Key Takeaways
• REAL ID or another federal ID required for flights and federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.
• Standard licenses remain valid for driving, banking, and voting but not federal purposes after May 7, 2025.
• Immigrants can obtain standard driver’s licenses in many states, regardless of REAL ID eligibility.
The purpose of this FAQ is to give clear answers to common questions about REAL ID, standard driver’s licenses, their differences, and how these rules affect both U.S. citizens and immigrants. The information is up to date as of 2024 and addresses key concerns about what kinds of identification you need for driving, flying within the United States 🇺🇸, entering federal buildings, and what rules apply if you are not eligible for a REAL ID. Readers will also learn about what happens after the May 7, 2025 change to federal identification requirements.
Most Popular Questions
1. If I am not eligible for a REAL ID, can I still get a standard driver’s license or state ID card?
Yes, you can still get a standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s license or state ID even if you do not meet the qualifications for a REAL ID. The REAL ID Act does not stop states from giving out regular, non-compliant licenses or IDs.
- These standard licenses are valid for driving, voting, proving your identity at banks, stores, and many other places.
- The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can tell you how to apply for either a REAL ID or a standard credential.
Note:
A standard license or ID will not be accepted for certain federal purposes starting May 7, 2025. More about this is below.
REAL ID vs. Standard Driver’s License: What’s the Difference?
2. What is a REAL ID, and how is it different from a standard driver’s license?
A REAL ID is a kind of driver’s license or state ID that meets security rules set by the federal government. A standard driver’s license does not follow these extra federal rules.
Key differences:
– REAL ID has a star symbol in the upper part of the card.
– Standard driver’s license does not have this star.
– REAL ID lets you use the card for certain tasks that the federal government controls (called federal purposes).
– Standard licenses are good for driving and most everyday uses but not for things like boarding a plane for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
Example:
If you plan to board a flight inside the United States 🇺🇸 using your ID, only a REAL ID or another approved document will be accepted at airport security after the enforcement date.
Federal Purposes and Upcoming Changes
3. What does “federal purposes” mean, and why does it matter for IDs?
“Federal purposes” means certain activities controlled by the U.S. government. For IDs, federal purposes mainly include:
– Getting on domestic flights (flights within the United States 🇺🇸)
– Entering secure federal buildings like courthouses or military bases
After May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID or a valid federal ID (such as a U.S. passport or military ID) will be accepted at airport security or to enter these federal facilities.
4. What happens if I try to board a flight or enter a federal facility with a standard license after May 7, 2025?
You will not be allowed to proceed if you try to use a standard driver’s license or ID for these federal purposes after that date. Security staff will ask for a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept a standard license for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
5. Which other documents can be used for federal purposes instead of a REAL ID?
If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use other accepted IDs for federal purposes:
– U.S. passport or passport card
– U.S. military ID
– Legal permanent resident card (“green card”)
– DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry)
– Tribal ID (for recognized tribes)
Full details and the list of accepted IDs can be found on the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page.
Eligibility and Application Process
6. Why might someone not be eligible for a REAL ID?
Some reasons why people may not qualify for a REAL ID:
– Missing required documents, such as proof of lawful status in the U.S.
– Not able to prove identity with acceptable documents (such as a birth certificate or valid passport)
– Some state rules may prevent non-citizens or people with certain visa types from receiving a REAL ID
7. Will the process for getting a standard (non-REAL ID) license be easier?
Yes, usually the requirements are not as strict for a standard license as they are for REAL ID. For example:
– You may only need to show basic proof of identity and residency.
– Some states accept different documents, such as foreign passports, for standard licenses but not for REAL ID.
Each state decides its own rules. Check with your local DMV for a list of what you need when applying for a standard driver’s license or ID.
8. What documents are needed to get a REAL ID vs. a standard license?
REAL ID:
– Proof of your full legal name and date of birth (usually a birth certificate or valid passport)
– Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, pay stub with SSN)
– Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status (passport, green card, work permit)
– Two proofs of your address (utility bills, bank statements)
Standard License:
– Often only basic proof of identity and state residency is needed
– Some states let you use foreign documents
Always check with your state’s DMV because the exact documents can change or differ by state. For example, you can find up-to-date requirements for Virginia at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles license and ID page.
Practical Uses and State vs. Federal Rules
9. What can I do with a standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s license or ID card?
You can use a standard license or ID for:
– Driving anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸
– Proving your identity at banks, retail stores, car rentals, or hotels
– Accessing most state agencies and services
– Voting, if you meet your state’s voting requirements
10. Will a standard license work at airports for identification before May 7, 2025?
Yes. Until May 7, 2025, you can use either a standard license or REAL ID at airport security for domestic flights. After that date, airport security will require a REAL ID or another approved document.
11. Can immigrants get a standard driver’s license or ID card?
In many states, immigrants (including those without legal status) may apply for a standard driver’s license or ID card.
– These cards make it easier to drive legally and access basic state services.
– However, these cards are marked so they cannot be accepted for federal purposes, including at airports or federal buildings.
Some states also issue “driving privilege cards” or similar documents for people who cannot show lawful presence in the United States 🇺🇸.
Example:
A non-citizen on a student visa who cannot meet the REAL ID requirements may still be able to get a standard license for driving.
12. Can I use a standard license to vote?
Yes. A standard state-issued ID or driver’s license works for voting in most states, as long as you meet other voting qualifications. Voting rules are set by each state, not by federal law.
General Guidance and Common Concerns
13. What should I do if I already have a REAL ID or other federal ID document?
If you already have a REAL ID, a current U.S. passport, or a federal military ID, you do not need to do anything else for airport security or federal facility entry. You are already set for federal purposes.
14. Do I have to upgrade to a REAL ID if I do not plan to board flights or enter federal buildings?
No. If you do not plan to fly, enter a military base, or visit secure federal buildings, your standard driver’s license or state ID is still fine for all other state and everyday uses.
15. What happens if I travel overseas?
A REAL ID or standard license does not take the place of a passport for international travel. You always need a valid passport to leave or return to the United States 🇺🇸.
16. Will my standard driver’s license or state ID card expire or become invalid after May 7, 2025?
No. Your standard license will stay valid for driving, state-level identification, and voting until its regular expiration date. It will not work for certain federal purposes after May 7, 2025, but it is still a legal form of ID for everything else at the state level.
Common Misconceptions
17. Does getting a standard driver’s license mean I am undocumented or have less legal status?
No. Many U.S. citizens and people with legal status have standard driver’s licenses because they do not want or need a REAL ID. Having a standard license is not a sign of your immigration status.
18. Do I need to show a REAL ID to police if I am pulled over while driving?
No. Police and highway patrol accept both standard and REAL ID licenses for driving and traffic stops. Law enforcement in each state follows state law, not federal ID rules, for driver’s licenses.
19. Does the REAL ID Act collect or store my private information in a federal database?
No. The REAL ID Act sets security standards but does not create a federal ID card or national ID database. Your state DMV keeps your information, as it does for all driver’s licenses and IDs.
Where to Go for More Help or Official Information
- You can learn more about REAL ID requirements, enforcement dates, and the accepted forms of identification on the official Department of Homeland Security REAL ID website.
- State DMV websites also offer details on how to apply for both REAL ID and standard licenses or IDs.
- Local community centers and immigrant services might have special help for immigrants trying to apply for a license or ID.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, while the REAL ID Act puts new rules in place for certain federal purposes, it does not make it harder for most people to get regular state identification or driver’s licenses. The Act’s main effect is to set a higher security bar for those who want to use their license for federal flights or secure building entry.
Summary and Key Points
- Everyone, no matter their immigration status, may be able to get a standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s license or state ID in many states.
- Starting May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally accepted ID will work for flights inside the United States 🇺🇸 and entry into certain federal facilities.
- Standard licenses and state IDs will still work for driving, banking, and most other everyday needs.
- Rules and application steps for both REAL ID and standard licenses can vary by state, so always check your state’s DMV website.
If you need to travel by plane or enter a secure federal building after May 7, 2025, plan ahead to get the right kind of identification. If you only need your ID for regular daily life—like driving, banking, or voting—a standard license or ID remains a good choice.
For information straight from official sources, always check with your state’s DMV and the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID resources.
If you have more questions, contact your local DMV, visit VisaVerge.com for updates, or reach out to trusted help centers in your community. Remember, the right ID for you depends on your needs, plans, and what the law requires for federal purposes after May 7, 2025.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant driver’s license or ID with enhanced security, required for federal purposes like flights after May 7, 2025.
Standard Driver’s License → A regular state-issued license valid for driving and most uses, but not accepted for federal purposes after enforcement.
Federal Purposes → Specific government-controlled activities, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal buildings and military bases.
Lawful Status → Legal permission to reside in the U.S., proven via documents like green cards or certain visas.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) → The state agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, and state identification cards.
This Article in a Nutshell
Confused about REAL ID and standard licenses? After May 7, 2025, only REAL ID or federal documents grant airport and federal building access. Standard licenses still work for driving, banking, and voting. Check your state DMV before applying—rules differ. Choose the ID based on your actual travel and identification needs.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• REAL ID rules to allow digital driver’s licenses for US flights in 2025
• What happens if you skip REAL ID and keep your driver’s license after 2025
• Enhanced Driver’s License accepted for domestic flights under REAL ID rules
• Florida Slams Immigrants With Tough Driver’s License Rules
• REAL ID Act set new rules for driver’s licenses after September 11
