To get a REAL ID, which is a federally accepted form of identification for air travel and access to federal facilities, follow these general steps:
- Check Your State’s Requirements
Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or driver licensing agency website to find specific instructions and required documents, as these vary by state
-
Gather Required Documents
You will typically need to provide:- Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub showing full SSN)
- Proof of state residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement)
- Proof of legal presence if applicable (e.g., immigration documents for non-U.S. citizens)
- Proof of name change if your current name differs from your documents (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Complete the Application
Many states allow you to start the application online to save time. You may need to upload copies of your documents during this process
- Visit the DMV in Person
Bring the original documents and your confirmation code (if you applied online) to your DMV appointment. Some states offer REAL ID centers for faster processing and same-day issuance
- Pay the Fees
There is usually a one-time REAL ID fee plus the standard license or ID renewal fee. Fees vary by state (for example, Pennsylvania charges a $30 REAL ID fee plus renewal fees)
- Receive Your REAL ID
After verification, you may receive your REAL ID the same day at some centers or by mail within a few weeks
Additional Notes:
- If your current driver’s license or ID has a star in the upper right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant
- You can still fly without a REAL ID using a valid passport or other federally accepted ID
- REAL ID is optional but required for certain federal purposes starting May 7, 2025
For exact details, always consult your state’s DMV website for their specific document checklist, application process, and fees
