The REAL ID Act: What It Means, State by State Requirements, and Updates [2025]

Key Takeaways

• The Real ID Act sets federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards, requiring them for air travel and entry into federal facilities starting May 7, 2025.
• Real ID-compliant cards feature a star in the top right corner, so it is best to check if you have already been issued one.
• Only compliant IDs will be accepted for domestic flights, making it essential to upgrade before the deadline.

You may have noticed Transportation Security Administration signs posted at airport security checkpoints warning travelers about upcoming ID requirement changes. So what exactly are these changes, and what do you need to do to be ready?

We’ll break down exactly how REAL ID works — including what the REAL ID Act means for you and how you travel.

What Is the REAL ID Act?

Formulated in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks and passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. It was aimed at thwarting airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents that grant access to domestic planes.

State agencies that issue licenses and identification cards, like the departments of motor vehicles, require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and Social Security numbers to standardize licenses under the new act. The cards also use new technology, making them much more difficult to forge.

Various roadblocks and the COVID-19 pandemic meant it has taken the federal government nearly 20 years to implement the act fully — a gradual process that has been met by some confusion, as each state has a different status. The original date of compliance was October 1, 2020, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic to October 1, 2021, then to May 3, 2023, and now to May 7, 2025. All states must comply by May 7, 2025.

We know a lot of travelers are concerned that they will lose the ability to fly, drive, or vote as a result of the REAL ID Act, but this isn’t the case. You can continue to use your regular license or identification to drive and vote without obtaining a REAL ID.

The change will only impact domestic travel in the U.S., and you will either need to provide an alternate form of TSA-approved ID or obtain a REAL ID.

Bottom Line: To fly internationally, you will always need your passport.

What Does a REAL ID Look Like?

In most states, there is a gold or black star on the front of the REAL ID license that signifies compliance. If you see one of these stars, then you’re good to go.

Note that not all states use the standard star-in-a-circle format. Michigan, for example, is phasing out that symbol on its REAL IDs in favor of a star in a silhouette of the state, while Californians see their REAL ID stars inside the silhouette of a golden bear. Also keep in mind that the symbol isn’t always in the same spot on every card and that the location can even vary in the same state’s REAL ID cards depending on the date of issue. REAL ID symbols are always on the front of the card, though.

An easy way to know your card is not compliant is if it says “Not for Federal Identification,” “Federal Limits Apply,” or “Not for Real ID Act Purposes.”

What Is an Enhanced ID?

There are 5 states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington — that issue enhanced driver’s licenses. These are a form of REAL ID. These enhanced IDs allow land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont offer the enhanced ID alongside the REAL ID. Washington only issues enhanced driver’s licenses. Instead of or in addition to a star, enhanced driver’s licenses feature a U.S. flag symbol on the front of the card.

Hot Tip: Enhanced driver’s licenses aren’t a substitute for passports for air travel, only land or sea travel to and from certain countries in North America.

What Does REAL ID Mean for Me?

Airports are considered federal facilities, and this act affects your ability to enter them and board your flight.

Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act takes full effect. From this date, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport or passport card to access federal facilities — including getting into airports to board commercial aircraft.

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories have already begun issuing new licenses. Just check your license to be sure.

If your ID is REAL ID-compliant, there will be a star or U.S. flag on the front of the card. Many drivers may not realize they already have a compliant ID, since some states have issued them for many years.

Bottom Line: If you are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act, you will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board your flight starting on May 7, 2025.

What the REAL ID Act Is Not

A REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport for international travel. This means you can’t use a REAL ID to enter Canada or Mexico by land or any international travel destination. The only exception to this is if you have an enhanced driver’s license.

There are several other requirements that REAL ID doesn’t affect.

REAL ID requirements don’t apply to:

• Applying for or receiving federal benefits
• Being licensed by a state to drive or rent a car
• Entering federal facilities that do not require identification (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings, national parks, and Social Security offices)
• Accessing health- or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics)
• Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigation
• The ability to purchase alcohol, cash checks, or gamble

The potential passage of the SAVE Act (which the House of Representatives passed in April 2025 but had yet to face a Senate vote as of publication) would require proof of American citizenship for anyone to register to vote in the U.S. The legislation lists REAL ID-compliant documentation as an acceptable form of identification to register to vote as long as it “indicates the applicant is a citizen,” which would effectively mean applicants could use enhanced driver’s licenses to register — but not standard REAL IDs.

You can continue to use your non-REAL ID standard driver’s license or ID card for other U.S. travel, including driving in and across state lines or riding a train.

Who Needs a REAL ID?

In most instances, obtaining a REAL ID isn’t required, but there are many benefits to obtaining a REAL ID. Here is a breakdown of common reasons to consider getting a REAL ID and a few reasons why you might not need one.

Common Reasons To Obtain a REAL ID

• You want to fly with only your state-issued ID.
• You don’t have a passport or another TSA-approved ID (listed below).
• You need to visit a secure federal facility, such as a military base, and don’t have a military ID.

Reasons You May Not Need a REAL ID

• You are under 18 years old.
• You only need your ID for purposes of identification (e.g., to vote, serve on a jury, or drive).
• You don’t mind bringing another TSA-approved ID (like a passport) along when you fly starting on May 7, 2025.

Who Can Get a REAL ID?

To qualify for a REAL ID-compliant ID or license, you must fall under one of the following categories:

1. U.S. citizen or national
2. U.S. lawful permanent resident or lawful temporary resident (including green card holders)
3. Have conditional permanent resident status in the U.S. (including individuals with valid work permits, like H1B visas)
4. Have an approved asylum application or entered under refugee status
5. Have a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa
6. Have a pending application for asylum
7. Have a pending or approved temporary protected status
8. Have an approved deferred action status (including DACA)
9. Have a pending application for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent or conditional resident

Specifically for undocumented immigrants, the DHS website notes that driver’s licenses and identification cards can still be issued by the state but not REAL IDs: “Some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. Noncompliant cards must clearly state on their face that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards.”

Hot Tip: Still not sure? Check DHS’s interactive tool to check if you are “REAL ID ready”.

REAL ID by State

Since licenses are issued at the state level, each process is slightly different. But the good news is that all states are now in compliance with the REAL ID Act. This just means that each state and territory is now able to provide REAL IDs.

In a move aimed to help more people receive their REAL IDs before the May 7, 2025, deadline, the DHS passed the REAL ID Modernization Act, which allows you to submit your identification documents electronically. This includes information such as a birth certificate and passport.

Applicants still need to bring the required documents in person so they can be compared to the electronic submissions. This means that to get a REAL ID-compliant license, you must still physically go to a DMV office.

Bottom Line: States will not send you a REAL ID-compliant license automatically if you renew your license online. All states are issuing compliant IDs, but individuals may still choose not to upgrade their licenses.

What if My State Is REAL ID-Compliant?

You can use your state-issued ID at airports through May 6, 2025. Starting on May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another TSA-approved ID) to fly — both domestically and internationally.

Which States Require REAL ID To Fly?

All states issue REAL ID-compliant IDs, but none require a REAL ID. You can still fly as long as you have a TSA-approved form of ID.

Steps To Take To Get a Compliant REAL ID

If you’ve decided to get a REAL ID, you definitely need to know where to go to get a REAL ID, what documents to bring, and how much the REAL ID costs.

Step 1: Make an appointment to visit a REAL ID at a DMV office near you. Some offices offer special hours or days for those trying to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. You can also get a REAL ID without an appointment, but this isn’t recommended, as wait times at your local office can be incredibly long.

Here are the links to all of the local offices to help you get started with this process.

Step 2: On the day of your appointment, ensure you bring all the necessary documents (even if you have submitted documents online beforehand).

What Real ID Documents Do I Need?

• Proof of identity, such as a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an approved form I-94
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as an SSN card, W-2, or paystub with full SSN
• At least 2 proof of residency documents, such as a rental or lease agreement, mortgage bill, utility bill or employment, medical, or school document
• If necessary, an original or certified copy of a name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree

If you have any issues or concerns with obtaining any of the documents or seeing if an item will be accepted, check directly with your local DMV.

Step 3: Pay the fee for the license. This will vary by state but is generally less than $60. Check our graphic below for specific costs.

Common Problems With Obtaining a REAL ID

There are a lot of questions about what is and isn’t an appropriate document to bring along with you to obtain a REAL ID. Issues like not having a mailing address, having a name change, or having a temporary or expired license are common problems. Also, getting a REAL ID without key documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport can be a challenge.

If you’re unsure, reach out to your state’s license-issuing office directly before you head to your appointment!

Some states, like California, offer a list of documents that are accepted for each category. This is a good place to start when gathering your documents. Look for notes about when copies or originals are necessary and read recommendations for alternatives if you don’t have the recommended residency documents or if you use a P.O. Box.

Can I Transfer My REAL ID Between States?

No, federal requirements don’t allow for the transfer of a REAL ID license between states. Each state is required to view and image all documentation to issue a REAL ID-compliant card.

This means that when you move you need to go in person to present the same documentation, such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and 2 proofs of residence address, as well as meet all of your new state’s issuance requirements.

On a positive note, REAL ID licenses from other states can typically be used like any other out-of-state driver’s license to waive behind-the-wheel driving tests.

Is REAL ID Mandatory To Fly?

As of May 2022, an estimated 137 million Americans held REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, and Global Entry cards, all of which qualify as REAL ID-compliant identification. But, according to the most recent reports from the government, that is only 49% of Americans!

This means that you don’t have to upgrade your license to board your flight, but you will have to use an alternative (TSA-approved) form of ID. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents:

As you can see, the most common alternatives to a REAL ID is a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card.

Other less common items are DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), permanent resident cards, Department of Defense IDs, enhanced driver’s licenses, and federally recognized tribal-issued photo IDs.

For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA’s website. However, it should be noted that if, on or after May 7, 2025, you cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, you will not be permitted through the security checkpoint to board your flight.

What About Minors Under 18?

TSA does not require passengers under 18 to provide identification when traveling with an adult companion within the U.S. The companion does need acceptable identification, though.

Airlines may demand proof of the child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport, but these requirements aren’t regulated by TSA. Contact the airline for more information.

Final Thoughts

Now is the time to make sure you know the requirements to becoming REAL ID-compliant.

In some states, it may take a few weeks or longer to get an appointment at your local DMV. If you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet, start taking steps immediately so you might be ready to go by May 7, 2025.