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The Real ID Guide: Documents, Costs, Travel Tips, and More
The Real ID has been in the making since 9-11. It’s had several launch dates, but now the Department of Homeland Security has set May 7, 2025 as the enforcement deadline. This means that in order to fly domestically within the US, you’ll 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.
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 upper 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.
Who Needs to Get One?
If you don’t have a passport or military ID, you’ll need 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.
- A US birth certificate or passport
- Your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub
- Two proofs of state residency like a bank statement, utility bill, etc.
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 $10-$60. To find out the cost for your state, contact your DMV or county clerk.
What Happens if You Don’t Have One by May 7th?
If you try to clear TSA security for a domestic flight WITHOUT a passport or a Real ID, you will most likely be pulled aside for additional security checks and screening. You might even be told you cannot 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
- 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
If your flight was delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last 3 years, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensationCheck Your Flight
Do Children Need a Real ID?
No. Anyone under the age of 18 is not required to have a Real ID if they are flying with an adult who has the right ID documentation.
How Long Does it Take to Get One?
The time it takes to get an appointment for a Real ID can vary depending on where you live, but the appointment itself will usually only take between roughly 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Once you have your appointment, you should get your card by mail within 7-15 business days, but some states might give you a temporary paper ID to use until you receive the official Real ID.
People Also Read: How to Replace Lost Passport in the US
Bottom Line
Even though the Real ID deadline has been pushed back several times over the years, the Department of Homeland Security appears to be ready to enforce the new, May 7, 2025 deadline this time. Getting one might be inconvenient, but if you don’t have a passport and plan to fly domestically, you’ll need a Real ID to get through TSA and avoid delays caused by not having the right travel documents.
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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