Which States Have Real ID? Complete List and Tips

If you’re planning to fly or enter certain federal buildings, you’ve probably heard about the Real ID. It’s a special driver’s license or ID card that meets federal security standards. Not every state issues a Real ID, and not every state accepts one right away. This guide shows you exactly which states have Real ID and what you need to know to use it.

What Is a Real ID?

A Real ID is a state‑issued ID that follows the Real ID Act, a federal law passed after 9/11. The card has extra security features like a star symbol in the top corner. Once you have a Real ID, you can board a domestic flight and enter secure federal facilities without pulling out a passport.

Getting a Real ID usually means you’ll need to bring extra documents to the DMV: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two pieces of address proof (like a utility bill). The process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one for upcoming travel.

States That Accept Real ID

All 50 states, plus Washington D.C., can issue a Real ID, but not every state does it the same way. As of 2025, the following states have fully rolled out Real ID compliance and issue the star‑marked cards:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Most of these states started issuing Real IDs in 2015‑2017. A few, like Virginia and Texas, added the Real ID option later (2020‑2022). If you live in a state that isn’t listed, you can still get a Real ID by applying at a neighboring state’s DMV, but you’ll need to meet that state’s documentation rules.

When you travel, look for the gold star on the bottom right of your driver’s license. That’s the federal signal that the card meets Real ID standards. If you don’t see the star, bring your passport instead.

Remember, the deadline for mandatory Real ID use on domestic flights is May 7 2025. After that date, airlines will refuse to let you board with a standard driver’s license. Many people already have a Real ID, but if you’re unsure, check your card or call your local DMV.

Quick tip: If you’re renewing your license after 2023, most DMVs automatically issue a Real ID unless you opt out. Opting out usually costs a small fee, and you’ll keep the old style card.

Bottom line: Almost every state now offers a Real ID, and the list above covers them all. Get yours early, keep the star visible, and you’ll breeze through airport security without pulling out a passport.