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

Beginning on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard driver’s license from U.S. residents looking to fly on domestic commercial flights. Instead, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly. A REAL ID only differs slightly from your standard driver’s license, and you still have plenty of time to get one.

Here’s what you need to know about this change and the steps to obtain a REAL ID.

REAL ID vs. driver’s license

Though standard driver’s licenses and REAL IDs have similarities, notable differences exist. Both allow you to legally operate motor vehicles in the United States, but a REAL ID complies with higher security standards. Starting in 2025, a standard driver’s license will no longer grant access through TSA at the airport and more. Here’s what you need to know about both forms of identification.

REAL ID

Congress established a national set of minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification with the REAL ID Act of 2005. The act also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that fail to meet these standards.^[1]

REAL IDs are used to identify and permit entrance to U.S. residents in three main situations:

• Accessing certain federal facilities

• Boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft

• Entering nuclear power plants

You can tell that you have a REAL ID if it has a compliant marking of a star on the top right of the card.^[2]

Driver’s license

A license issued under a governmental authority, a driver’s license permits you to operate a motor vehicle. The main visible difference between a license and a REAL ID is the compliant marking. Without a REAL ID-compliant marking, the card is a standard driver’s license.

A driver’s license is used to confirm your identity for other purposes as well, including if you need to show emergency personnel, pick up your child from school, or buy alcohol or tobacco.

See Also: Can You Legally Drive with an Expired License?

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

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you’ll be unable to enter certain federal facilities or nuclear power plants — even if you previously qualified for access. You also may not be able to board federally regulated domestic commercial flights if you don’t have an approved alternative form of identification. A standard driver’s license will no longer suffice for these purposes.

Alternatives to REAL ID for domestic travel

Traveling domestically without a REAL ID will still be possible after the May 2025 deadline. Some alternative options exist to take the place of a REAL ID, such as 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 will be accepted for domestic travel below, according to the TSA:^[3]

• 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

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

• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Check Out: Car Insurance for Drivers with a Suspended License

How to get a REAL ID

The process of obtaining a REAL ID resembles the process of getting a standard driver’s license. You’ll need to visit your state’s driver licensing agency to apply, making it clear that you want a REAL ID. Your state will likely require additional documentation compared to the documents needed for a standard driver’s license.

Documents to bring to the DMV for a REAL ID

You’ll need to check with your state’s driver licensing agency, like the department of motor vehicles, to confirm the documents required for your REAL ID. You’ll typically need to provide proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and lawful status.

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

• A birth certificate or other proof of identity

• Passport or other proof of lawful status

• Social Security card or W-2

• Bank statement and utility bill or two other documents showing proof of address

Required time and money for a REAL ID

The time it takes to get a REAL ID can vary depending on your state’s processing times. 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.

How to get a standard driver’s license or ID

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 looks similar to the process of getting a REAL ID.

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

To get a standard driver’s license, you’ll need documents such as:

• 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 W-2 form)

Required time and money for a standard driver’s license or ID

The time it takes to get a standard driver’s license depends on your state’s DMV office and processing times. Visit your state’s DMV website to find estimates of how much it costs and how long the process takes.

See Also: How to Get Car Insurance with No License

Finding your state’s REAL ID guidelines

The federal government set REAL ID requirements, so they should be the same in all U.S. states and territories. You can call your local DMV or visit the website to answer any additional questions you may have. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the TSA also provide lots of helpful information on their respective websites.

REAL ID vs. driver’s license FAQs