How to apply for a REAL ID online: Check eligibility, do you need a REAL ID to travel, and other related information

The REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 in response to security concerns following the September 11 attacks. It requires the establishment of minimum security standards for the issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Beginning May 7, 2025, US residents aged 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to board federally regulated domestic flights or gain access to certain federal facilities.
Although originally set to take effect earlier, the enforcement deadline was postponed multiple times to allow states and residents more time to comply. As the deadline approaches, it is crucial to understand what REAL ID is, how to check if your ID is compliant, and how to apply for one, including eligibility for online application.

Step 1: Check eligibility for online application
Not all states allow REAL ID applications online. Many require an in-person visit for the initial issuance due to document verification requirements. However, some states permit online upgrades if:

Check your state DMV or licensing agency website to confirm if online application or renewal is available.
Step 2: Gather required documents
To apply for a REAL ID, you must provide original or certified copies of the following:

Some states may have additional documentation requirements, so consult your local DMV for specifics.
Step 3: Submit Application and Payment


The REAL ID Act was a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, intended to enhance security by making it harder to forge state-issued identification. It mandates that states verify specific documentation and use secure card production and issuance practices before issuing IDs.

After May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative will be required for the following purposes:

It’s important to note that a REAL ID is not required for voting, driving, banking, or applying for federal benefits such as Social Security.

Yes. Beginning May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant license or an approved alternative identification to pass through TSA security checkpoints at US airports for domestic flights.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you may use one of the following acceptable alternatives to board domestic flights or access secure federal facilities:


A REAL ID-compliant card has a star in the upper-right corner. If your card lacks this star, it is not compliant and will not be accepted for REAL ID purposes. However, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs)—issued by a few states—are acceptable even without the star marking, as they comply with federal security requirements.

Only five states currently issue EDLs:

EDLs are REAL ID-compliant and also allow land and sea border crossings between the US and Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Yes. States continue to offer non-REAL ID-compliant cards, often labeled “Not for Federal Identification.” These can still be used for driving and other non-federal purposes but will not be accepted for air travel or entry into certain federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

The final enforcement date is May 7, 2025. After this date, only REAL ID-compliant cards or approved alternatives will be accepted for TSA screening and federal facility access. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA and other federal agencies will only accept IDs that meet REAL ID security standards. Travelers presenting non-compliant IDs will be denied access to domestic flights and certain government buildings unless they provide an acceptable alternative.

Yes. As of now, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are compliant and issuing REAL ID cards.

No. A REAL ID cannot be used for international land, air, or sea travel. A US passport is still required for:


No. REAL IDs are not valid for international cruise departures. Cruise travelers must carry a valid passport or passport card for identification.

Yes, but only for international travel. If traveling within the US, you need either a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative—not both. However, a passport remains mandatory for traveling abroad.

Yes. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by the five eligible states (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA) are considered acceptable for all REAL ID purposes, including air travel, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants—even though they may not bear the star marking.

As of December 17, 2018, states are permitted to issue REAL ID-compliant cards to citizens of the Freely Associated States (FAS), which include:

To qualify, FAS citizens must be lawfully admitted under the Compact of Free Association and meet all identity and residency requirements set forth by the REAL ID Act.