What documents the federal government accepts as Real ID

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Not every document in your wallet counts. The federal government accepts only specific documents issued by your state's motor vehicle agency, and only if your state has met Real ID compliance requirements.

The documents that work are: a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a Real ID-compliant state ID card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a refugee travel document. Each of these is issued by a federal or state agency that has undergone security vetting. A document from your employer, school, or bank does not count, even if it has your photo and signature.

Your state's motor vehicle agency marks Real ID documents with a gold or silver star, usually in the upper right corner of the card. If your driver's license or state ID has no star, it is not Real ID-compliant, and you cannot use it for federal building access or domestic air travel. Some states still issue non-compliant IDs to people who do not want to provide a Social Security number or who have other reasons to decline Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Only documents issued by your state's motor vehicle agency with a Real ID star, or federal documents like a passport or military ID, meet Real ID standards.
  • Your state ID or driver's license must display a gold or silver star to be Real ID-compliant; without it, the card does not meet federal requirements.
  • Employer badges, school IDs, and bank cards do not count as Real ID, even if they have your photo and are issued by a large organization.
  • If your state still issues non-compliant IDs, you can choose to get a Real ID version or keep the non-compliant card for other purposes.

How to tell if your state ID or driver's license is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way is to look for the star. Open your wallet and examine the front of your driver's license or state ID card. In the upper right corner, or sometimes in the upper left, you should see a small gold or silver star if the card is Real ID-compliant. The star is the official marker that your state's motor vehicle agency has issued the card under Real ID standards.

If there is no star, your card is not Real ID-compliant. This does not mean the card is invalid for driving or everyday use—it straightforward means it does not meet the federal security standard. You can still use a non-compliant card to drive, enter state buildings, and conduct most transactions. You cannot use it for federal building access or to board a domestic flight without a second form of identification.

Some states print the words "Real ID" or "REAL ID" on the card itself, usually near the star or on the back. Others rely on the star alone. If you are unsure whether your card has the star, contact your state's motor vehicle agency directly—they can confirm your card's status in seconds.

Documents issued by federal agencies that always work

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant state ID or driver's license, you can use a federal document instead. A U.S. passport (the booklet) is the most common alternative and works for both federal building access and domestic air travel. A U.S. passport card (the wallet-sized version) also meets Real ID standards, though it is less widely recognized by airport security.

A military ID issued by the Department of Defense counts as Real ID for all federal purposes. This includes active-duty military, retirees, and dependents with a valid military ID card. A permanent resident card (green card) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also meets the standard. A refugee travel document issued by USCIS works as well.

A tribal ID

Documents that do not count as Real ID

Many documents that look official do not meet Real ID standards. An employer badge, even from a large corporation or government contractor, is not Real ID. A school or university ID, even with a photo and security features, does not count. A bank card, credit card, or library card does not may have access to. A concealed carry permit, hunting license, or professional license issued by your state does not meet the federal standard, even though your state issued it.

A passport from another country does not work for Real ID purposes in the United States, though it may work for other forms of identification. A state ID or driver's license from another country does not count either. If you are a foreign national living in the United States, you will need a U.S. passport, green card, or other federal document to meet Real ID requirements.

Documents that have expired do not count, even if they are otherwise Real ID-compliant. An expired passport, expired military ID, or expired state ID cannot be used for federal building access or air travel. You must renew the document before it can serve as Real ID again.

What happens if you do not have a Real ID document

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant document, you have options. For domestic air travel, you can bring a non-Real ID state driver's license along with a second form of identification—a passport, passport card, military ID, or even a Social Security card. The TSA will accept the combination. This process takes longer at security, but it works.

For federal building access, a non-Real ID state ID or driver's license alone will not work. You will need to bring a federal document (passport, military ID, green card) or get a Real ID-compliant state ID. Many federal buildings now require Real ID or a federal document for entry, and this requirement has been in place since 2025 for most facilities.

If you want to get a Real ID-compliant state ID or driver's license, contact your state's motor vehicle agency. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. The process and required documents vary by state, but most states now issue Real ID cards as the standard option.

Why some people have non-Real ID state IDs

Some states still offer non-Real ID state IDs and driver's licenses to people who choose not to provide a Social Security number or who have privacy concerns. This is legal under federal law. If you requested a non-Real ID card when you renewed your license, your card will not have the star and will not meet Real ID standards.

A few states also issue non-Real ID cards to people who cannot provide the documents required for Real ID compliance. If you are in this situation, you can still use a federal document like a passport or military ID for Real ID purposes, or you can work with your state's motor vehicle agency to understand what documents you can provide to get a Real ID card.

Real ID requirements for different situations

Real ID is required for domestic air travel on commercial airlines. You must show a Real ID document or a non-Real ID state ID plus a second form of ID at airport security. This has been the rule since May 2025.

Real ID is required to enter a federal building, including federal courthouses, federal office buildings, and some military installations. A non-Real ID state ID alone will not work. You must bring a Real ID document or a federal document like a passport or military ID.

Real ID is not required for driving, voting, or entering state buildings. Your non-Real ID state driver's license works for all of these. Real ID is also not required for opening a bank account, getting a job, or most other everyday transactions. The requirement applies only to federal building access and domestic air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card instead of a Real ID driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport card meets Real ID standards and works for both federal building access and domestic air travel. It is smaller than a passport booklet and fits in your wallet. Some airport security officers are less familiar with passport cards, so having it ready and explaining what it is can speed up the process.

Does my military ID need a star to be Real ID?

No. Military IDs issued by the Department of Defense are automatically Real ID-compliant and do not need a star. The same applies to federal documents like passports and green cards. The star requirement applies only to state-issued driver's licenses and state ID cards.

What if my state ID has expired but I still have the physical card?

An expired document does not count as Real ID, even if it has the star. You cannot use it for federal building access or air travel. You must renew your state ID or bring a valid federal document like a passport instead.

Can I use a Real ID state ID from another state?

Yes. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID from any state works for federal building access and air travel, as long as it has the star and has not expired. You do not need to get a Real ID from your current state of residence.

Is a Real ID the same as a REAL ID?

The terms are used interchangeably. "Real ID" and "REAL ID" both refer to the federal standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. Your state's motor vehicle agency may use either term on your card or in their materials.