What Is the Difference Between a REAL ID and a Driver’s License?

A driver’s license and REAL ID both legally allow you to operate motor vehicles in the United States, but a standard driver’s license no longer grants access through TSA at the airport.

Sara Getman
Written bySara Getman
Sara Getman
Sara GetmanAssociate Editor

Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.

Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Updated

Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer accepts a standard driver’s license from U.S. residents looking to fly domestically.[1] Instead, you need a REAL ID to fly.

A REAL ID functions the same as a license, but it’s also a federally accepted identification card. Your REAL ID will have a symbol on the top right corner, typically a star. You need one to board domestic flights, enter federal facilities, and enter military bases.

You can still use a standard driver’s license for driving, but it won’t give you the privileges of a REAL ID. Here’s the difference between a REAL ID and a driver’s license and why it matters.

REAL ID vs. driver’s license

Though standard driver’s licenses and REAL IDs are similar, they have notable differences. Both allow you to legally drive in the United States, but a REAL ID complies with higher security standards. As of May 2025, a standard driver’s license no longer grants access through TSA at the airport.

Here are the main differences between a REAL ID and a driver’s license.

REAL ID
sort ascsort desc
Driver’s License
sort ascsort desc
Confirms your identity and permits you to enter or board certain federal facilities, airplanes, and military bases. Can also permit you to operate a motor vehicle.Permits you to operate a motor vehicle and confirms your identity.
The card has a REAL ID-compliant star on the top-right corner.The card doesn’t have a REAL ID star in the corner.

REAL ID

With the REAL ID Act of 2005, Congress established national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification. The act prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that fail to meet these standards.[2]

The TSA uses REAL IDs to identify and permit entrance to U.S. residents in three main situations:

  • Accessing certain federal facilities

  • Boarding airplanes

  • Entering military bases

You can tell that you have a REAL ID if it has one of the following compliant stars on the top right of the card.

Driver’s license

A driver’s license is a state-government-issued card that confirms your identity and permits you to operate a motor vehicle. Driver’s license points can also increase your insurance rates, depending on the violation that caused the points.

The main visible difference between a driver’s license and a REAL ID is the compliance star on the top-right corner. A driver’s license won’t feature it, while a REAL ID will.

Cheapest recent rates

Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $39/mo. to $134/mo. in the last few days

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on July 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from July 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on July 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from July 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

How to find your state’s REAL ID guidelines

The federal government created REAL ID standard requirements for all states and territories. To get a REAL ID, you’ll need proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of state residency.[3]

In addition to the TSA and Homeland Security websites, the table below lists where you can find REAL ID information by state.

State
sort ascsort desc
REAL ID Information
sort ascsort desc
AlabamaSTAR ID
AlaskaREAL ID
ArizonaArizona Travel ID
ArkansasREAL ID
CaliforniaREAL ID
ColoradoREAL ID
ConnecticutREAL ID
DelawareREAL ID
FloridaREAL ID
GeorgiaREAL ID
HawaiiREAL ID
IdahoStar Card
IllinoisREAL ID
IndianaREAL ID
IowaREAL ID
KansasREAL ID
KentuckyREAL ID
LouisianaREAL ID
MaineREAL ID
MarylandREAL ID
MassachusettsREAL ID
MichiganREAL ID
MinnesotaREAL ID
MississippiMississippi DSB
MissouriREAL ID
MontanaREAL ID
NebraskaNebraska DMV
NevadaREAL ID
New HampshireNew Hampshire DMV
New JerseyREAL ID
New MexicoREAL ID
New YorkREAL ID
North CarolinaREAL ID
North DakotaREAL ID
OhioREAL ID
OklahomaREAL ID
OregonREAL ID
PennsylvaniaREAL ID
Rhode IslandREAL ID
South CarolinaREAL ID
South DakotaSouth Dakota DPS
TennesseeREAL ID
TexasREAL ID
UtahREAL ID
VermontREAL ID
VirginiaREAL ID
WashingtonREAL ID
Washington, D.C.REAL ID
West VirginiaREAL ID
WisconsinREAL ID
WyomingWyoming DOT

How to get a REAL ID

The process of getting a REAL ID is similar to the process of getting a standard driver’s license. You can visit your state’s driver licensing agency to apply for a REAL ID. Your state will likely require more documentation than what’s needed for a standard driver’s license. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Documents to bring to the DMV for a REAL ID

Check with your state’s DMV to confirm the documents required for your REAL ID. You’ll typically need proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and lawful status.

This means, at minimum, you should plan to bring:

  • Proof of identity: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. Passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

  • Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 form, or a paystub or paycheck

  • Proof of residency: A deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement proving your state residency

Required time and money for a REAL ID

In general, it takes one to four weeks to receive your REAL ID in the mail, depending on your state’s DMV. 

Costs also vary by state, and some states add processing and renewal fees. For example, in Pennsylvania, you have to pay a one-time fee of $30 for the REAL ID, plus the standard $39.50 for general license renewal. In New York, you only have to pay transaction fees. In general, you’ll pay at least $30 and up to $70 to get your REAL ID.

Visit your state’s DMV website to find information about fees, wait times, and an estimate of when you’ll receive your REAL ID after applying for it.

REAL ID alternatives for domestic travel

Traveling domestically without a REAL ID is still possible. Some alternative forms of identification include a U.S. or foreign government-issued passport, an Enhanced Driver’s License, or a DHS trusted travel card.

Here’s a list of alternatives that are accepted for domestic travel below, according to the TSA:

  • U.S. passport

  • U.S. passport card

  • DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

  • Permanent resident card

  • Border crossing card

  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

  • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

  • HSPD-12 PIV card

  • Foreign government-issued passport

  • Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How to get a standard driver’s license

To get a standard driver’s license, you’ll need to go to your local DMV with the required documentation. You may even be able to complete license renewal online, depending on your state’s laws and process. In general, the process is similar to getting a REAL ID.

Documents to bring to the DMV for a standard driver’s license

If you’re of driving age and need a standard driver’s license, you’ll need to bring the following documents to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship status:

  • Proof of identity (U.S. passport, state ID, birth certificate, or certificate of citizenship)

  • Proof of residence (current utility bill, insurance policy, or telephone bill)

  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or Form W-2)

Check with your state’s DMV website beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information. Preparing helps streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

Required time and money for a standard driver’s license

Like the REAL ID, the time it takes to get a standard driver’s license depends on your state’s DMV office and processing times. In general, it takes two to four weeks to get your license.

The cost of a license also varies by state. For example, in Massachusetts, it costs $50 to get a license, while in Texas, it costs $33 to get a license. You’ll generally pay $30 to $60 for a standard license.

Check your state’s DMV website to see how long it takes to get a license and the exact cost.

Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?

Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?

Get Car Insurance Online

Get personalized quotes from top auto insurers in minutes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

REAL ID vs. driver’s license FAQs

Getting a REAL ID is important if you want to fly domestically. Here are some common questions about the differences between the REAL ID and a standard license.

  • Is a REAL ID mandatory?

    It depends. You need a REAL ID or other form of identification, like a passport, to fly domestically or get into federal facilities. You need a REAL ID if you don’t have a passport.

    If you do have a passport, you don’t need a REAL ID.

    But in general, having a REAL ID is helpful, and you’ll automatically get one when you renew your license anyway. You don’t need a REAL ID to drive legally; you just need a standard license.

  • Will the TSA turn you away without a REAL ID-compliant license?

    No, but you’ll have to complete an identification form and additional screening. If the TSA can’t confirm your identity, you’ll be turned away.

    If you don’t have a REAL ID, bring another valid form of identification, like a U.S. passport or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License.

  • What happens if you don’t get a REAL ID by the 2025 deadline?

    If you don’t have a REAL ID, you won’t be able to enter certain federal facilities or military bases, even if you previously had access. You also won’t be able to fly domestically unless you have another valid form of identification, like a passport.

  • What is an Enhanced Driver’s License?

    An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) provides proof of identity and of U.S. citizenship. It also counts as a REAL ID.

    U.S. citizens can use an EDL to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. The only states currently issuing EDLs are Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.[4]

  • Can you use a REAL ID or driver’s license for international travel?

    No. A REAL ID allows only for domestic travel within the U.S. If you travel internationally, even to Canada or Mexico, you need a passport.

    You can’t fly domestically or internationally with just a regular driver’s license.

  • What do you need to bring to the DMV to get a REAL ID?

    You’ll need to provide proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and lawful status. You can do this by bringing a number of different documents. For example, a birth certificate, Social Security card, U.S. passport, or other proof of your legal status, as well as two recent bills to show proof of address will suffice.

    Check your DMV’s website to make sure how many documents you need to bring.

Sources

  1. Transportation Security Administration. "Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint."
  2. Department of Homeland Security. "REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions."
  3. USA.gov. "How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel."
  4. TSA. "REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions."
Sara Getman
Sara GetmanAssociate Editor

Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.

Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate