An Advance Driver's License lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport
An Advance Driver's License (ADL), also called a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, meets the federal standard required to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. It is not a separate document — it is a standard driver's license that has been issued under stricter identity verification rules. When you renew or explore for a new license, you can request one that meets REAL ID standards, and it will have a small star or marking in the upper right corner to show it complies.
The difference between a regular driver's license and an Advance Driver's License is the proof you provide when you explore. A regular license requires a birth certificate or passport. An Advance Driver's License requires those documents plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The state verifies your identity more thoroughly before issuing it. Once you have one, you use it exactly like any other driver's license — there is nothing special about carrying it or showing it.
Key Takeaways
- An Advance Driver's License is a standard driver's license issued under federal REAL ID standards, marked with a star in the upper right corner.
- You need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease) when you explore.
- You can request an Advance Driver's License when you renew your license or explore for a new one at your state's DMV or driver's license office.
- If you do not have an Advance Driver's License, you can still fly domestically by showing a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal ID instead.
When you need an Advance Driver's License
You need an Advance Driver's License if you want to board a domestic flight using only your driver's license. The federal government has required all states to issue REAL ID-compliant licenses since May 2025. If you try to board a domestic flight without an Advance Driver's License, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or another accepted federal ID, you will not be allowed through security.
You also need an Advance Driver's License to enter certain federal buildings, such as federal courthouses, some Social Security offices, and military bases. The specific buildings that require it vary by location. If you are unsure whether a building requires it, you can call ahead or check the building's website.
If you have a passport or passport card, you do not need an Advance Driver's License for flights — you can use either one. The same is true for military IDs, tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, and a few other documents. An Advance Driver's License is straightforward the easiest option if you already have a driver's license and do not want to carry a passport.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
When you explore for an Advance Driver's License, bring originals or certified copies of the following documents. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images for most of these:
- Proof of identity: A birth certificate, passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad.
- Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 tax form, a Social Security benefit statement, or a paystub showing your full Social Security number.
- Proof of current address: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address on it usually works.
- Your current driver's license or ID card: If you already have one, bring it so the DMV can process your renewal or replacement.
Some states have additional requirements or accept different documents. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to see the exact list of documents it accepts. A few states require an in-person visit; others allow you to renew by mail if you are renewing an existing license. Bring originals whenever possible — the DMV will return them to you after verifying them.
how the process works at your state's DMV
Visit your state's DMV website and look for the section on REAL ID or Advance Driver's License. Most states let you schedule an appointment online, which usually gets you through faster than walking in. When you book, select the option for a new license, renewal, or replacement — whichever applies to you — and make sure you choose the REAL ID or Advance Driver's License option if it is offered separately.
Bring all the documents listed above, your completed process form (which you can usually fill out online before your appointment or at the DMV), and your payment. The fee for an Advance Driver's License varies by state but is usually the same as a regular license renewal. Some states charge a small extra fee for REAL ID compliance, typically between $10 and $30.
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and verify your information. They will ask you to confirm your address and may ask questions about your identity. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your physical Advance Driver's License will arrive by mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state.
What happens if you do not have all the required documents
If you cannot find your birth certificate or do not have a passport, you can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs between $15 and $50. You can order it online, by mail, or in person. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or consular report of birth abroad will work instead.
If you do not have a Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives within two weeks and is free. If you have a recent tax return or paystub, you may not need the physical card — the DMV can verify your number another way.
If you do not have proof of your current address, a utility bill in your name works best. If you rent and the lease is in someone else's name, ask your landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, some states allow you to use a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization confirming your address. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.
Advance Driver's License versus a regular driver's license
| Feature | Advance Driver's License | Regular Driver's License |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic air travel | Yes, without a passport | No — you need a passport or other federal ID |
| Federal building entry | Yes | No — you need a passport or other federal ID |
| Driving a car | Yes | Yes |
| Documents required to explore | Birth certificate, Social Security proof, address proof | Birth certificate or passport only |
| Marked with a star | Yes, in upper right corner | No |
| Cost | Usually $10–$30 more than regular renewal | Standard renewal fee |
The main reason to get an Advance Driver's License is to avoid carrying a passport when you fly domestically. If you already have a passport or do not fly often, a regular driver's license is sufficient. Both are valid for driving. The only real difference is what you can use them for outside of driving.
Many people find it worth the extra documents and small fee because a driver's license is something they carry anyway. You do not have to renew your passport separately, and you have one ID that works for both driving and domestic travel. If you travel internationally, you will still need a passport regardless of whether you have an Advance Driver's License.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Advance Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?
It depends on your immigration status. Most states issue Advance Driver's Licenses only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If you are a temporary resident, visa holder, or undocumented immigrant, you may be able to get a regular driver's license but not an Advance Driver's License. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what you are may be able to access for.
How long does it take to get an Advance Driver's License?
You will receive a temporary paper license at your DMV appointment, which you can use when ready for driving and flying. Your physical Advance Driver's License arrives by mail in one to three weeks, depending on your state. Some states are faster than others. Check your state's DMV website for the typical timeline.
What if my address changes after I get my Advance Driver's License?
You can update your address at the DMV without renewing your license. Most states let you change your address online or by mail for free. Your license itself does not need to be replaced — the DMV's records will be updated, and that is what matters for federal purposes.
Can I use an Advance Driver's License to travel internationally?
No. An Advance Driver's License is only for domestic travel and federal building entry. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. An Advance Driver's License will not work at airport security for international flights.
What if I lost my Advance Driver's License?
Report it to your state's DMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, usually between $10 and $30. You can often request a replacement online or by mail without visiting the DMV in person. Your replacement will also be REAL ID-compliant and marked with a star.