do you need an enhanced license to travel domestically

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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly?

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

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Real ID Check: What You Need for Air Travel in 2025 and When You'll Need It

Starting next year, if you plan on flying domestically, you'll need a Real ID instead of an old driver's license.

If you want to fly on or after May 7, 2025 with a driver's license, you'll need a Real ID version of it.

After several delays , it looks as if the Real ID requirement for flying domestically within the US will take effect in about 9 months -- on May 7, 2025 . If you're planning air travel in 2025 on or after that date, an old driver's license will no longer work. You'll need a Real ID or other form of acceptable identification to get through the Transportation Security Authority's security check.

The  Real ID Act , which enforces consistent and secure standards for identification used in air travel and entering federal facilities, was passed in 2007. After it takes effect next May, US residents over 18 will need to present a Real ID-enhanced driver's license or another federally approved identification -- like a passport -- to fly domestically.

Here's everything you need to know about Real ID, including where to apply, what you'll need to bring and what happens if you don't have one after the 2025 deadline. For more on travel regulations, find out how to renew your passport online  and the  steps to take if your flight is delayed or canceled .

What is a Real ID and how do I know if I have one?

Real IDs won't be required at airport security until 2025.

Essentially, Real ID is an enhanced version of your standard state driver's license or identification card, intended to help authorities crack down on terrorism and identity fraud.

Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are complying with Real ID standards, the Department of Homeland Security said. If you recently renewed your driver's license, it's likely already compliant. If it's been a few years, you'll probably have to get it updated.

Real ID-approved licenses will have one of these stars in the upper-right corner.

You can tell by looking at your license: If there is a gold, black or white star in the upper-right corner, you have a Real ID. (There are some minor variations -- California places a white star over the state's bear logo, while Maine puts it in an outline of the state.)

How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state?

Whatever state agency issued your driver's license is responsible for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will vary but typically it includes proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and multiple proofs of your current address.

Originals or hard copies of documentation -- birth certificate, Social Security card, US passport -- are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state's driver's licensing agency website for more specifics.

After you apply, you should receive a temporary paper ID until your Real ID-compliant license arrives in the mail about three or four weeks later.

With a few exceptions, the cost of getting a Real ID-compliant license is the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card. 

What happens if I don't get a Real ID before the deadline?  

Beginning in May 2025 -- unless the deadline is extended again -- federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will accept only Real ID-approved licenses and identification cards "for purposes of accessing federal facilities," according to DHS. 

That includes airport security checkpoints.

Without one, US adults will have to show a valid passport, even to fly domestically, or one of these other forms of ID :

• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• Enhanced Driver's License , issued by  Michigan ,  Minnesota ,  New York ,  Vermont  and  Washington state  

An example of a driver's license with a Real ID logo.

Not having a Real ID-compliant license won't affect other uses of a driver's license, including verifying an individual's ability to operate a vehicle or purchase alcohol, firearms or tobacco.

For more tips on flying, see how you can track flight cancellations on your iPhone and why there are better travel card options than the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

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Planning to Fly? You’ll Need This ID.

For years, the government has warned travelers they will need a security-enhanced Real ID to board domestic flights, and for years the requirement has been delayed. Now they mean it.

By Debra Kamin

It’s a change nearly 20 years in the making: a post-Sept. 11 law requiring that U.S. travelers carry more than a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Now, after years of delays, it is finally kicking into gear.

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license that’s Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport. A state driver’s license that does not contain the Real ID seal will no longer be accepted.

What is Real ID, anyway?

Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that bears a special seal, which signifies that the bearer of the card has been screened and approved according to a standard set by the federal government, rather than just by the state issuing the license.

Why is this change taking place?

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. government realized that nearly all of the hijackers who boarded commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Penn., were carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs, and most of those documents had been obtained fraudulently.

In the years that followed, the federal government began an effort to tighten national standards for state-issued documentation, and in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act sets minimum standards for driver’s licenses and other types of identification cards. Once the law kicks into gear, any traveler who wishes to use a driver’s license or state-issued ID at a T.S.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant.

“The findings of the 9/11 Commission clearly identified gaps in security management of state-level procured identity cards and driver’s licenses,” said Frank Harrison, the North America regional security director for World Travel Protection , a risk management company. “The Real ID Act provides a national framework of screening and approval to ensure consistency and integrity of programs. In other words, each state will maintain authority over their ID issuances, but they collectively will adhere to one standard of practice.”

The Real ID Act was initially set to be enforced in 2008 and has been delayed a number of times.

“It’s remarkable how long it has taken for this to come into effect,” said Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel platform Scott’s Cheap Flights . “It’s been decades in the making.”

How do I know if my license is a Real ID?

The easiest way to tell is just to look at it. Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a star, usually in gold or black. The stars look slightly different on each state’s licenses — in California, it sits on top of an image of a bear, which is the state animal.

A license that is not Real-ID compliant will not have a star in the corner, and some will also have the words “federal limits apply.”

Can I get a Real ID regardless of where I live?

Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards are now being issued in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the majority of U.S. territories. American Samoa is not yet issuing them.

What do I need to get a Real ID?

Each state has a different process for applying for a Real ID, so applicants should check requirements online. New Yorkers can visit a special Department of Motor Vehicles page detailing the process; many other states, including California and Texas, offer similar sites either through their D.M.V. or government portals. In most instances, you can get a Real ID by visiting your local D.M.V., either as part of a standard license renewal or by filling out a special application.

But no matter where you live, to apply for a Real ID or change your license over, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number, prove your address through documents like a utility bill or bank statement, and verify your identity through a handful of additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

In many instances, there is no additional cost to receive a Real ID if you’re already renewing your license, although some states charge extra — in Pennsylvania, for example, it’s an additional $30 on top of the renewal fee.

If I don’t get a Real ID, can I still fly?

Yes. There are a number of other forms of identification that T.S.A. agents will accept for domestic air travel starting in May. These include a passport, a permanent residency card (also known as a Green Card), or the card for trusted traveler programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS , which allows pre-screened travelers to transit quickly across the United States-Canada border.

In addition, a handful of states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington and Vermont — offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , or E.D.L.s. Some travelers may prefer to opt for these over a Real ID because they can also be used at some land or sea border crossings. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship, much like a passport, and are equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that can display biographic and biometric data on the owner, including facial image, gender, date of birth and citizenship status, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

E.D.L.s are Real ID-compliant, as well, although instead of a star, they have an American flag. The flag’s location varies by state.

E.D.L.s can be used by travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but they can’t be used in lieu of a passport if you’re traveling anywhere by air.

Do children need a Real ID?

No. The T.S.A. doesn’t require kids under the age of 18 to show any identification right now when they’re traveling domestically with an adult.

For international travel, children of all ages are required to carry passports and that will continue.

Can a Real ID be used as a replacement for any other form of identification, like a passport?

It can’t. For the vast majority of travelers, becoming Real ID-compliant will be a matter of simply updating their driver’s licenses. Real IDs cannot be used at any international border, including land crossings with Canada and Mexico, and they can’t be used for sea travel on a cruise, either. International travelers will still be required to carry a passport.

Should I be concerned about my personal privacy?

Maybe. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, have decried the Real ID Act as a threat to personal privacy and an overstep of information gathering on the part of the federal government.

“A lot of the security and privacy concerns revolve around the fact that it’s pushing every state’s D.M.V. into a national database,” said Anaya Robinson, a senior policy strategist for the A.C.L.U. of Colorado. “If someone were to hack that singular database, they could get the personal information of anyone.”

For undocumented immigrants who seek out driver’s licenses so they can legally operate a motor vehicle, the shift to Real ID also presents a threat, Mr. Robinson added. “There’s a severe privacy concern in the immigration space of the federal government, Homeland Security and I.C.E. being able to access that information,” he said.

In addition to centralizing personal data like addresses and citizenship status into a federal database, the cards also carry a machine-readable zone that can be scanned for information on the card owner’s identity, which detractors say also presents a risk of identify theft.

But only 37 percent of Americans have a passport, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department, so if you plan to fly after May 2023 and don’t want to scramble with alternative documentation, you’ll need to update your driver’s license.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the American flag on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. While the flag often appears in either the upper right corner or the bottom right corner of a driver’s license, in some cases it appears elsewhere on the license, depending on the state.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the star that indicates a driver’s license is Real ID-compliant. While the star is usually in the top upper corner of the license, occasionally, as in the instance of Alabama licenses, it is not.

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The Real ID Deadline Is Approaching—Here’s How to Be Prepared

In less than one year, a major change is coming to the airport security process. Starting in the spring of 2025, all US fliers will need a new type of identification in order to make it past the TSA checkpoint and board their flights.

The new federal identification rules, called Real ID, are set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. After that date, travelers will only be able to use certain enhanced forms of identification at airport security. The new policies will apply to all flights, including domestic ones . The biggest change for fliers will be that a driver’s license will no longer be valid ID to present to TSA. Instead, all airline passengers in the US will need to show a Real-ID compliant driver’s license—which requires a few extra steps to get than a standard license—or another approved ID, like a passport or Global Entry card.

Although the rollout of Real ID has been postponed many times (it was originally supposed to be enforced way back in 2008), the May 2025 date seems to be more firmly set. So if you don’t have a Real ID-compliant form of identification, now is definitely the time to get one.

Fortunately, it’s possible to get a Real ID driver’s license at most local DMVs throughout the 50 states and the five US territories. The only catch is that it does require you to present additional paperwork and pay a little more than a standard license renewal.

Below is a complete guide to the new Real ID rules, including how to obtain a compliant driver’s license, what other forms of identification will be accepted, and what will happen if you show up at the airport unprepared.

What is the new Real ID requirement?

The regulation is part of a law passed by Congress in 2005, which set new federal security standards for driver’s licenses and other forms of identification used to board planes in the US. The new standards apply to all states and territories. After the rules go into effect, driver’s licenses and other IDs that don’t meet the new requirements will not be accepted by TSA for passing through airport security checkpoints.

Even if you have a TSA PreCheck or a Clear membership , you will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification to make it past airport security. A Global Entry card is considered Real ID–compliant and will be accepted under the new rules. Children under 18 get some leeway, as TSA does not require them to present identification when traveling with a companion within the US. As always, on an international trip, passports and other documents may be required by the airline or other agencies.

When is the Real ID deadline?

The new rules will go into effect on May 7, 2025. That's the date that all US residents need to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved identification in hand to make it past airport security.

How do I get a Real ID driver's license?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five US territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands) are now all issuing driver's licenses that are compliant with the new rules. You simply need to visit your DMV in person to renew or replace your old license with a Real ID version.

It's important to note that, confusingly, states that are Real ID compliant are also still allowed to issue licenses that are not considered Real IDs, so be sure to clarify with your DMV that you are requesting a Real ID.

Applying for a Real ID usually requires more documentation to prove your identity—and sometimes costs more—than obtaining a regular driver's license. Your state's DMV website should have a list of the required paperwork. Typically, the required documents include a birth certificate or passport, social security card, multiple proofs of residence in your state (like a utility bill or bank statement), and proof of US citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or temporary lawful status.

Depending on whether you already have a license or other factors like citizenship status, additional documents may be required or you may be eligible to substitute other documents for ones you may be missing (for instance, you may be able to show a W-2 form with your full social security number in lieu of a SSN card). Be sure to read the list of required documents carefully. The Department of Homeland Security has an interactive map tool on its site that navigates users to each state's individual requirements.

What other forms of identification work to board a plane under the new rules?

Valid passports or passport cards will still work to get you through security for domestic flights, and passengers will still need them to board international flights . Global Entry membership cards are also valid for domestic flights under the new regulations, as are various forms of military ID, tribal-issued ID, and other government-issued IDs. You can see a full list of accepted documents on the TSA’s website.

How do I know if my current driver’s license is acceptable under Real ID rules?

Real ID driver’s licenses are marked with a star in the top corner. (It’s worth noting one confusing state policy: Ohio's old licenses have a gold star, while its Real IDs have a black star.) Enhanced driver’s licenses—which are slightly different, but are issued by some states in addition to Real IDs and are also acceptable under the new rules—have a flag in the corner.

What about airports that accept mobile driver's licenses?

Earlier in 2022, TSA began allowing fliers with PreCheck to use a mobile driver's license uploaded to their iPhone at certain airports. However, the agency says that any passenger using a mobile driver's license still needs to carry a physical ID with them as a backup. So even TSA PreCheck passengers opting to use their iPhone to get through security will still need to have a Real ID-compliant form of identification on them.

What if my airport uses TSA’s new facial recognition technology?

Travelers flying out of the growing number of airports with facial scanners at the TSA checkpoint will still be required to present a Real-ID compliant form of identification. TSA’s facial recognition system, also called CAT-2, requires passengers to scan both their IDs and their faces, and the algorithm matches the biometric scan to the photo on the ID.

Does my child need a Real ID to fly?

According to the TSA, children under 18 are not required to show identification at the security checkpoint when flying with a companion. (The companion, however, needs a valid form of ID.) The agency does encourage travelers to double check their airline's identification rules for minors before arriving at the airport.

What happens if I show up at the airport without an acceptable ID under the new rules?

TSA says you will not be let through security, and you will not be able to fly. In rare occasions in the past, if a flier forgot their ID for a domestic trip, TSA might have worked with them to verify their identity in a different way—like by asking them certain questions about their personal information. But the agency says that after Real ID is implemented, those days will be over. "TSA has no plans to provide an alternate verification process to confirm a traveler’s identity," says TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. "Counting on TSA to provide that option to travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver license or identification card is not a good strategy."

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Americans will need Real ID to travel in 2025: Here are the requirements

The U.S. is a year away from requiring Real ID.

The United States is less than a year out from the Department of Homeland Security's federal requirement for Real ID for domestic flights and entering federal facilities, and to help you get ahead -- and avoid a dreaded hourslong wait at the DMV -- "Good Morning America" has gathered all the essential details you need to ensure your identification is up to date.

What is a Real ID?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security previously delayed the implementation of Real ID several times over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as of this week, U.S. residents have under a year to obtain their soon-to-be federally required form of identification.

Here's what you need to know:

The federal Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," the DHS states on its website .

The new rules set out which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States and to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses and other federal facilities.

Applying for a Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency and a trip to your local DMV. See below for more on the full requirements and application process details.

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are issuing Real IDs.

Click here for additional answers from DHS to some frequently asked questions about Real ID.

Real ID application requirements

Requirements are largely similar across the states, but as of 2021, according to DHS , states are no longer required to collect a social security document from a Real ID applicant. They still must collect and retain the number as part of the application process to verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by the Real ID regulations.

"Not all states have applied this, so please check with your state driver's licensing agency to find the most up to date information," the DHS website states.

In California for example, residents can apply for a Real ID by filling out an application online and upload documents before visiting a DMV office with their uploaded documents to complete the application, which should only take about 15 minutes in person, depending on wait times.

MORE: Millions of Americans could be grounded from flying because of REAL ID deadline

Here's everything California residents would need to provide for the application:

Proof of identity: One original or certified document. For example, a valid passport or birth certificate. Legal name change document is required if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents such as a marriage certificate or adoption papers.

Proofs of California residency: Two documents, paper copies. For example, a utility bill or bank statement.

Social Security number: Some exceptions may apply. Click here for additional details from the DMV REAL ID page.

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What is the latest deadline for real id.

Earlier this week marked one year before DHS begins enforcing the Real ID requirement on May 7, 2025.

Starting on that date, a Real ID or other federally approved identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Federal agencies including Transportation Security Administration may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for the purposes of accessing federal facilities -- including TSA airport security checkpoints -- if the license or card was issued by a Real ID compliant state in accordance with the Real ID security standards.

Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS , and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

What does Real ID look like?

The Real ID looks almost the same as a current state ID card or driver's license, but has a compliant star marking.

Some differences may vary by state, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears on the top right corner with the white star on the animal's left side.

If an ID says "federal limits apply," that person will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other locations after the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Does Real ID replace a passport?

The Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, however it ensures that travelers can fly domestic within the U.S. and access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.

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You'll soon need a Real ID to fly in the U.S. Here's how to get one.

Flying within the U.S. will soon require an extra document that's more secure than a state-issued driver's license or ID if you don't want to lug around your passport with you.

Beginning in May of next year, all U.S. travelers will be required to have the official document, known as a Real ID, on hand when traveling domestically by air. As an alternative, they may carry their passports with them.

The initiative is a long time coming. It was initially slated for enforcement beginning in May 2023, but the deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's everything you need to know, including what is required to apply, and how and where to do so.

What is a Real ID?

It's essentially an enhanced form of identification which, beginning May 7, 2025, will be required to access certain federal facilities, board commercial aircraft, and enter nuclear power plants, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards. It's designed to reduce identity fraud, as it also prohibits Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel from accepting cards that don't meet the new minimum standards, according to the DHS.

Who needs one?

Any traveler who is 18 years or older who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will require a Real ID, or an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID cards with the compliant star marking. A handful of states including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are issuing Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) with a flag marking, which also meet Real ID standards.

Do I have a Real ID?

All Real IDs have a star marking in their top right corner.

If you recently renewed your driver's license, it could be an Enhanced Driver's License, or EDL, which also meets Real ID standards. Check the top right corner of your license for an American flag, indicating it is Real ID-compliant. If it doesn't have the stamp, it is not in compliance with the act.

How do I get one?

All U.S. states are issuing Real ID cards through their driver's licensing agencies, with requirements varying by state. Many offices require a reservation, which you can make online.

Visit the DHS website , and click on your state of residence for specific instructions on how to apply, as well as what documents you'll need to bring with you to your appointment. Typically you'll need your social security card, proof of citizenship, and multiple proofs of residence.

How much does it cost?

There is no additional fee for a Real ID, but standard DMV processing fees do apply. Getting an enhanced ID costs $30.

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DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline

“Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.” 

Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.  

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are now compliant with REAL ID security standards and are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. However, many state licensing agencies have extended the deadline for renewing expiring licenses due to a widespread shift to appointment-only scheduling protocols during the pandemic that has significantly limited states’ capacity to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. As a result, only 43 percent of all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards are currently REAL ID-compliant.  DHS and various states also need time to implement requirements mandated by the REAL ID Modernization Act, including changes that will streamline processing by allowing the electronic submission of certain documents.

DHS continues to work closely with all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to implement REAL ID Act requirements. For more information on REAL ID, visit www.dhs.gov/real-id .

• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Transportation Security
• REAL ID Act of 2005
• Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Deadline: May 7, 2025

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The Real ID Deadline Is in May 2025—Here's How to Get Yours in Time

Can you fly without a Real ID? Find out if your license complies, how to get one in time, and more with our Real ID deadline travel tips.

Maggie Seaver is the digital health and wellness editor at Real Simple, with seven years of experience writing lifestyle and wellness content. She spends her days writing and editing stories about sleep, mental health, fitness, preventive health, nutrition, personal development, relationships, healthy habits, and beyond. She loves demystifying complicated health topics, debunking wellness fads, and sharing practical, science-backed solutions for healthy living.

The deadline to swap your old license for a Real ID—the new, secure form of self-identification that will allow U.S. residents to travel domestically by airplane—has officially been extended to May 7, 2025, according to an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security . The original deadline to secure a Real ID for travel was October 1, 2020, then October 1, 2021, and then extended again to May 3, 2023. Since the process requires applicants to visit the DMV in person, the latest extension allows states additional time to issue IDs to everyone who needs the update.

"This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a statement on December 5, 2022. "DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely."

What does that mean for travelers? Starting May 7, 2025, the ID options that many Americans have been using (such as their standard driver's license or state photo ID card) at TSA security checkpoints and to board a plane will no longer be valid forms of identification for domestic air travel. Instead, jet-setters 18 years and older need to acquire and present "a Real ID–compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification" to get through security and fly domestically.

Here to walk through everything you need to know, including the best way to get a Real ID and anticipated travel restrictions for anyone who hasn't obtained theirs by the 2025 deadline, is travel industry expert Werner G. Kunz, co-CEO of Fareportal, the travel tech company behind global travel brands like CheapOair and OneTravel.

Why You Need a Real ID in the First Place

Per the 9/11 Commission's recommendation, Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005. As Kunz explains, it establishes additional security standards for identification for U.S. residents traveling by air, and prevents all federal agencies from accepting any ID that doesn't meet the new requirements. "The idea is to amplify national safety and help make identity theft more difficult," Kunz says.

The Real ID will fully replace your current ID and serve all the same purposes. However, Kunz says for non-travelers in some states, the standard ID will still be valid for all other age-related purposes, including driving, voting, and buying alcohol. "It's worth noting that some states, such as Maryland, are initiating a permanent transition to Real ID," Kunz adds. If unsure about what's valid and where contact your state legislation office for clarification.

Keep in mind that the Real ID is only valid for domestic travel in the U.S., and that a passport or passport card is still required for all international travel .

It Requires an In-Person Trip to the DMV

Per the DHS, all 50 U.S. states, D.C., and four of five U.S. territories "covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are now compliant with REAL ID security standards and issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards."

In every state that's compliant to issue Real IDs, the DMV is the only place to obtain one—and you do have to go in person. Hopefully, the deadline extension provides you and your local DMV enough time to plan accordingly and make appointments.

How to Get One as Efficiently as Possible

Kunz says while there's no mail-in option to obtain a Real ID, there are a few ways to expedite the process.

One simple thing you can do to make your life easier is book an appointment; the DMV will already have long lines and wait times from others hoping to upgrade their ID. Another common-sense tip Kunz cannot stress enough: Come prepared with all the correct documentation.

Here's a list of all physical documents to bring with you to the DMV:

• Passport or birth certificate—no photocopies!
• Social Security (SS) card OR a document that shows your SS number (like a W-2 form)
• Two documents proving your residency and street address (such as utility bills)
• A form of payment: Cash, check, or a debit card are all acceptable ("Please keep in mind that the fee could vary from state to state but will almost certainly be under $50," Kunz says.)
• Certain states may require additional materials, so check your state DMV website for details.

Finally, see if you can submit your necessary documents online before heading to the DMV. The Department of Homeland Security has allowed some states to accept required documents for Real ID applications digitally, ahead of people's in-person interviews. Applicants who submit their docs digitally still need to go to the DMV in person, but this capability can hopefully speed up the process significantly.

You Might Already Have a Real ID—Here's How to Check

Good news for some: There's a chance you already have a Real ID and don't realize it, so you can spare a trip to the DMV. How can you tell if your current ID is an eligible Real ID?

"If your license or non-drivers ID has a gold or black star on the top right corner, you're all set," Kunz says. "Unfortunately, a small number of states, including Hawaii, Ohio, Utah, and Tennessee, issued compliant IDs without the star, so it's best to contact your state legislation office if you're unsure."

Potential Travel Restrictions If You Don't Have a Real ID Before May 7, 2025

"For a large majority, those who are not Real ID compliant by the deadline will not be able to board a commercial aircraft for domestic travel," Kunz explains. "States such as Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York offer enhanced driver's licenses that can be used in lieu of a Real ID. Other forms of acceptable ID will include a passport or passport card."

For a complete list of acceptable forms of ID, including Real ID–compliant driver's licenses, visit the TSA identification webpage .

Don't Put It Off

No one enjoys a trip to the DMV—but don't let this task burn a hole in your to-do list, making you anxious and wanting to keep procrastinating.

"My main piece of advice is to start the process ASAP," Kunz says. "I would also strongly recommend researching the specific requirements in your state, as they can differ. It's always best to be over prepared than surprised when dealing with any sort of identification process."

Just get it done—you'll thank yourself later.

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New York residents reminded to get their REAL ID to board an airplane

NEW YORK —  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the REAL ID enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025, giving travelers additional time to ensure they have driver’s licenses or identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards. 

The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.

Travelers who want to board an airplane will need a star or flag on their New York state driver’s license, indicating that it is a REAL ID-compliant credential or they will need another form of approved identification to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility. New York’s REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards have a star inside a black circle, in the upper right corner. Additionally, New York state enhanced IDs have a flag in the corner and they also are valid for boarding a flight.

Travelers are not required to get a state-issued REAL ID, however, starting May 2025, if a traveler typically uses their driver’s license or non-driver ID to fly within the United States then they probably want a New York enhanced license or a REAL ID. Otherwise they will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved valid form of identification when they walk up to the TSA document checking podium. The consequence for not having a valid ID is that an individual won’t be permitted to board their flight.

REAL ID is a “coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards,” said Robert Duffy, TSA Federal Security Director for LaGuardia, Westchester, Stewart and Long Island/MacArthur airports in the New York City region. “The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”

New Yorkers have three options from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. They can get an enhanced ID , a REAL ID or a standard ID. The enhanced ID and REAL ID are both compliant with the REAL ID laws, however the standard driver’s license is not. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles offers an online tool to help residents determine which ID is right for them. An enhanced ID can be used instead of a passport to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean, although it is not acceptable for air travel between these countries. However, an enhanced ID is REAL ID-compliant and is accepted to board a domestic flight.

“The good news is that you do not have to wait to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.  “You can get one now at your local DMV office. We urge all New Yorkers who want to travel within the US to act now, and we certainly are doing everything we can so people know about this change and act before the deadline. We don’t want any customers caught by surprise when they go to travel after the deadline.”

To get an enhanced license or a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals will need to visit a local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and state residency. Required documents include one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, one proof of your Social Security number (if you’ve been issued one) and a current driver’s license if someone is applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.

Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking station at airports will not allow travelers into the checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 2025, because of the federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed. Individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.  

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.

Since enactment of the REAL ID Act in 2005, advancements in technology have enabled TSA to make significant improvements in checkpoint screening, particularly in the areas of identity management, on-person screening, accessible property screening and alarm resolution. Through the deployment of technologies such as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray, then Computed Tomography (CT), Bottled Liquids Scanners (BLS), and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), as well as deployment of Passenger Screening Canines (PSC) and the rollout of TSA PreCheck®, TSA has continually advanced its security capabilities. TSA also increased its vetting capability through Secure Flight, a risk-based passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watch lists. REAL ID requirements will strengthen these improvements further by providing an additional layer of confidence in the identity of the traveler.

The 2025 Real ID deadline for new licenses is really real this time, DHS says

If you plan on flying around the country in 2025 and beyond, you might want to listen up.

You have about 365 days to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security.  

The Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set “minimum security standards” for the distribution of identification materials, including driver’s licenses. This means that certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or DHS, won’t be able to accept state-issued forms of identification without the Real ID seal.

It's taken a while for the compliance to stick, with DHS originally giving a 2020 deadline before pushing it back a year, then another two years and another two years after that due to “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide, according to previous USA TODAY reports.

You won’t be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain facilities if your identification documents aren’t Real ID compliant by May 7, 2025. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s what we know about Real IDs, including where to get one and why you should think about getting one.

Do I have to get a Real ID?

Not necessarily. 

If you have another form of identification that TSA accepts, there probably isn’t an immediate reason to obtain one, at least for travel purposes. But if you don’t have another form of identification and would like to travel around the country in the near future, you should try to obtain one. 

Here are all the other TSA-approved forms of identification:

◾ State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

◾ U.S. passport

◾ U.S. passport card

◾ DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

◾ U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

◾ Permanent resident card

◾ Border crossing card

◾ An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

◾ HSPD-12 PIV card

◾ Foreign government-issued passport

◾ Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

◾ Transportation worker identification credential

◾ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

◾ U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

◾ Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

However, federal agencies “may only accept” state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that are Real ID compliant if you are trying to gain access to a federal facility. That includes TSA security checkpoints.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, only issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS. 

What can I use my Real ID for?

For most people, it's all about boarding flights.

You can only use your Real ID card to obtain access to "nuclear power plants, access certain facilities, or board federally regulated commercial aircrafts," according to DHS.

The cards can't be used to travel across any border, whether that's Canada, Mexico, or any other international destination, according to DHS.

How do I get a Real ID? What does a Real ID look like?

All you have to do to get a Real ID is to make time to head over to your local department of motor vehicles.

Every state is different, so the documents needed to verify your identity will vary. DHS says that at minimum, you will be asked to produce your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence and lawful status.

The only difference between the state-issued forms of identification you have now and the Real ID-compliant card you hope to obtain is a unique marking stamped in the right-hand corner. The mark stamped on your Real ID compliant cards depends on the state.