You need a Real ID or enhanced license to fly domestically starting in 2025

The federal government now requires a Real ID — a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards — to board a domestic flight in the United States. An enhanced license is one type of Real ID that also lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico by car without a passport. If your current license does not say "Real ID" or show a gold or black star in the upper right corner, you cannot use it alone to board a plane. You will need either a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a trusted traveler card instead.

The important date has already passed. The federal government stopped accepting regular driver's licenses for domestic air travel on May 7, 2025. If you have not yet obtained a Real ID, you will need to bring an alternative document — a passport is the most common choice — when you fly.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID driver's license or enhanced license is now required for domestic flights; a regular license is no longer accepted.
  • An enhanced license costs more than a regular license renewal but also lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport.
  • You must visit your state's DMV in person with specific documents; you cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online.
  • Processing times vary by state, so check your DMV's current wait times before you schedule an appointment.
  • If you do not have a Real ID yet, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card.

Real ID versus enhanced license: what is the difference

Both a Real ID and an enhanced license meet federal standards for domestic air travel. The difference is what else they let you do. A Real ID is a standard driver's license that has passed federal security checks. An enhanced license is a Real ID with additional security features that also allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea without carrying a passport.

If you only fly domestically and do not cross land borders, a regular Real ID is sufficient. If you drive to Canada or Mexico regularly, an enhanced license saves you from carrying a passport in your car. Enhanced licenses cost more — typically $20 to $50 more than a regular Real ID renewal, depending on your state — and require additional documentation, usually proof of citizenship like a birth certificate or passport.

Both require an in-person visit to your state's DMV. Neither can be renewed by mail or online, even if your previous license could be.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The documents required for a Real ID or enhanced license vary slightly by state, but all states require proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and a recent utility bill or lease in your name.

For an enhanced license, you will also need to prove citizenship. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, a passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers.

Check your specific state's DMV website before you go. Some states accept additional documents — like a W-2 form for proof of address — and some have different rules for people born outside the U.S. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

How much it costs and how long it takes

A Real ID driver's license costs the same as a regular license renewal in most states, typically $30 to $60 depending on how long the license is valid. An enhanced license costs more, usually $50 to $100 total, because of the additional security features and border-crossing capability.

Processing time depends on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states issue a Real ID on the spot during your appointment. Others mail it to you within one to two weeks. A few states with high demand have wait times of four to six weeks. Check your state DMV's website or call ahead to find out the current timeline before you schedule.

If you need to fly before your new license arrives, bring a passport or other acceptable federal ID to the airport. The TSA will accept it in place of a Real ID.

How to schedule a DMV appointment

Most states now require you to schedule a DMV appointment online rather than walk in. Go to your state's DMV website and look for "Real ID" or "Enhanced License" in the menu. You will usually see a link to schedule an appointment, check wait times, or find the nearest office that handles Real IDs.

Some states let you schedule weeks in advance; others open appointments only a few days ahead. If your state's system is full, check back the next day. If you cannot find an appointment near you, try a DMV office in a neighboring county or city — you do not have to renew at the office closest to your home.

Bring all required documents and your appointment confirmation. Arrive a few minutes early. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens if you fly without a Real ID

If you arrive at the airport with a regular driver's license and no other federal ID, the TSA will not let you through security. You will be turned away and cannot board your flight. You cannot get a Real ID on the same day you fly.

If you realize you do not have a Real ID before your trip, your options are to reschedule your flight, drive instead if possible, or bring an alternative document. A passport, passport card, military ID, or a trusted traveler card (like Global Entry or NEXUS) will get you through security. A passport card costs less than a full passport and is valid for domestic flights.

States that issue enhanced licenses

Not all states offer enhanced licenses. As of now, about 20 states issue them, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Texas. The list changes occasionally as states add or drop the program.

If your state does not offer an enhanced license, a regular Real ID will still let you fly domestically. If you need to cross a land border without a passport, you will have to carry your passport in your car instead.

Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether enhanced licenses are available where you live and what the specific requirements are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of a Real ID to fly?

Yes. A passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or TWIC) all work for domestic flights. You do not have to get a Real ID if you have one of these documents and do not mind carrying it to the airport.

Do I need a Real ID if I only fly internationally?

No. International flights require a passport regardless of whether your driver's license is a Real ID. A regular license is fine if you never fly domestically within the U.S.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get another one in time?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a replacement. Processing times vary, but many states can issue a certified copy within one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. Some DMVs accept other citizenship documents like a passport or naturalization certificate instead.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail?

No. Real IDs and enhanced licenses require an in-person visit to the DMV. You cannot renew them online or by mail, even if your previous license allowed it.

What if my state is taking six weeks to issue a Real ID and I need to fly sooner?

Bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card to the airport instead. The TSA will accept any of these in place of a Real ID. You do not have to wait for your new license to arrive before you fly.