7 Things You Need to Know About REAL ID Before May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID requirement will be enforced across the U.S. If you plan to travel by air, enter federal buildings, or engage in certain official activities, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification.
This applies to all persons in the U.S., including both citizens and immigrants. Here’s everything you need to know in 7 questions:

1. What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state-issued ID card that meets federal security standards. It is recognized by the U.S. government for air travel, entering federal buildings, and accessing military facilities.
It looks similar to a regular state ID but has a star symbol (★) in the top corner to indicate that it meets federal guidelines.

2. Who Needs a REAL ID?

Everyone in the U.S., including U.S. citizens and legal immigrants, will need a REAL ID or a valid passport to board domestic flights or access federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
Without it, you won’t be able to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. Make sure to apply for a REAL ID if you haven’t already.

3. How Do I Apply for a REAL ID?

You can apply for a REAL ID at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but for residents of Texas and Washington, the process differs:

• Texas residents: You need to go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) instead of the DMV.

• Washington residents: The Department of Licensing (DOL) handles the application process for REAL IDs.

To apply, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of identity: Birth certificate, valid passport, or immigration documents

• Social Security Number proof: Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return

• Proof of residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your address

4. What’s the Difference Between REAL ID and a Regular ID?

The key difference between a REAL ID and a regular state ID or driver’s license is that REAL ID meets stricter federal standards. While regular IDs may still work for day-to-day activities like driving or voting (in some states), they won’t be accepted for:

• Boarding domestic flights

• Entering federal buildings

• Visiting military bases

If you’re in Washington, note that the standard driver’s license in the state does not comply with REAL ID. Only an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) can be used as a compliant form of ID for federal purposes.

5. Can Legal Residents Apply for a REAL ID?

Yes, legal residents of the U.S., which includes permanent residents, visa holders, and individuals with work permits, can apply for a REAL ID.
Legal residency refers to individuals who are authorized to live and work in the U.S. under specific conditions, whether they hold a green card, a work visa, or another approved status.
Undocumented individuals are not eligible for a REAL ID but can still apply for a standard state ID, which won't meet federal security requirements.

If you’re in Washington, note that having legal residency may not be enough to obtain an enhanced driver's license, since these are reserved for U.S. citizens.

6. What Happens If I Don’t Get a REAL ID?

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings with just a regular driver’s license. Instead, you’ll need to present another federal identification such as a passport.
However, not having a REAL ID is not a criminal offense. It simply means you’ll need to use an alternative form of identification when traveling or entering federal facilities.

7. What Other Forms of ID Will Work as REAL ID if I Don’t Have a State Driver License?

If you don’t have a state driver’s license or REAL ID, a few of the other forms of identification that are acceptable for federal purposes include:

• Passport

• Passport card

• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)

• U.S. military ID

• Permanent resident card (green card)

• Employment authorization card

These forms of ID will allow you to board domestic flights and access federal buildings, just like a REAL ID would. For a full list of the identification documents accepted by the TSA, please visit: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration

For more information about REAL ID, you may visit the FAQ page on the Department of Homeland Security's website: REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security