, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service if you explore in person and pay a rush fee, though this is available only at certain locations.

Once you have a passport or passport card, you do not need to renew it for domestic flights — an expired passport still works for boarding a domestic flight. This is different from a REAL ID state ID, which must be valid and not expired.

What happens if you do not have REAL ID by May 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document and you try to board a domestic flight, you will be denied boarding. The TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to enter a federal courthouse, federal office building, or military base without a REAL ID-compliant document either. This applies to everyone, regardless of age.

If you are over 60 and have been using an expired state ID to fly, this is your last year to do so. After May 2025, an expired state ID — even if you are 80 years old — will not work. You will need either a valid REAL ID state ID, a passport, or a passport card.

The good news is that getting either one is straightforward and does not cost much. A REAL ID state ID costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state. A passport card costs $130. Both are worth getting before the important date so you do not face a last-minute rush or miss a flight.

State-by-state differences in REAL ID requirements

Every state now issues REAL ID-compliant IDs, but the process and documents required vary slightly. Some states require an in-person visit to the DMV; others allow you to renew by mail if you are renewing an existing license. Some states charge extra for REAL ID; others do not. Some states issue the card the same day; others mail it to you.

Check your state's DMV website before you go. Search for "REAL ID [your state]" and you will find the specific documents your state requires, the fee, and the processing time. If you cannot find the information online or have questions about what documents you have, call your local DMV office — they can tell you exactly what to bring and whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old expired driver's license to fly after May 2025?

No. After May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID-compliant document to board a domestic flight, regardless of age. The grace period for people over 60 ends on that date. An expired standard state ID will not work, even if you are 80 years old.

Does my passport expire for domestic flights?

No. An expired U.S. passport still works for boarding domestic flights. You can use an expired passport to fly within the United States, but you cannot use it for international travel. A passport card works the same way.

Do I need REAL ID to drive a car or vote?

No. REAL ID applies only to domestic air travel and federal building entry. You can drive and vote with a standard state ID for as long as your state allows.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail. It typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited processing. You will need your name, date of birth, and parents' names to order it.

Can I get REAL ID by mail?

Some states allow mail renewal if you are renewing an existing license and it has not been expired for more than a certain period. Check your state's DMV website. If you are getting an ID for the first time or your license has been expired for years, you will likely need to visit the DMV in person.