Yes, you can get a Real ID permit, and most people do it by renewing or replacing their driver's license or state ID card

A Real ID permit is not a separate document you request on its own. Instead, it is a designation on your existing driver's license or state ID card that shows you have met federal security standards. When you renew your license or get a replacement, you can choose to make it Real ID compliant at the same time. Most states charge a small fee — typically $5 to $30 extra — for the Real ID upgrade, though some include it at no additional cost.

You do not need a Real ID permit to drive. You need one only if you want to use your driver's license or state ID as identification to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025, or enter a military base or federal courthouse, your ID must be Real ID compliant or you will need a passport or other federal document instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID permit is an upgrade to your existing driver's license or state ID card, not a separate permit you request independently.
  • You get a Real ID by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with specific documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and state residency.
  • The documents you need include a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Most states charge $5 to $30 extra to add Real ID to a new or renewed license, though some states include it at no cost.
  • Processing times vary by state, but Real ID licenses typically arrive within two to four weeks of your visit to the DMV.

What documents you must bring to the DMV

Your state's DMV will require you to show original documents or certified copies — photocopies do not count. You will need to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in the state.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the United States, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa also works. The document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the government agency that created it.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of residency, bring two documents that show your current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all count. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days or, in some states, the last 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works as well.

The steps to get a Real ID at your DMV visit

Start by checking your state's DMV website to see whether you need to schedule an appointment or can walk in. Many states now require appointments, and booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly. Some DMVs let you fill out your process online before you arrive, which speeds up the process.

When you arrive at the DMV, bring all your documents and tell the staff member you want a Real ID license or ID card. They will verify your documents, take a new photo if your current license photo is too old, and collect the fee. In most states, the fee is added to the cost of renewing or replacing your license.

You will then receive a receipt with a tracking number. Your new Real ID license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner. A few states allow you to pick up your license in person instead of waiting for mail delivery.

Real ID permits for people with name changes or immigration status

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use this to update your name on your new Real ID license.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Real ID permit if you have a valid visa or are a lawful permanent resident. Bring your passport and visa, or your green card and passport. Some states also issue Real ID licenses to people with temporary protected status or deferred action status — check your state's DMV website to confirm what immigration documents they accept.

If you are undocumented, you cannot get a Real ID permit. Some states offer a separate state ID card that is not Real ID compliant but can be used for driving and other purposes. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available to you.

How long the process takes and what to expect

The DMV visit itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have an appointment. If you arrive without an appointment in a state that requires them, you may be turned away or asked to come back another day.

After you leave the DMV, your new Real ID license will be printed and mailed to you. Standard delivery takes two to four weeks in most states. If you need your license sooner, some states offer rush processing for $10 to $25 extra, which can cut the time to one to two weeks. A few states let you pick up your license at the DMV office instead of waiting for mail.

You will receive a receipt at your DMV visit that shows your process was submitted. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives. If your license does not arrive within the timeframe your state promised, contact the DMV with your receipt number and they can track it down.

Real ID permits for people renewing or replacing an expired license

If your driver's license or state ID is expired, you can still get a Real ID permit when you renew it. Bring the same documents listed above — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — plus your expired license. The process is the same as getting a Real ID for the first time.

If your license is not expired but you want to upgrade it to Real ID, you have two options. You can wait until your renewal date and add Real ID at that time, or you can go to the DMV now and request a replacement license with the Real ID upgrade. A replacement usually costs less than a full renewal and takes the same amount of time to arrive.

What happens if you do not get a Real ID permit

You can continue to drive and use your current license for most purposes. A non-Real ID license works for driving, voting, and entering state buildings. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use a non-Real ID license or state ID card to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building, military base, or federal courthouse.

If you do not have a Real ID permit by that date, you can still fly or enter federal buildings if you bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal document instead. A Real ID permit is convenient because it is something you already carry, but it is not the only way to meet the requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID permit by mail?

No. You must visit your state's DMV in person to get a Real ID permit. The DMV needs to verify your documents and take a new photo. Some states let you fill out the process online before your visit to save time, but you still have to go to the office.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.

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

No. A passport works for flying and entering federal buildings. A Real ID permit is useful only if you want to use your driver's license for those purposes instead of carrying your passport.

Can I renew my Real ID permit online?

Some states let you renew a Real ID license online if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. Check your state's DMV website to see if online renewal is available. If it is not, you will need to visit the DMV in person.

What if I move to a different state?

Your Real ID permit from your old state remains valid for flying and entering federal buildings. However, you will need to get a new license from your new state if you plan to drive there. When you explore for your new state's license, you can request that it be Real ID compliant using the same process described above.