The clock has officially run out — the May 7, 2025 deadline for obtaining a Real ID has passed, and if you haven’t upgraded your driver’s license or ID card yet, you might be wondering what this means for your ability to travel domestically within the U.S. After the deadline, you’ll need a Real ID or an alternative form of federally approved identification to board flights and access federal buildings. If you’ve missed the deadline, don’t panic — you can still get your Real ID, but there are some important things you need to know about traveling without one and the steps to take next.

What Happens If You Missed the Real ID Deadline?

If you missed the Real ID deadline and didn’t update your ID, you may face delays and extra checks when trying to travel domestically. Starting May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to use your regular driver’s license to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. Here’s what you need to know about how to get your Real ID after the deadline and how to still travel without one.:

• Can You Get a Real ID After the Deadline?:

  Yes, you can still apply for and receive a Real ID after the May 2025 deadline, but it’s important to know that until you receive it, you’ll need an alternative ID for travel and federal activities.

• Applying for a Real ID:

  You’ll need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency and apply for a Real ID. This isn’t an automatic upgrade — you must specifically request the Real ID option. You’ll also need to provide documentation to prove your identity, Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and state residency.

• Required Documents:

  These typically include:

  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
  • Proof of state residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
• Processing Time:

  After applying, it will usually take about 2-4 weeks to receive your Real ID by mail, though some states issue temporary IDs while your official card is processed.

What if You Need to Travel Now?

If you need to travel soon and didn’t get your Real ID before the deadline, there are still ways to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, but be aware of the following:

• Alternative Forms of ID for Domestic Travel

  If you don’t have a Real ID, you can use other federally accepted IDs to fly or access federal buildings. These include:

  • U.S. passport (a passport card is not accepted for air travel, but a passport book is)
  • DHS Trusted Traveler Program card (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, etc.)
  • U.S. military ID
  • Permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Expect Delays at TSA

  Without a Real ID, the TSA will perform additional security checks at the airport. These manual checks could cause delays, so plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to accommodate for the extra time.

  • Manually verify your identity
  • Possibly conduct secondary screening if there are concerns about your ID
  • Ask for additional documentation if needed, such as a birth certificate or utility bill

  These extra procedures could add 15 minutes to an hour to your usual time at the airport, so arriving earlier is crucial.

• What If You Don’t Have a Driver’s License or Government-Issued ID?

  If you missed the deadline and don’t have a driver’s license or other government-issued ID, you can still get a Real ID by applying for a state-issued ID card (if you don’t already have one). Here’s what you can do:

  • Apply for a State-Issued ID: Even if you don’t drive, you can apply for a state-issued ID, which can be upgraded to a Real ID once you provide the necessary documents.
  • Other Forms of ID: You may also consider getting a passport or passport card. While a passport card cannot be used for domestic air travel, it is accepted for land and sea travel to countries like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

• Can a Passport Card Be Used for Domestic Air Travel?

  No, a passport card cannot be used for domestic air travel. It is only valid for land and sea travel to certain destinations, like Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. For air travel, you’ll still need a U.S. passport book or another federally accepted ID.

What About the Enhanced ID?

An Enhanced ID offers more benefits than a Real ID. It is a state-issued ID like a driver’s license or other state-issued ID that has additional security features compared to a standard ID. It is Real ID-compliant (marked with a star), but it also offers border-crossing capabilities to travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without needing a passport. It serves as a convenient, more affordable option for individuals who frequently travel to neighboring countries but don't want to carry a passport.

• Crossing Borders: An Enhanced ID allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. However, it cannot be used for international air travel, which still requires a passport.
• How to Get an Enhanced ID: The process for getting an Enhanced ID is similar to applying for a Real ID but requires additional documentation to verify U.S. citizenship. It is usually more expensive, typically adding $30 to $40 to the standard renewal fee for a driver’s license.
• The exact requirements vary by state, but generally, you'll need:
1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate.
2. Proof of Identity: Your current driver’s license or ID card and other supporting documents (such as a Social Security number or proof of residency).
3. Proof of State Residency: Documents such as utility bills, rental agreements, or a bank statement to prove your residency in the state where you're applying.
4. Payment: The fee for an Enhanced ID is typically higher than for a standard driver’s license or state ID due to the additional features and border-crossing capability.
• Which States Offer Enhanced IDs?

Not all U.S. states offer Enhanced IDs. Currently, the following states issue them:

• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• Vermont
• Washington
• California (for certain groups)
• North Dakota
• Iowa
• Montana

If you live in one of these states, you can apply for an Enhanced ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you're unsure whether your state offers Enhanced IDs, check with your local DMV for information on eligibility and application procedures.



• Key Differences Between a Real ID and an Enhanced ID:
• Real ID: Necessary for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings, but it cannot be used for crossing international borders.
• Enhanced ID: Combines the features of a Real ID and passport card, allowing you to use it for domestic travel and for border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea.
• Does the Enhanced ID Expire? Yes, like standard IDs, an Enhanced ID has an expiration date, typically valid for four to eight years depending on the state. Renewal procedures are similar to those for a regular driver’s license or state ID, though you’ll need to provide proof of residence and, in some cases, proof of citizenship upon renewal.

• What’s the Cost of a Real ID vs. an Enhanced ID?

  The cost of a Real ID or Enhanced ID is generally in addition to the regular driver’s license renewal fee:

  • Real ID: The additional cost for a Real ID typically ranges between $10 and $20 on top of your regular driver’s license renewal fee. Expect to pay between $25 to $60 depending on your state.
  • Enhanced ID: This option tends to be more expensive, typically costing between $30 and $90 extra, depending on your state. This is because the Enhanced ID includes additional border-crossing features.

• Does the Real ID Expire?

  Yes, Real IDs do expire just like regular driver’s licenses. Typically, a Real ID will have the same expiration date as your regular driver’s license. Most Real IDs are valid for 4 to 8 years, depending on your state’s policies.

  • Renewing Your Real ID: When it’s time to renew your Real ID, the process is similar to renewing a regular driver’s license. You can typically renew online or by visiting the DMV, though some states may require an in-person visit, especially if your documentation has changed (like a change of name or address).
  • Expiration Reminder: It’s essential to check your Real ID’s expiration date so you don’t get caught without a valid ID, especially if you need it for travel or federal access. Renewal can often be done up to 6 months before the expiration date in most states.

• What Foreign Visitors Need to Know About Domestic Travel

  For foreign visitors who are in the U.S. on a visa or other extended stays, it’s important to know that you will still need an accepted form of ID for domestic travel, even if you have a valid visa. Visitors who do not have a Real ID or U.S. driver’s license must use other valid forms of identification:

  • Passport: A valid foreign passport is the primary ID for foreign visitors, and it can be used for domestic air travel.
  • I-94 or Visa Document: In some cases, if you’re staying in the U.S. under a visa, you may need to show additional documentation, such as your I-94 form or visa approval notice, along with your passport to clear security at the airport.
  • Other IDs: If you have a DHS Trusted Traveler card (such as Global Entry), you can also use that for TSA security checks.

  Foreign visitors should always carry their passport while traveling within the U.S. and check with TSA and local authorities for any additional travel requirements. If you're planning on staying in the U.S. long-term and don’t already have one, you may also want to consider applying for a state-issued ID (which can be upgraded to a Real ID later) to avoid the inconvenience of carrying your passport everywhere.

• Will the Real ID Be Required Permanently?

  Yes, the Real ID requirement is a long-term, permanent security measure. While the May 2025 deadline is the cutoff for when Real IDs are required for air travel and federal activities, the federal government has implemented the Real ID Act to improve security and standardize identification across states. This means the Real ID will remain necessary for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings indefinitely.

• How to Avoid Issues in the Future

  If you missed the deadline and now need to get a Real ID, here are a few steps to ensure smooth travels moving forward:

  • Apply for a Real ID ASAP: Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your Real ID at your DMV as soon as possible.
  • Plan Ahead for Travel: If you’re traveling soon without a Real ID, remember to arrive at the airport earlier to allow for extra screening.
  • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on your driver’s license or ID card’s expiration date and make sure to renew it with a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or access federal buildings.



The TSA published their final ruling on the REAL ID requirement and lists other acceptible forms of ID for domestic travel that includes a current U.S. passport.