As of May 7th, US residents who wish to travel by air domestically will be required to have a Real ID seal on their identification card or driver’s license. The new nationwide mandate will be enforced at all airports in the country and anyone who does not comply can and (probably) should expect considerable delays at security, which could impact their travel plans.

What’s a Real ID, Anyway?

Call it a glorified driver’s license or ID—a Real ID is not a new form of identification, but an updated version of your existing ID. What distinguishes it from your current license or ID card is a yellow star or other specific icon in the upper right corner of the card. Without one of these markings, your ID is considered not to be Real ID-compliant and—after May 7th—cannot be used as an acceptable form of ID for traveling.

What’s the Point of a Real ID?

A Real ID is a specific type of identification that meets new security standards specified by The Real ID Act of 2005. The goal of this Act of Congress was to establish new requirements for both driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by U.S. states and territories before someone could board an airline flight or access certain federal government facilities and buildings.  

Created to improve security standards and measures, it was set to be rolled out in 2020 but wound up being delayed on several occasions thanks to the pandemic. 

But now the Real ID is here and (finally) ready to take effect as of May 7th, 2025.

Do I Need a Real ID?

Short answer: It depends. Long answer: If you want to travel anywhere within the country by air without bringing your passport, require access to certain federal buildings, or plan on visiting a nuclear power plant (hey, you never know), then yes. 

In short, it will streamline the domestic travel process. But with that said, there are accepted alternate forms of identification that can be used instead of a Real ID, such as a passport, a DHS trusted traveler card (think NEXUS or Global Entry), or a permanent resident card. The TSA has published a list of all the acceptable forms of ID you may use for domestic travel here. 

If you choose to use an alternative form of ID when traveling domestically, it does not need to be used as an accompanying ID in addition to your Real ID but can be used on its own. 

How Can I Get a Real ID?

To update your current driver’s license or identification card to a Real ID, you need to book an in-person appointment at either the Department of Motor Vehicles office (DMV) or, for AAA members, your local branch. 

If you’ve waited until the last minute to update your driver’s license or identification card, you’ll likely experience a significant wait time. The good news is that you can schedule an appointment online and upload your documents ahead of time, which will cut down on how long you spend at your on-site appointment. 

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment to update your current license, you need to collect your documentation to bring to your appointment. To be sure that you have exactly what you need, the best practice is to head over to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to ensure you’re not missing something.

Most likely, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of Identity: Passport, Permanent Resident Card, or U.S. birth certificate.
• Social Security Number: SSN card, W-2, or pay stub.
• Proof of State Residency: Utility bill, bank or mortgage statement. 

These documents should be originals or certified copies. And, if you have changed your name, you will need documentation showing why.

How Much Does a Real ID Cost?

The cost of a Real ID may differ from state to state, but also if you plan to renew your license, in which case you will likely pay a bit more. 

To confirm how much your Real ID will cost, you can visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website.

When Will I Receive My Real ID?

Different states have different wait times. Some people have reported receiving their Real ID in 10 days, while others have waited 4-6 weeks. Once again, it’s best to check in with your local DMV to make sure you get the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Helpful links:

State Motor Vehicle Services: https://www.usa.gov/state-motor-vehicle-services

Department of Homeland Security (there is a robust Real ID Q&A section): https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs