The Real ID Guide: Documents, Costs, Travel Tips, and More

EXPERT-VERIFIED GUIDE

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Written by a human· 100%

Updated:  16 September 2026

5 minutes read

WRITTEN BY

Joanna Teljeur

Senior Editor & Content Lead

REVIEWED BY

Anton Radchenko

Founder & CEO

The Department of Homeland Security has officially launched Real ID requirements for all travelers as of May 7, 2025, a new travel policy that was in the making since the 9/11 events. This means that in order to fly domestically within the US, you need either a passport or an official Real ID. 

We did a survey of over 1,000 US citizens, and found that 25% were still unaware that they would need a Real ID for domestic flights. Are you ready? If not, keep reading to see exactly what you need to do to get a Real ID and what to do if you have to travel and don’t have one.

Key Takeaways

• REAL ID is required for US domestic travel as of May 7, 2025.
• REAL ID is only required for travelers age 18 and up.
• You have a REAL ID if your ID contains a gold star in the top right corner.
• Alternative documents are acceptable for travelers without a Real ID.
• Real ID costs between $8-$78, depending on the state.

The backstory of the Real ID

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Commission realized that the hijackers were able to get state-issued driver’s licenses with fake information. So, to improve security standards, Congress passed the Real ID Act of 2005. The goal of this law was to make government issued IDs more difficult to counterfeit by requiring:

• Proof of identity
• Social Security number
• Proof of lawful status and residence

Photo Credit: US Department of Homeland Security

How the Real ID is different from a driver’s license

A Real ID looks nearly identical to state-issued driver’s licenses except it has a small star in the top right corner. In fact, the Real ID can be used as a driver’s license, but by having one, you can also board US domestic flights.

You can still get a regular driver’s license, but you will have to use a passport to fly within the US. Also, you will still need a passport for international travel, including Canada and Mexico.

Is my current license already compliant?

Are you unsure if your current license qualifies for a Real ID? An easy way to distinguish a Real ID is to look for a gold star in the top right corner of your license. California licenses use a gold bear with a star. Licenses with a gold star are Real ID compliant. If you don’t have a gold star, you must upgrade your license to a Real ID.

Who needs to get one?

If you don’t have a passport or military ID, you’re required to get a Real ID if you are planning to:

• Take a domestic US flight
• Enter federal courthouses, or
• Enter a federal facility

How to get a Real ID

The first thing you should do is collect the following documents in their original form. Each state might have slightly different requirements for which documents you need, so be sure to check with your local DMV or county clerk’s office. 

1. Proof of identity (passport or certified birth certificate)
2. Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) (Your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub) 
3. Two proofs of state residency like a bank statement, utility bill, etc.
4. Name-change documents (if applicable) 

If you’ve gotten married or had a name change of any kind, be sure to bring official name change documents.

Then, you will have to go to the DMV in person to get your Real ID, so you should first make an appointment to speed up the process. Most states will let you walk in to get one, but you might have to contend with long lines.

If you need to renew your driver’s license, you can sometimes get a Real ID ‘upgrade’ if you do an early renewal.

How much does it cost?

The cost for a Real ID varies by state and can be anywhere from $8-$78. In 2026, travelers can expect to pay less than $10 in Michigan, $38 for California residents, or as much as $78 in Washington. To find out the cost for your state, contact your DMV or county clerk.

What happens at the airport if you don't have a Real ID? 

If you try to clear TSA security for a domestic flight WITHOUT a passport or a Real ID, you will be pulled aside for additional security checks and screening. In extreme cases, you will be unable to fly without the right documents. 

So, if you don’t have a passport, passport card, or a Real ID, you can also use any of the following forms of identification to clear TSA security checks:

• A trusted traveler card like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI
• US military ID/DoD
• Green Card (permanent resident card)
• Border crossing card
• DHS-issued ‘enhanced’ driver’s license that you can get in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington
• Federally Recognized Tribal ID

Note that you only need ONE of the above accepted documents. If you lost your passport, learn how to replace it.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Getting oneReal ID might be inconvenient, but if you don’t have a passport and plan to fly domestically, you need a Real ID to get through TSA and avoid delays caused by not having the right travel documents. If you do have a passport, bring it along as a backup in case you’re uncertain if your current ID qualifies for a Real ID.

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Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development with a focus on consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work centers on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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