You need either a Real ID, a passport, or one of a few other federal documents — but a standard driver's license is not enough after May 7, 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a regular state driver's license or ID card for domestic flights, even if it has your photo and signature. You will need one of these instead: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. A Real ID is the easiest option for most people because you can get one from your state's DMV without leaving the country or paying for a passport book.
The important date has been pushed back multiple times since 2020, but the TSA has confirmed May 7, 2025, as the final date. After that, if you show up at airport security with only a standard license, you will be turned away, even if you have a flight booked. The rule applies to all domestic flights — short flights, connecting flights, everything — but not to international flights, which have always required a passport.
Key Takeaways
- A standard driver's license will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025; you must have a Real ID, passport, or other federal ID.
- A Real ID is a state driver's license or ID card with a gold star or circle in the upper right corner, issued by your state's DMV.
- Getting a Real ID usually takes two to six weeks and costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state, plus the cost of documents you need to bring.
- A passport book works for both domestic and international flights but costs more ($130 to $165 for adults) and takes longer to arrive.
- You can still fly with a standard license if you have a passport or passport card, even if you are only flying within the US.
Real ID versus passport: which one to get
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It looks like a regular license but has a gold star or circle (the design varies by state) in the upper right corner. You get it from your state's DMV, and it works for domestic flights, federal building access, and military base entry. It does not work for international travel.
A passport is a federal document issued by the U.S. State Department. A passport book is the full-size version and works for both domestic and international flights. A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, and it also works for domestic flights — but not for international air travel to other countries. For domestic flights only, all three options (Real ID, passport book, or passport card) work equally well.
The main trade-off is cost and time. A Real ID costs $20 to $100 depending on your state and usually arrives in two to six weeks. A passport book costs $130 to $165 for adults and takes four to six weeks for routine processing, or two to three weeks for expedited processing (which costs extra). A passport card costs $35 to $50 and takes the same time as a passport book. If you only fly domestically and never plan to leave the country, a Real ID is the cheapest and fastest option. If you travel internationally or want a single document that covers both domestic and international flights, a passport book makes sense despite the higher cost.
How to get a Real ID at your state DMV
The process is the same in every state, though the documents required and fees vary slightly. You will need to visit your state's DMV in person — you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. Bring your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and your current driver's license or ID card. Some states also ask for a second form of ID.
At the DMV, you will fill out an process (usually Form DL 44 or similar), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on whether you are renewing your license at the same time and what your state charges. If your license is expiring soon, you may be able to renew it and upgrade to Real ID in one visit, which can save money. Processing time is usually two to six weeks, though some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
Check your state's DMV website before you go — each state lists exactly which documents it accepts and whether you need an appointment. Some states have long wait times for in-person visits, so booking ahead can save you hours. Once your Real ID arrives, it works when ready; you do not need to set up it or register it anywhere.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of citizenship | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate | Birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. Some states accept hospital birth records if certified. |
| Proof of Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, 1099 form | You do not have to bring the card itself; a document showing your number works. |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill | Must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count. |
| Current ID | Your current driver's license or state ID card | Required in most states. If expired, bring it anyway. |
If you were born outside the U.S. and are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card instead of a birth certificate. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your naturalization certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states accept a passport as proof of citizenship instead.
Timeline: when to get your Real ID before May 7, 2025
If you fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID, passport, or other federal ID in hand. Processing takes two to six weeks, so you should explore by late April 2025 at the latest to be safe. However, do not wait until April — DMVs get overwhelmed as the important date approaches, and wait times can stretch to weeks or months. If you fly regularly or have a trip planned before May 7, explore now.
If you do not fly domestically, you have no important date. A Real ID is required only for TSA security checkpoints at airports, federal building access, and military base entry. You can keep your standard license for driving and everyday use. However, if you think you might fly in the next year or two, getting a Real ID now is easier than scrambling later.
If your current license expires before May 7, 2025, renew it as a Real ID at the same time. This is usually cheaper than renewing a standard license and then upgrading to Real ID separately. Check your state's DMV website to see when your license expires.
What happens if you show up to the airport without the right ID
After May 7, 2025, if you arrive at the airport with only a standard driver's license, TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. TSA may offer you a secondary identity verification process (usually a few extra questions), but this is not may provide and takes time — you could miss your flight waiting for it. The safest approach is to have your Real ID, passport, or passport card with you.
If you are already at the airport and realize you do not have acceptable ID, you have a few options. You can try to leave the airport, go home to get your passport or Real ID, and come back — but this only works if your flight is hours away. You can ask TSA about their secondary verification process, though it is not reliable. Or you can contact your airline to see if they will rebook you on a later flight at no charge, though they are not required to. The best move is to check your ID before you leave home.
Real ID for people who cannot visit the DMV in person
If you are homebound, in the military stationed overseas, or otherwise unable to visit a DMV, you have limited options. Most states do not offer mail-in Real ID applications. However, some states allow a representative (a family member or attorney) to explore on your behalf if you provide a notarized power of attorney. Check your state's DMV website to see if this is allowed.
If you cannot get a Real ID, a passport or passport card is your alternative. You can explore for a passport by mail using Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (for a renewal), though you will still need to have your process notarized or witnessed by an authorized person. A passport card is cheaper and faster than a passport book and works for domestic flights.
If you are a member of the military, you can use your military ID for domestic flights instead of a Real ID or passport. If you are a Native American tribal member, a tribal ID issued by your tribe works as well. Check with your military branch or tribal government for the exact process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport card for domestic flights?
Yes. A passport card works for domestic flights and is cheaper and faster to get than a passport book. However, it does not work for international air travel — only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you think you might fly internationally in the future, a passport book is a better choice.
Do I need a Real ID if I already have a passport?
No. If you have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need a Real ID for domestic flights. You can use your passport instead. However, a Real ID is still useful for federal building access and military base entry, so some people get both.
What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?
All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue Real IDs. However, if your state is slow to process applications, explore as soon as possible. Check your state's DMV website to see current processing times and whether expedited processing is available.
Can I fly with an expired Real ID?
No. Your Real ID must be valid (not expired) to use it at the airport. If your Real ID is expiring soon, renew it before your flight. You can renew online or by mail in most states, though upgrading to a new Real ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV.
Do I need a Real ID for connecting flights?
Yes. The Real ID requirement applies to all domestic flights, including connecting flights. You will need to show your ID at security for each leg of your journey, even if you are staying in the airport between flights.