What is a REAL ID and why do you need one?
A REAL ID, indicated by a star on your driver's license, will be a requirement for flying, among other things. Find out what it is and how to get one.
As of May of 2025, a new form of identification known as a REAL ID is required for Americans who wish to travel domestically via commercial aircraft. A REAL ID is also required for entry to certain federal facilities.
What is a REAL ID driver’s license?
The REAL ID Act was established in 2005 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It authorizes a federal standard for the issuance and production of identification cards and driver's licenses. So, a REAL ID is a federally accepted identification card and driver’s license. How do you know if you already have a REAL ID? There will be a star on the upper right corner of your driver's license.
Why do you need a REAL ID?
Starting in 2025, any U.S. citizen wishing to travel by plane domestically will need to be REAL ID compliant to pass airport security. Access to secure federal facilities such as military bases, power plants and federal courthouses will also require one.
State-issued REAL IDs are still valid for the same purposes as prior state-issued identification such as driver’s licenses, car rentals and buying age-restricted items like alcohol and tobacco.
If your license didn’t expire before the deadline, or if you haven't visited a licensing facility yet, you can still travel. However, you’ll require alternative documentation, such as a passport or passport card, until you update your existing ID or driver’s license at your local DMV to be REAL ID compliant.
How to get a REAL ID?
You can go to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find the exact documentation required to obtain a REAL ID, as each state’s requirements may differ. Once you have the required documentation, you can book an appointment through your state’s agency website to get your REAL ID. Bear in mind: Your first issuance of a REAL ID will require you to apply in person at the driver’s licensing agency. For future issuances, your state may allow renewals via its website.
REAL ID requirements
At minimum, to apply for a REAL ID you’ll need to have documents displaying your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status of residence/citizenship and two proofs of address.
REAL ID compliant states
If you're trying to determine whether your state is REAL ID compliant, the answer is: Yes. All states are REAL ID compliant. States can issue a REAL ID and adhere to the federal deadline for REAL ID requirements.
What isn't offered by every state is an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). EDLs are state-issued driver's licenses that serve as identification and proof of American citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle. They are available in some states including Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. These licenses are issued through a heightened security process and use technology that makes verification quicker and more reliable.
EDLs are an affordable, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or seaport of entry. But, for flying, EDLs are not a replacement for a REAL ID. For airplane travel, a REAL ID is still required.
Other information about REAL IDs
- How to identify a REAL ID? Cards that are REAL ID-compliant will have an icon in the top-right corner displaying either a gold, black or white star inside a gold or black circle or — in the case of California — a gold bear with a white star. The icon displayed varies by state, but if it doesn’t have one of these icons, it isn’t a REAL ID.
- Do I need a REAL ID to fly? Your passport can serve as an alternative method of identification for a REAL ID.
- Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport? Yes, a passport can serve as identification anywhere a REAL ID is required. However, for driving, a passport does not replace a REAL ID driver's license. Also, a REAL ID can suffice for a passport on domestic flights.
- Can I use my REAL ID for international travel, including crossing borders to Canada and Mexico? No, a REAL ID cannot be used for travel into Mexico or Canada.
- Do minors need a REAL ID? For those traveling with children, REAL IDs are only required for people 18 –years old and older.
- Can a REAL ID be used for cruises and other sea travel? No. For international sea travel, a REAL ID is not sufficient or a replacement for a passport.
Keep these tips in mind to help make the most of your REAL ID. If you haven’t enrolled for yours yet, there’s no time like the present. Safe travels!
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
