What Percentage of Americans Have a REAL ID? Key Stats and Smart Tips

Ever been stuck at the airport wondering if your driver’s license will actually let you board? You’re not the only one thinking about REAL ID. Turns out, as of early 2025, about 56% of Americans have one. Sounds high, but that still leaves almost half the country potentially in a bind when new rules roll out.

This isn’t just some random government change. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or a passport to fly within the U.S.—no exceptions for standard state-issued IDs. So if you usually breeze through with your old driver's license, you might want to double-check if it has that little gold star. No star? You might get turned away right at the security line.

If you’re not sure what REAL ID is, it's a federally approved driver’s license or ID card marked with a gold or black star. It shows you've provided extra documentation, like proof of citizenship, address, and Social Security number. Basically, the government is trying to make it harder for fake IDs to get through important security points like airports. Makes sense, right?

• How Many Americans Have a REAL ID?
• Why REAL ID Matters for You
• Tips for Getting Your REAL ID Faster
• What If You Don’t Get a REAL ID in Time?

How Many Americans Have a REAL ID?

Let’s get straight to the numbers. As of April 2025, about 56% of Americans with state-issued licenses or IDs actually have a REAL ID. That means more than 100 million people are set, but around 80 million are not. These numbers come right from the Department of Homeland Security’s latest update—so no guesswork here.

If you break it down, some states are ahead of the game, while others are dragging their feet. States like California and Texas have pushed hard, leading to millions of residents with the upgraded ID, while smaller states are still catching up. But there’s a pattern: most folks who travel a lot already made the switch. People who don’t fly often or just aren’t paying attention are more likely to be left out.

It’s not just about travel, either. A lot of employers, federal buildings, and even some local offices will start checking for that REAL ID soon. Rumors have been flying around about extensions and pushbacks, but as of now, that May 7, 2025 deadline is set.

Here’s a quick way to check if you have what you need: pull out your driver’s license or state ID and look for a gold or black star in the top right corner. No star? Time to plan a visit to your DMV, especially if you travel or need to access secure places. Don’t wait—DMV lines are about to get even longer as the deadline gets closer.

Why REAL ID Matters for You

So what's the big deal about having a REAL ID? It's not just another card to cram into your wallet. The government set this up after 9/11 to boost security and make sure nobody can fake their way through federal checks. That means airports, military bases, and federal buildings take it seriously—your plain old ID just won't cut it soon.

Here’s what happens if you ignore those REAL ID rules:

• No Domestic Flights: Starting May 7, 2025, you can't use a regular driver’s license to fly inside the U.S. Only a REAL ID, a passport, or military ID will work at airport security. Forget family visits or weekend getaways by plane unless you want an awkward chat at the TSA line.
• Locked out of Federal Buildings: Need to visit a Social Security office, courthouse, or VA building? If you don’t have a REAL ID, you’ll have to show a passport, or you could get sent home.

About 44% of Americans still don’t have a REAL ID (based on DHS stats in early 2025). That’s millions of people who might get a nasty shock when they try to travel or get into official buildings. Don’t get caught out at the last minute—lines and wait times at DMVs get longer as the deadline creeps closer.

Here’s a quick look at where you’ll need your REAL ID by May 2025:

Don’t assume you’re good because you have a state ID—it must have that special star. Otherwise, TSA will wave you away fast.

Tips for Getting Your REAL ID Faster

Ready to get your REAL ID? Here’s the deal—doing it right the first time saves you a ton of hassle. Lots of folks show up to the DMV and end up turning around because they’re missing just one piece of paper. Don’t be that person. Here’s how you make it quick and painless:

• Check your state’s checklist online first. Every state’s DMV posts exactly what you need. Usually it’s proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), Social Security proof (card or tax form), and two proofs of where you live (think utility bills or a lease).
• Bring original documents. Copies just won’t fly—even certified ones can sometimes get rejected. Stick to originals to play it safe.
• Book your DMV appointment early. Walk-ins can mean waiting all day or getting turned away. Most states let you book online weeks in advance—don’t wait for the REAL ID deadline rush.
• Double-check your paperwork before you leave home. Literally lay it all on the table and cross-check with the DMV’s list. People forget the weirdest stuff like marriage certificates for name changes.
• Fill out the application online if possible. Some DMVs let you start online and just finish in person. The less time you spend at the counter, the faster you’re out the door.

Fun fact: According to the Department of Homeland Security, error rates for initial REAL ID applications drop by almost 40% when people use the official checklist ahead of time. Most DMVs post these checklists front and center—use them!

Bottom line: a little prep shaves hours, maybe even days, off the process. If you fly, go to federal buildings, or just hate scrambling at the last minute, getting your REAL ID sorted now is the best move.

What If You Don’t Get a REAL ID in Time?

Let’s keep it simple: if you show up at the airport after May 7, 2025 without a REAL ID, a passport, or another TSA-approved ID, you won’t be getting on your plane. There’s no wiggle room here—the TSA has been clear that standard state licenses without the gold or black star just won’t cut it. This rule covers all flights within the U.S., so even quick business hops or family visits are affected.

Hate paperwork? Here’s where it gets tricky. If you don’t have your REAL ID by the deadline, here are your other options:

• Passport: U.S. passports are always accepted for domestic flights, so you’re good if you already have one, even if it feels like overkill for a quick domestic trip.
• Military ID: Active-duty or retired military folks can use their military IDs without issue.
• Other TSA-approved IDs: Things like federally recognized tribal IDs or DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry or Nexus) also work.

Think you can just get by without flying? Don’t forget, REAL ID isn’t just about airports. Some federal buildings will also require it for entry, and that list could grow. So you might find yourself blocked from certain government facilities just because you put this off.

Here’s a quick breakdown of your main options if you get caught without a REAL ID:

If you don’t fly much or don’t need to visit government buildings, you can technically skip the REAL ID. But even then, it’s smart to get one just in case—life throws curveballs, and you don’t want your ID to be the thing holding you back from an emergency trip or a surprise opportunity.

Bottom line: If you don’t sort out your REAL ID before the deadline, expect serious limits on travel and federal access. No one wants to get blindsided at the airport over paperwork, so make a plan now.