Check your permit's physical features first

A Real ID-compliant permit has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner of the card. That star is the fastest way to know. If your permit has no star, or a different symbol, it is not Real ID-compliant.

The star appears on both driver's licenses and permits issued after your state began Real ID production. Some states started in 2018, others in 2020 or later. If your permit is older than your state's Real ID rollout date, it almost certainly does not have the star.

Beyond the star, Real ID permits also show a small flag or other marking near the top left, though this varies by state. The star is the universal marker — if you see it, your permit meets Real ID standards.

Key Takeaways

  • A gold or metallic star in the upper right corner means your permit is Real ID-compliant and can be used for federal purposes like flying domestically.
  • Permits issued before your state's Real ID program began do not have the star and are not Real ID-compliant, even if they are still valid for driving.
  • You can contact your state's DMV or check their website to find out when Real ID permits became available in your state.
  • A non-Real ID permit can still be used to drive, but you will need a passport or other federal ID document to board a domestic flight.

Why your state and issue date matter

Real ID compliance is a federal standard, but each state decides when to start issuing Real ID permits and licenses. Your state's DMV controls the timeline, not the federal government. This means your neighbor in another state might have had Real ID permits available for years while yours were not yet issued.

If your permit was issued before your state's Real ID program launched, it will not have the star, even if it is still valid for driving. You can find your state's Real ID start date on your state DMV website — search "[your state] DMV Real ID" to locate it quickly.

Some states also allow you to renew an old permit without upgrading to Real ID, which means you could have a valid permit that is not Real ID-compliant. This is legal for driving purposes, but it affects what you can use the permit for at airports and federal buildings.

What to do if your permit does not have the star

A non-Real ID permit is still a valid driver's license or permit. You can drive with it, use it to prove your identity at banks or stores, and carry it normally. The restriction is only for federal purposes: you cannot use it alone to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires ID.

If you need Real ID compliance, you have two paths. You can renew your permit early at your state DMV and request a Real ID-compliant version — this usually costs the same as a regular renewal. Or you can keep your current permit for driving and carry a passport, passport card, or other federal ID when you fly or visit federal facilities.

The federal important date for domestic flights is May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need either a Real ID permit or another federal ID document to board a plane. A non-Real ID permit alone will not be accepted at airport security.

How to request a Real ID permit when you renew

When you renew your permit at the DMV, tell the staff member you want a Real ID-compliant version. Some states ask you to check a box on the process form; others require you to ask verbally. The process is the same as a regular renewal — you bring your documents, take a new photo if required, and pay the renewal fee.

You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and state residency. Your state DMV website lists exactly what documents they accept. Common documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and your current permit.

Processing time varies by state. Some DMVs issue Real ID permits on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. Check your state's website or call ahead to find out what to expect.

Real ID permits and temporary documents

If your state issues a temporary permit while your Real ID permit is being processed, that temporary document is usually not Real ID-compliant. It is valid for driving, but you cannot use it for federal purposes. If you have a flight scheduled before your Real ID permit arrives, bring a passport or passport card instead.

Some states print the star on temporary permits if they are issued after the Real ID program began. Ask the DMV staff whether your temporary permit has Real ID status before you leave the office.

Permits from other states and territories

If you moved to a new state and still have a permit from your old state, check that old permit for the star. An out-of-state permit with a star is Real ID-compliant and works for federal purposes. An out-of-state permit without a star is not, even if it is still valid for driving.

Permits from U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam follow Real ID standards if they have the star. Permits from non-U.S. territories do not may have access to as Real ID, even with a star.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my non-Real ID permit to fly domestically after May 7, 2025?

No. After that date, you will need a Real ID permit, passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal ID document to board a domestic flight. A non-Real ID permit alone will be rejected at airport security.

Does the star mean my permit is valid for international travel?

No. The Real ID star only qualifies your permit for domestic flights and federal buildings. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card, regardless of whether your permit has the star.

What if I lost my permit and need to replace it — will the replacement have the star?

Yes, if your state's Real ID program is active. A replacement permit issued after your state began Real ID production will have the star. If your state has not yet launched Real ID, the replacement will not.

Is a Real ID permit more expensive than a regular permit?

No. In most states, a Real ID permit costs the same as a standard permit. A few states charge a small fee — usually under $5 — but most do not. Check your state DMV website for the exact cost.

Can I tell if my permit is Real ID-compliant without looking at the physical card?

Some state DMV websites let you check your permit status online if you log into your account. Call your state DMV or visit their website to see if this option is available. Otherwise, the physical star is the only reliable way to know.