How to Get a REAL ID (for Domestic Flights)
A REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗ is a driver's license or state ID with a star marking, required for domestic flights. You get it at the DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗ with extra documents: proof of identity, SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗, and two proofs of residency.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Check if you already have one
Look at your license — a gold or black star in the top corner means it is already REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗ compliant. Also note: a valid passport works for flights instead of REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 30 min
Use your state's document checklist
Every state DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗ website has an interactive checklist. Print your results — documents must be original or certified, and names on all documents must match (bring name-change papers if not).
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1 day
Gather the exact documents
The #1 reason for DMVDepartment of Motor Vehicles — Your state agency for driver's licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registration. Some states call it the BMV, DPS, MVD, or DDS.Click for official info ↗ rejection is wrong paperwork: photocopies are never accepted, and residency documents usually must be dated within 60–90 days.
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- Go 1–2 hours
Book and attend your DMV appointment
Schedule online. Bring the full document set plus your current license. The clerk verifies documents, takes your photo, and collects the fee.
Click to mark as done
- Receive 1–3 weeks
Receive your REAL ID by mail
You get a temporary paper ID same-day; the REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗ arrives in 1–3 weeks with the star marking. It is valid for the same period as a standard license.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a REAL ID to fly?
Yes, for domestic flights you now need a REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗-compliant license, a valid passport, or another accepted federal ID. A standard license alone is no longer enough at TSA checkpoints.
Can I use a foreign passport instead?
Yes, a valid foreign passport is accepted for domestic flights and is the common workaround for undocumented residents who cannot obtain a REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗.
Does a REAL ID work as a passport?
No. REAL IDREAL ID-compliant license — A state driver's license or ID that meets federal security standards — required for domestic flights and federal buildings.Click for official info ↗ is for domestic flights and federal buildings only. You still need a passport book for international travel — see our passport guide.
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