When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Your state decides the process and the documents needed to get a REAL ID. In most cases, your state driver’s licensing agency will require you to bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and residency: Type of proof Examples of documents you can provide Identity Your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen Social Security number Your Social Security card, Form W-2, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job Residency in the state A deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to learn how to apply and what documentation you need.

How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant.

Your state decides the process and the documents needed to get a REAL ID. In most cases, your state driver’s licensing agency will require you to bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and residency:

Type of proof	Examples of documents you can provide
Identity	Your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen
Social Security number	Your Social Security card, Form W-2, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job
Residency in the state	A deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement

Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to learn how to apply and what documentation you need.

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, you will not be able to use it to:

Access federal government facilities or military installations
Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

Can you fly without a REAL ID?

Yes. If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly.

If you don't have any of those forms of ID, you can use the TSA ConfirmID program. Travelers 18 and over who don't have a REAL ID can pay the TSA to verify your identity so you can fly. The TSA ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days from your departure date. Pay the $45 fee in advance of your travels to avoid delays at the airport.

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You can still get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. Visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: April 6, 2026

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