REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of federal ID will be required for domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities.
A REAL ID has a special marking (like a star) and meets higher security standards. Check your current ID for this marking.
Alternatives to a REAL ID include a valid U.S. passport, military ID, and permanent resident card.
If you don’t have a REAL ID, contact your local DMV to learn what documents you need (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency).
Ensure you have compliant identification before the deadline to avoid travel disruptions.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need more than just a standard driver’s license to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. That’s when the federal government’s REAL ID requirement officially goes into effect.

If you travel within the U.S. or need to visit secure government facilities, it’s important to know what this change means and how to prepare.

Let’s run down what REAL ID is, why it’s being enforced, and what steps you can take to make sure you’re ready before the deadline.

What Is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is a type of identification that meets higher federal security standards, established by the REAL ID Act passed in 2005. This law was created to make state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards more secure and harder to forge.

A REAL ID looks similar to a standard driver’s license, but there’s one key difference: It includes a special marking. It’s usually a star, a flag, or the word “Enhanced” that shows it meets federal requirements.

Not all licenses have this marking, so it’s a good idea to take a look at yours or check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm if it’s REAL ID-compliant.

Why You’ll Need a REAL ID

The main reason for getting a REAL ID is pretty straightforward. Starting May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities without an approved form of ID.

Airports and federal agencies will be required to check for REAL ID-compliant identification. That means if you’re flying within the U.S. or visiting places like military bases or secure government buildings, a standard license won’t cut it unless it meets the REAL ID standards.

Alternatives to a REAL ID

As long as you have another form of acceptable identification, you’re still good to go. While the REAL ID will be the most common option for many people, there are several other IDs that meet federal requirements.

Here are some alternatives you can use instead of a REAL ID:

A valid U.S. passport or passport card
A foreign government-issued passport
A permanent resident card (Green Card)
A U.S. military ID
A border crossing card
A federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

So, if you already have one of these on hand, you may not need a REAL ID right away. But it’s still smart to plan ahead, especially if you prefer using your driver’s license as your main ID.

What to Do If You Don’t Have One

If your current driver’s license or ID isn’t REAL ID-compliant, now’s the time to make a plan. The process isn’t complicated, but it does take a little preparation.

Start by checking with your local DMV or visiting their website. They’ll have the most accurate info on what you need to bring and how to schedule an appointment. In most cases, you’ll need documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency, like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease agreement.

If getting a REAL ID doesn’t work for you right now, don’t stress. You can still use a valid U.S. passport or one of the other approved forms of ID we mentioned earlier. The important thing is to make sure you have something that meets the new requirements before May 7, 2025.