Got Your Real ID? You’ll Need It to Fly in 2025
It’s official: If you’re taking a domestic flight within the U.S., you’ll need to fly from May 7, 2025. Your old driver’s license will no longer be valid on or after this date. Real ID only or Other forms of acceptable identification Will help you pass TSA security inspections.
this REAL ID ActPassed in 2007, the act mandates consistent and secure identification standards used in air travel and entry to federal facilities. Various delayis expected to take effect in May next year. U.S. residents over 18 years old are required to present a REAL ID enhanced driver’s license or other federally approved identification (such as a passport) to fly domestically.
Here’s everything you need to know about REAL ID, including where to apply, what you need to bring, and what happens if you don’t have proof of ID after the 2025 deadline. For more information about travel regulations, find out how Update your passport online and What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled.
What is a real ID? How do I know if I have a real ID?
Starting next spring, airport security will require a REAL ID.
Essentially, REAL ID is an enhanced version of a standard state driver’s license or identification card, designed to help authorities combat terrorism and identity fraud.
Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia comply with REAL ID standards, the Department of Homeland Security said. If you have recently renewed your driver’s license, you are likely already compliant. If it’s been a few years, you may need to update it.
Real ID-approved licenses will have one of the stars displayed in the upper right corner.
You can tell by looking at your driver’s license: if there’s a gold, black, or white star in the upper right corner, you have a REAL ID. (There are some slight differences—California places a white star on the state’s bear symbol, while Maine places it in the state’s outline.)
How do I apply for a REAL ID card in my state?
Whichever state agency issues your driver’s license is responsible for issuing REAL ID cards. Required documentation varies, but typically includes proof of identity and identification as a U.S. resident or citizen, proof of Social Security number, and multiple proofs of current address.
Originals or hard copies of documents are required – birth certificate, social security card, U.S. passport – photocopies and screenshots will not be accepted. check your State Driver Licensing Agency Website Learn more.
After applying, you should receive a temporary paper ID until your REAL ID-compliant license is mailed to you in approximately three to four weeks.
With limited exceptions, the cost to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is the same as renewing a driver’s license or non-driver ID card.
What happens if I don’t get a REAL ID by the deadline?
Starting in May 2025, unless the deadline is extended again, federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will only accept REAL ID-approved licenses and identification cards “for entry to federal facilities,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.
These include airport security checkpoints.
If you do not have a passport, U.S. adults must present a valid passport even if they are traveling domestically, or One of these other forms of identification:
An example of a driver’s license with the Real ID logo.
Not having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license does not affect other uses of the driver’s license, including verifying a person’s ability to operate a vehicle or purchase alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
For more tips on flying, see How to Track flight cancellations on iPhone and why there A better travel card option than Chase Sapphire Reserve.
