About REAL ID
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting for certain official purposes noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, both physical and digital (also known as Mobile Driver’s Licenses, or “mDLs”).
Are you REAL ID ready?
Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Find out if you’re REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!
- Are you planning to fly domestically or visit a Federal facility?
- Yes / Don't Know
- Does your Drivers License / ID have a star (and/or flag) or say "Enhanced"?
- Yes
- You're REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.
- No
- Do you have a passport?
- Yes
- A passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.
- No
- Click here to see if you have one of these acceptable forms of identification that may also be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities (link will open in a new window). Do you have one of these?
- Yes
- These alternate forms of identification may be used in lieu of a REAL ID Drivers License or ID at the airport to board domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.
- No
- You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities, you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.
- No
- You might not need a REAL ID. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.
Map out your path to REAL ID readiness.
Click on your home state or territory to make a plan with your local DMV to be REAL ID ready.