Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need to be “Real ID”-compliant to board flights.
This comes after years of delay, but this time, there are no signs that enforcement will get pushed back again.
But what is a Real ID, and how will not having one impact your travel plans?
Was there an issue with your flight?
We read the fine print so you don't have to! Take our Flight Rights Quiz to learn more about the compensation the airline may owe you if your flight was delayed or canceled!
Why Real ID Matters for Travelers
Real ID isn’t actually a specific document. It’s an act passed in 2005 by Congress that establishes the minimum security standards for pieces of government identification (i.e., your state-issued driver’s license).
As of May 7, if you want to board your plane with just your driver’s license, it needs to be updated to be compliant with those new standards.
The TL;DR? If your identification isn’t up to snuff by then, you won’t be able to board your flight. In fact, you won’t even make it through security.
What makes a Real ID?
The good news is it’s not hard to get an updated driver’s license. Plus, you might already have the documentation you need.
If you live in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont, and have an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), you’re good to go.
In other states, you need to have a license issued “in compliance with the Real ID security standards.” Look at your license and see if it has a star marking on it. IDs marked with the Real ID star are up to date.
TSA accepts other forms of identity documents, so getting an updated driver’s license is not your only option. Other acceptable, Real ID-compliant documents are:
- U.S. passport/passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent resident card
- Federally recognized tribal-issued ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Veteran Health Identification Card
Check the TSA website for their full list of Real ID-compliant identification cards.
How To Get a Real ID
If you’re planning on traveling after May 7, 2025, and don’t have an EDL or other form of acceptable ID, it’s time to make an appointment at your favorite place — the DMV!
Step 1: Gather the required documents
Because your driver’s license is a state-issued ID, you’ll need to go to your state’s DMV website for a list of the exact paperwork to bring with you. At minimum, you’ll need documents that show:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Two proofs of address
- Lawful status
In general, you can expect to bring:
- Your passport or birth certificate
- Your Social Security card
- Your current driver’s license
- Two proofs of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement, etc.)
If you’ve changed your name, you may have to provide documentation showing the name change, like a marriage certificate (filed and certified) or a court order. Double-check your documents before going to make sure they all agree with each other.
Step 2: Make an appointment at your local DMV
To get your Real ID, you should schedule an appointment at your local DMV office. Trust me — go online and schedule ahead of time so you don’t wait in line for hours.
Some states offer online renewal, so check the Department of Licensing website for your state to determine if that’s an option for you.
Your state may have an online checklist that walks you through which documents you need to bring. Mine looks like an online quiz.
Step 3: What to expect at your DMV visit
Once you’re at the DMV with all your documents (or have uploaded them online), you’ll have to pay for a new license.
Costs vary by state and depend on whether your license is up for renewal, or if your license is still valid and you’re just updating it to be Real ID-compliant.
For example, in California, it’s $45 to fully renew your license, but only $36 to update your information.
Your Real ID-compliant license might be printed for you while you’re at the DMV, or it might be mailed to you. It just depends on how your state handles distributing licenses.
Not Having a Real ID Could Ruin Your Travel Plans
In most cases, travel interruptions are out of your control. But updating your ID is something you can do, so don’t forget and let it ruin your summer trip!
Air travel disruptions
If you’re at the airport after May 7, 2025, without a Real ID, TSA won’t let you through. It’s as simple as that.
You can avoid this nasty surprise by either updating your driver’s license or carrying your passport, even if you’re travelling domestically. Passports are Real ID-complaint, so they work to get you through security and onto your plane.
Other situations where you might need a Real ID
Airports aren't the only place you’ll need to be Real ID-compliant.
If you’re entering military bases or federal buildings, you’ll need a Real ID document. This doesn’t include public spaces like the Smithsonian museums — think, like, nuclear power plants.
What to do if you can’t get a Real ID in time
If your DMV is booked through June, don’t panic. Again, passports are Real ID-compliant, as are enhanced driver’s licenses.
If you’re part of the DHS Trusted Traveler program (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), your Trusted Traveler card is Real ID-compliant, too.
The TSA website has a full list of other acceptable documents, so start there.
RELATED: TSA PreCheck® vs. Global Entry: Which Is Better?
Tips for Avoiding Real ID Hassles
If you’re worried about getting your Real ID in time, book an appointment with your DMV now. Even if they can’t get you in for several weeks, you may be able to expedite your card for a fee.
Keep track of your documents, and gather them ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling. After I graduated college, I needed to renew my passport for an upcoming trip. I realized my birth certificate and Social Security card were still at my parents’ house — don’t be like me!
RELATED: How To Secure Important Documents While Traveling
FAQs
Will my information go into a national database if I get a Real ID?
No, not more than what’s already there. Remember that your Real ID-compliant driver’s license is issued by the state you live in, which maintains and controls its own records. The purpose of the Real ID Act is to make our identification documents more consistent and secure.
If I have a Real ID, do I need a passport?
If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll still need a passport.
If you’re traveling domestically, you’ll need one piece of identification that’s compliant with the Real ID standards — a passport, an updated driver’s license, or other acceptable document.
Will minors need a Real ID?
No. Children under 18 do not need to present identification at TSA when they travel with a companion from the U.S. Only the companion needs a Real ID.
TL;DR: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed after recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. While each state still issues unique licenses, the Act sets security standards for these documents.
Gather your documents and schedule your appointment now to update your driver’s license so you’re prepared for the May 7, 2025 Real ID deadline. Avoid last-minute airport surprises by updating your license — or start carrying your passport when you fly.
Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
. . .
