REAL ID is a federal security credential added to State-Issued Driver Licenses and Identification Cards that establishes a minimum security standard required for specific activities.

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID License or Identification card, or valid federal identification document (i.e. U.S. Passport) will be required to:

  • Board a domestic flight

  • Visit military bases or specific federal buildings

  • Enter nuclear power plants

Our REAL ID checklist will provide you with the documents required for your visit.

REAL ID vs. Standard Driver License

REAL ID Driver License

 A REAL ID is marked by a gold star in the upper-right hand corner.

  • Meets the new federal security standards

  • May be uses to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline

  • Enter military bases, secure federal facilities, and nuclear power plants starting May 7, 2025

Standard Driver License

It will not have a gold star marked in the upper-right hand corner. If you plan to fly domestically, a REAL ID is recommended.

  • Does not meet the new federal security standards

  • Cannot use to board domestic flights starting after the new May 7, 2025 deadline

  • Cannot use to enter military bases, secure federal facilities, or nuclear power plants starting May 7, 2025

✔️ Yes, if you...

  • Will travel domestically by plane after May 7, 2025 without a valid U.S. Passport

  • Visit military bases, secure federal facilities, or nuclear power plants

Do I Need a REAL ID?

X No, if you...

  • Have a gold star on your license or ID (this means you already have a REAL ID)

  • Prefer to use your valid U.S. passport for domestic travel

  • Do not travel the country by plane

  • Do not visit military bases, secure federal facilities, or nuclear power plants

REAL IDs are Optional

If you do not think you have a need to fly, enter a federal building, or visit a military installation or nuclear site, you do not need a REAL ID.

However, if you suddenly need to fly on or after May 7, 2025 and you do not have a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or another federally approved identification, you will need a REAL ID in order to board a commercial domestic flight.

Regardless of whether you have a REAL ID or not, you must still have an unexpired U.S. Passport to travel internationally.


You do not need a REAL ID driver license or identification card to do any of the following:

  • Drive

  • Vote

  • Apply for or receive federal benefits to which you are entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)

  • Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)

  • Access a hospital or receive life-saving services

  • Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)

How to Obtain a Real ID

Use the REAL ID Checklist to gather your documents

Use our easy online checklist to make sure that you have everything you need to bring to your appointment.

Visit Our Location Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm

No appointment is needed at our locations. 

Fees

4-Year Credential Option

  • First REAL ID: $42.50

  • Renewal: $38.50

  • Replace: $25.00

8-year credential option

  • First REAL ID: $81.00

  • Renewal: $77.00

  • Replace: $25.00