Yes, you can get a Real ID card — here's what you need to do

You can get a Real ID identification card by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person, bringing the required documents, and paying a fee. A Real ID card looks like a standard state ID but has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. It is not a separate card — it replaces your regular ID — and you get it through the same agency that issues driver's licenses.

The process takes one visit if you have all your documents ready. You will not be able to renew by mail or online if you want Real ID status; you must appear in person at least once. The fee varies by state, typically between $20 and $50 for a card that lasts four to eight years depending on your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state DMV in person with original or certified copies of proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address.
  • Real ID cards cost between $20 and $50 and are valid for four to eight years depending on your state.
  • You cannot get Real ID status by mail or online; federal law requires an in-person visit at least once.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you may be able to use a certified court record or military discharge papers instead.

What documents you need to bring

Your state DMV will ask for documents in three categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, a military ID, a military discharge paper (DD-214), or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have any of these, ask your DMV whether they will accept a certified court record showing your name and date of birth.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A bank statement or utility bill does not work for this step.

For proof of current address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count; check your state's rules.

The Real ID process process at the DMV

Walk into your state DMV with your documents and tell the staff member you want a Real ID card. You will fill out an process form (usually Form DL-44 or similar, depending on your state). The staff will verify your documents, take your photograph and signature, and collect your fee.

The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the DMV is. You will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot or a temporary digital ID on your phone, depending on your state. Your actual Real ID card will arrive in the mail within one to three weeks.

If you already have a valid driver's license or state ID, you can upgrade it to Real ID status at the same visit. You do not have to wait for your current card to expire. Some states charge a small upgrade fee in addition to the regular card fee; others do not charge extra.

What happens if you do not have a birth certificate

If you were born in the United States but do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30. You can order online, by mail, or in person depending on the state.

If you cannot get a birth certificate in time, ask your DMV whether they will accept a certified court record, a military discharge paper, or a passport card instead. Some states are flexible; others are not. Call your DMV ahead of time rather than showing up without the right document.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your foreign birth certificate along with your U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one from the U.S. State Department before you can get a Real ID card.

Real ID card fees and how long they last

Real ID cards cost between $20 and $50 depending on your state. Some states charge the same price as a regular ID; others charge $5 to $15 extra for the Real ID star. A few states offer Real ID at no extra cost. Call your DMV or check your state's website to find out what your state charges.

A Real ID card is valid for four to eight years depending on your state and your age. Most states issue cards that last six or eight years. If you are under 21, your card may expire sooner. When your card expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, but if you want to keep Real ID status, you may need to visit the DMV in person again — rules vary by state.

When you might not be able to get a Real ID card

You cannot get a Real ID card if you do not have proof of a valid Social Security number or if you cannot prove your identity and current address. You also cannot get one if your state has suspended or revoked your driver's license or ID for certain reasons, such as unpaid child support or a serious traffic violation. If your license is suspended, contact your DMV to find out whether you can still get a Real ID card or whether you must resolve the suspension first.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Real ID card in most states if you have a valid visa and a Social Security number. Some states require a green card or other proof of legal residency. Check your state's rules before you visit the DMV.

Real ID vs. a regular state ID card

The main difference is the gold or metallic star on the Real ID card. Both cards work for everyday identification — buying alcohol, entering a bank, proving your age. The Real ID card is required to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base without a passport.

If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a regular state ID card works fine. If you do either of those things, you will need a Real ID card, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID. You cannot use a regular state ID for federal purposes after May 7, 2025, when the federal important date takes full effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID card if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Your DMV will check whether your license or ID has been suspended or revoked for reasons related to your record. If it has not been, you can get a Real ID card. If your license is suspended, contact your DMV to find out what you need to do to restore it.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, a pay stub, or any other document that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of those, you can order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local office.

Can I get a Real ID card if I am homeless?

Yes. For proof of address, bring a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or another organization that serves homeless people. The letter must show your name and the organization's address and be dated within the last 60 days. Some states also accept a PO box or the address of a trusted friend or family member.

Do I need a Real ID card if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for everything a Real ID card does — boarding flights, entering federal buildings, and proving your identity. You do not need both. If you have a valid passport, you do not need to get a Real ID card unless you prefer to carry a state ID instead.

How do I know if my state ID is already Real ID compliant?

Look at the upper right corner of your card. If there is a gold or metallic star, it is Real ID compliant. If there is no star, it is a regular state ID. You can also call your state DMV or check their website to confirm.