REAL ID will not replace your passport for international travel, but it will satisfy federal ID requirements for domestic flights and federal buildings starting May 7, 2025

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. It meets the Department of Homeland Security's requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities like courthouses and military bases. A passport, by contrast, is issued by the State Department and is required for any international travel by air, sea, or land.

The two documents serve different purposes and are issued by different agencies. REAL ID cannot take the place of a passport because it does not prove citizenship to foreign governments. If you travel outside the United States, you will still need a passport, regardless of whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant.

For domestic travel within the United States, REAL ID will become the standard federal ID requirement. Before May 7, 2025, you can still board a domestic flight with a non-compliant state ID or driver's license, but after that date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require either a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, a military ID, or a few other federal documents.

Key Takeaways

  • REAL ID is a federal standard for domestic travel and federal building access; a passport is required for international travel and is issued by a different agency.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or equivalent federal document to board a domestic flight.
  • If you travel internationally, you must have a passport — REAL ID does not replace it.
  • You can hold both a REAL ID driver's license and a passport at the same time; they are not mutually exclusive.
  • Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current driver's license is REAL ID-compliant or what documents you need to upgrade.

How REAL ID and passport requirements differ

REAL ID is a domestic security standard created by Congress in 2005. It requires state DMVs to verify identity documents and conduct background checks before issuing a license or ID card. The standard applies only to licenses and IDs used for federal purposes — boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing military installations.

A passport is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves citizenship and identity to foreign governments. It is required for any international travel, whether by air, sea, or land. A passport is also accepted as a form of federal ID for domestic flights and federal buildings, but it is not required for those purposes if you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

The key difference: REAL ID is a state-issued document that meets a federal standard for domestic purposes. A passport is a federal document required for international travel. They are not interchangeable.

What documents the TSA will accept after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will accept the following documents at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights:

  • A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card
  • A U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • A Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI)
  • A Native American tribal ID issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • A U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) issued by certain states

If your state driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant and you do not have one of the other documents listed above, you will not be able to board a domestic flight using only that license. You would need to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, or another accepted document.

How to check if your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant

Most states have already issued REAL ID-compliant licenses to residents, but not all. You can check whether your current license is compliant by looking for a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card. If your license has a gold or black star, it is REAL ID-compliant. If it does not have a star, it is not.

You can also visit your state's DMV website to confirm your license status. Each state DMV maintains information about which licenses are REAL ID-compliant and what documents you need to bring to upgrade if yours is not.

If your license is not compliant, you can visit your state DMV in person to request an upgrade. You will typically need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Some states charge a fee for upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, while others do not.

Timeline for the REAL ID requirement

The REAL ID important date has been extended multiple times since it was originally set for 2008. The current important date is May 7, 2025. After that date, a non-compliant state driver's license will not be accepted as federal ID for domestic flights or federal building access.

Between now and May 7, 2025, you can still board a domestic flight with a non-compliant license, but you will need to bring an additional form of identification, such as a passport or military ID. After May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer accept non-compliant licenses for any purpose.

If you plan to travel domestically by air before May 7, 2025, check your license now. If it is not compliant and you do not have a passport or other accepted document, visit your state DMV to upgrade. Processing times vary by state, but many DMVs can issue a REAL ID-compliant license within a few weeks.

Why you might need both a REAL ID license and a passport

You can hold both a REAL ID-compliant driver's license and a passport at the same time. In fact, many travelers carry both because they serve different purposes. Your REAL ID license handles domestic travel and federal building access, while your passport is required for international travel.

If you travel internationally, you will need a passport regardless of whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant. A passport cannot be replaced by REAL ID. If you travel domestically, a REAL ID-compliant license is sufficient, but a passport also works.

Some travelers prefer to carry a passport for all travel because it is accepted everywhere — domestically and internationally — and it eliminates the need to carry multiple documents. Others prefer to keep their passport at home and use their REAL ID license for domestic trips. The choice depends on your travel habits and personal preference.

States with different timelines or requirements

Most states have already transitioned to issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses, but a few states have delayed or taken different approaches. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses by default, while others require you to request one and bring specific documents.

A small number of states have resisted the REAL ID standard on privacy or federalism grounds, but even in those states, residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license if they choose. Check your state's DMV website for the specific documents required and any fees involved.

If you live in a state that has not yet fully transitioned to REAL ID, you may have more time to upgrade your license before the May 7, 2025 important date. However, it is best to check your state DMV's website now rather than waiting until the last minute, as processing times can be long during peak periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of REAL ID for a domestic flight?

Yes. A passport is accepted as federal ID for domestic flights and federal building access. If you have a valid passport, you do not need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic travel. However, you will still need to carry your passport with you, whereas a REAL ID-compliant license is something you likely already carry.

What happens if I fly domestically after May 7, 2025 without REAL ID or a passport?

You will not be able to pass through TSA security. The TSA will turn you away at the checkpoint if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, military ID, or other accepted federal document. You would need to leave the airport, obtain an accepted document, and rebook your flight.

Do I need REAL ID to drive or to get a state ID card?

No. REAL ID is only required for federal purposes — boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You can continue to use a non-compliant state driver's license for driving, voting, and other state-level purposes. REAL ID is optional unless you need to fly domestically or access federal facilities.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID-compliant license?

Processing times vary by state, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Contact your state DMV or visit their website to find out the current processing time and whether expedited options are available.

Will REAL ID replace my passport for international travel?

No. REAL ID is a domestic security standard and does not prove citizenship to foreign governments. You will always need a passport for international travel, regardless of whether you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. The two documents serve different purposes and are issued by different agencies.