Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly? How to Apply & FAQs Answered

Spoiler alert: Yes, but maybe, no.

Closeup of California Real ID driver license

Photo: Richard Stephen / Getty Images

Updated Oct 12, 2023

You've no doubt heard rumblings of something called "REAL ID" and of its impending deadline for flights. But do you need a REAL ID to fly? You may not know what it really is and what REAL ID means for you and for your future travel plans. Rest assured: you're far from alone. As policies continue to evolve in the US, it's important for all couples (and loved ones) to be aware of such changes while planning destination weddings and honeymoons. The same applies to the marriage license process and the subsequent name change requirements.

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Here's what you need to know about REAL ID and the steps to make sure your travel documents are REAL ID-compliant for domestic travel–especially when the deadline rolls around.

In this Article:

What Is REAL ID?
Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly?
What Are REAL ID Requirements and Documents?
How to Get a REAL ID
What Does REAL ID Look Like?
Learn More About REAL ID by State

What Is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal law you'll need to comply with if you want to fly on a domestic commercial flight anytime on or after May 7, 2025. If your driver's license or state-issued identification card has a star in the upper right-hand corner, you're already in compliance with the REAL ID rules. If not, you will need to renew or update your current driver's license or ID, especially if you plan to use it either as identification to fly domestically when the new rules kick in. Not sure how to do that? We've got answers to key REAL ID questions here.

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Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly?

Contemporary Personal Identification Information set of passport Social Security Real ID and COVID-19 Vaccination card

What is the REAL ID Law?

The law, officially the REAL ID Act, was first passed in 2005 in response to national security concerns. Nationwide implementation of the REAL ID Act has been delayed multiple times, for a variety of reasons. But barring another federal extension, as of May 7, 2025, all state-issued driver's licenses and official identification cards must comply with a minimum set of federal security standards to be considered REAL ID compliant.

When will REAL ID be required to fly?

After May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use either as a form of ID for boarding a domestic flight (or for accessing certain federal facilities), unless it is REAL ID compliant.

Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

If you don't plan to fly domestically or plan to use another approved form of identification to board flights, you don't need to get a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card.

Most states will still issue standard licenses and ID cards but will mark them with some sort of "Federal Limits Apply" notation. To board a domestic flight, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept a variety of other forms of identification that already meet REAL ID standards.

These include a US Military ID, a US Passport, a US Passport Card, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), a federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID, foreign passport, and Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID), and several other forms of ID. You can see the full list on the Transportation Security Administration website.

Does the REAL ID affect the name change process?

Prioritize your name change requirements first, whether you plan to travel internationally or domestically. We've outlined this in full for you here. Just remember that you'll need a passport or other TSA-compliant identification cards before the changes go into effect on May 7, 2025. This is for both domestic and international flights, especially in the event of a formal name change.

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What if I've already changed my name?

If you've changed your name for marriage, divorce or some other reason, you will be asked to provide additional documents. Be sure to check your state's licensing agency website for those additional requirements.

What Are REAL ID Requirements and Documents?

A young woman looks at the electricity bill

The security-related requirements for REAL ID driver's licenses or identification cards are set at the federal level. But you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what pieces of ID or documentation you will need to show when applying for a REAL ID compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card.

State requirements may vary a bit but expect to be asked to provide original or certified copies of documentation that shows your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and your lawful status.

You'll also likely be asked to show two items that prove your residence address, such as a utility or cell phone bill, a bank statement, or a current rental agreement. In most cases, you will need original, hard copies of these documents, so that they can be scanned.

Be sure to pay attention to the fees. In some states, the fees for a standard driver's license or identification card will be the same as REAL ID licenses and ID cards. However some states add an additional fee or offer a discount for applicants over 62.

How to Get a REAL ID

Once you've visited the website of your state's driver's license agency and gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to apply in person for your REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card.

And if you think it was a zoo at the Department of Motor Vehicles office the last time you applied for your driver's license in person, imagine what it will be like when the May 7, 2025, deadline nears.

Many people who want to continue using a state-issued driver's license or ID card at the airport security checkpoint are going to wait until the last minute to apply for their REAL ID compliant documents. So, it's a good idea to start the process early and set up an appointment as soon as you can.

What Does REAL ID Look Like?

Most REAL ID compliant state-issued driver's license or IDs have a star in the upper right-hand corner. A few do not. In Alabama, for example, where the REAL ID license is called STAR ID, there is a star in the upper left-hand corner. In Washington state, both an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) meet the REAL ID requirement, but do not sport a star.

Learn More About REAL ID by State

Where can you get the full list of REAL ID requirements for your state? You can reach the available REAL ID requirements for each state or US territory via links on a Department of Homeland Security Map or from the state-by-state links (as well as Washington, D.C.) below.