This Wednesday was the deadline for U.S. travelers to get a Real ID (or another acceptable form of identification) to fly domestically. If you’re traveling and your driver’s license isn’t Real ID-compliant, you’ll still be able to fly — but it may take a little longer to go through security, so make sure you give yourself extra time at the airport.
According to Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, travelers who aren’t Real ID-compliant “may be sent to a separate line [and] may have to take an extra step” at airport security checkpoints.
The Real ID deadline has been extended multiple times, and despite discussions about extending the deadline to 2027, the new rules are now in effect. If you’re planning on flying this summer or anytime after today, you’ll need to make sure your driver’s license or identification card is compliant.
Getting a Real ID is straightforward in most states, especially if you’re renewing a license. But if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the DMV or you’re not sure where you stand, it’s worth double-checking. Use the interactive map below to learn your state’s requirements and get started so you’re ready to fly without surprises.
For more information on travel rules, learn how to renew your passport online, get cheap flights, and streamline your airport experience.
What is Real ID and how do I know if I have it
Real ID is an enhanced version of your normal state driver’s license or identification card. The new standards were outlined in the Real ID Act of 2005 as a means of helping authorities thwart terrorism and identity fraud.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, all 50 states and the District of Columbia now comply with Real ID standards. If you recently renewed your driver’s license or identification card, it’s probably already compliant. If you haven’t done so in a few years, you probably need to get it updated.
You can tell by looking at your license: If there’s a gold, black, or white star in the upper-right corner, you have a Real ID. (There are some slight variations — California places a white star on the state’s bear logo, while Maine places it in the state outline.)
What if I still don’t have a Real ID
By May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration and other federal agencies will only accept Real ID-approved licenses and identification cards “for the purposes of accessing federal facilities,” according to DHS.
If you’re a U.S. adult without a Real ID, you’ll need to present a valid passport at airport security checkpoints, even to fly domestically. You can also show one of these other types of ID instead.
For now, you can still board domestic flights with a driver’s license or identification card that isn’t Real ID-compliant. However, it may take you longer to pass airport security screening.
Not having a Real ID-compliant license will not affect other uses of a driver license, including verifying a person’s ability to drive a vehicle or purchase alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state
You can get a Real ID from the same state agency that issues your driver license. The process will typically require paperwork, including proof of identity and status as a U.S. resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and several proofs of your current address.
You’ll need to provide originals or hard copies of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card or U.S. passport — photocopies and screenshots are not accepted. Check your state’s driver licensing agency’s website for more details.
After you apply, you’ll receive a temporary paper ID. You should receive your Real ID-approved license 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.
If you’re traveling across borders, it’s time to think about getting a “burner phone,” especially when you’re entering the US. That’s because according to some reports, agents from US Customs and Border Protection are getting more aggressive in terms of scanning personal devices. Some businesses outside the US are now suggesting their employees use burners to protect personal and sensitive information.
But burners aren’t just for crossing borders. A phone that doesn’t contain all your personal information or has a simple interface can be quite useful, such as reducing unwanted calls or even avoiding distractions. Comedian Conan O’Brien recently praised his burner, saying it’s a way to not get bogged down in instant messages and notifications.