According to TAS, the Real ID requirement officially took effect on May 7, 2025. Here are the key details.
Real ID checks mainly apply in three types of places:
- Domestic flights within the United States
- Border checkpoints
- Security-restricted federal facilities
New Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have a yellow star on them. However, some states along the US-Canada border (such as Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, New York, and Washington) use a different type of license called an Enhanced Driver License. Even without the star, this type of license still meets Real ID requirements. One important note: Washington state currently only allows US citizens to apply for a Real ID driver’s license. If you live in Washington and are not a US citizen, you will need to carry another acceptable document when flying domestically in the US, such as a green card or passport. In addition to the new compliant licenses issued by each state, the following documents also meet the standard:
- Green card
- US passport/passport card
- Military ID
- Enhanced Driver License (EDL)
- Trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry)
- Foreign passport
- The full list is available on the Department of Homeland Security website
Children under 18 do not need identification when traveling with an adult. If traveling alone, they need a valid document such as a passport.
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About Real ID
Real ID was originally scheduled to become mandatory nationwide starting October 1, 2021. The Real ID mark is the small star in the upper-right corner, though designs vary slightly by state.
Impact
For most people, the biggest impact is that once the rule takes effect, a non-Real ID driver’s license can no longer be used to pass airport security. So if you still have not upgraded to a Real ID, do it as soon as possible so it does not disrupt your travel plans. After all, many DMV/BMV offices can be just as slow as the sloths in Zootopia—moving at idle speed during work hours and racing to leave when the day ends. So it is best to make an appointment early or line up early.
Another impact is that a non-Real ID cannot be used to enter federal facilities.
Of course, if you only need it as a regular driver’s license, you do not have to apply for Real ID. A standard non-Real ID license is still fine for driving.
Background
Real ID comes from the Real ID Act, a law passed by Congress after the 9/11 attacks. The law created more uniform standards across states for the documents and requirements needed to apply for a driver’s license or ID, making it easier to prevent fraud and trace certain issues when necessary. All states have now implemented it.
Documents you need to apply for Real ID
Each state’s DMV/BMV website clearly lists the documents you need to prepare. Applicants should check their own state’s requirements carefully.
Using California as an example:
The California DMV website has a checklist, which is quite helpful because you can select the documents you have directly.
One identity document
- A valid, unexpired US passport or passport card
- An original or certified copy of a US birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital records office)
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad or certification of birth for a US citizen born overseas
- An unexpired foreign passport with a valid US visa and an approved I-94 form
- A certified copy of a birth certificate from a US territory
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- A valid, unexpired permanent resident card
- A valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (I-766), or a valid/expired EAD card together with a Notice of Action (I-797 C)
- A valid/expired green card together with a Notice of Action (I-797C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
- An unexpired foreign passport stamped with “Processed for I-551”
- Documents showing eligibility for TPS benefit
One SSN-related document
- Social Security number (SSN)
- W-2 form
- SSA-1099 form
- Non-SSA-1099 form
- A pay stub showing your SSN
Two proof-of-address documents
A lot of different documents are accepted here.
Utility bills, internet bills, lease agreements, documents issued by US government agencies, USPS address verification, and more.
The official website has the full list.
Real ID test
If you are renewing a Real ID, you generally do not need to take a test unless you have points on your license.
Some people are not asked to take a test even when applying, which may depend on the clerk or state rules. It is only a little over a dozen questions and not difficult. Multiple languages are available, and you can take it on a DMV computer. The content is basically the same as the regular driver’s license test. If you choose the Chinese version, in addition to the regular questions, you may also need to take an extra road sign test.
Things to keep in mind
- Most documents need to be originals. DMV staff will make copies for you at the counter, and certified copies are also accepted, but copies you make at home are not. Proof-of-address documents can be photocopies.
- Cash and debit cards are accepted by the DMV. Based on actual use, Discover Debit Card works.
- Both first-time applications and Renew Real ID require a new photo.
My experience
My experience was pretty bumpy, but it may be useful as a reference. If the DMV makes a mess of things, this might help you figure out a solution.
First time
California started accepting Real ID applications in early 2018. At the time, I still had an OPT EAD card, so I applied right away. The process took a very long time, probably because staff were not familiar with it yet and application volume was high. It took about two months to get the card. Then when I finally received it, I was stunned—the expiration date only matched the end date on my EAD card, so it was valid for just two months, even shorter than the temporary license. They charged $35.
Second time
I moved from OPT into the H1B application stage, and because USCIS was incredibly slow, my ID expired again. I had no choice but to bring my H1B receipt notice and try to renew it. I got a paper temporary license valid for three months, but unbelievably, that was only the first temporary license. From May 2018 all the way to April 2019—hard to believe, right? Every three months, I had to bring my documents back to the DMV again. In total, I went through about 4 paper licenses that year. Every time I asked what was going on, the clerk just said it was still in process. Very frustrating.
During that time, I received a new I-20 from my new school, so on my last renewal attempt, I specifically pointed out that my documents had changed. This young Black woman at the counter seemed very capable, and she finally figured out what the problem was. She said that because I had used my EAD card for my first Real ID application, but did not provide it when renewing, the system only had a copy of that expired EAD card, so the card was never issued. But when I renewed, I had already submitted my H1B receipt notice, which included a valid period. Nearly a year had passed, and I never received any notice by mail, and the phone line was impossible to reach. So it seemed the DMV reviewer did not really understand what those documents meant and was just handling things mechanically, without being careful or responsible. If someone had simply added an Internal note in the system, I would not have ended up with 4 temporary licenses.
In the end, she got a manager override and removed the old EAD card from the system. That left just the four key documents—I-20, visa, passport, and SSN—plus proof of address, and she resubmitted the application.
A month later, I received the renewed ID, but the validity period was only 8 months, expiring on my birthday that year, even though my I-20 was valid for 3 years. Surprise, right?
There was no fee this time.
Third time
I brought the exact same documents as usual. The guy at the counter quickly found the valid visa page and did not even copy the new proof-of-address documents. He clearly knew what he was doing. I asked why my validity period had been so short, but he did not know either. He only knew that Real ID is usually issued with 5 years of validity, though the official website seemed to say 8 years.
Luckily, I received the Renew ID in just two weeks. While I was still adjusting to the unusual speed of the DMV, I noticed they gave me 5 years of validity—longer than my I-20 and even longer than my passport validity. My LD had the same documents as I did but only got 3 years. There really seems to be no pattern at the DMV; it may just depend on the mood of the person handling your case.
They charged $35 this time.
Advice
California DMV appointments are usually not available until at least a month and a half out, so book early.
You can fill out the application form online and also complete the checklist. Here is the link.
Bring all your documents, and remind the clerk when necessary so they do not make mistakes with things like the visa page. Once something goes wrong, you could end up stuck in an endless loop.