Key Takeaways
• After May 7, 2025, REAL ID or federal ID required for flights and federal buildings.
• Non-compliant licenses remain valid for driving, voting, and most state uses.
• REAL ID is optional; states continue issuing both REAL ID and non-compliant IDs.
The following FAQ provides clear, thorough answers to common questions about the REAL ID, non-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards, and what these mean for residents of the United States 🇺🇸. Its purpose is to help anyone—immigrant or citizen—understand the options and limitations for state-issued identification under current law, especially as new REAL ID requirements take effect.
Most Popular Questions
1. If I’m not eligible for a REAL ID, can I still get a regular (non-compliant) driver’s license or ID card?
Yes. Even if you are not eligible for a REAL ID, you can still get a standard driver’s license or state ID card. States will keep issuing these non-compliant cards alongside REAL ID-compliant ones. According to USA.gov, “You will still be able to get a driver’s license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant.” This means you can use these cards for driving, proving your age, and most situations where an ID is needed—unless federal law says otherwise.
2. What’s the difference between a REAL ID and a non-compliant driver’s license or ID?
A REAL ID looks similar to a standard driver’s license or ID card but meets stricter federal requirements for identity and security. REAL ID-compliant cards show a special symbol (often a star) on the front. Non-compliant cards do not have this symbol and do not meet these federal rules.
The biggest difference is where you can use them after May 7, 2025:
– REAL ID-compliant cards will be accepted for purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal buildings.
– Non-compliant cards will not be accepted for these federal purposes after this date, but you can still drive, vote, and use them for everyday needs.
3. If I have a non-compliant driver’s license, what can I use it for after May 7, 2025?
You can use a non-compliant driver’s license or ID for:
– Driving a car or motorcycle
– Proving your identity for most state and local purposes
– Voting (in states where ID is required for voting)
– Buying age-restricted products
– Most non-federal activities that require an ID
But, starting May 7, 2025, you cannot use a non-compliant license or ID to:
– Board domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸 (even if just flying within the country)
– Enter federal buildings (like federal courthouses)
– Access military bases, unless you have special permission or another federally accepted ID
For these, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant card or another federally accepted ID like a valid U.S. passport or military ID.
4. Does the REAL ID Act require everyone to get a REAL ID?
No, the REAL ID Act does not force anyone to have a REAL ID. States, such as Virginia, explain that REAL ID is optional. The law only says that, after May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID (or different federally accepted ID) for certain federal uses. If you never plan to board a domestic flight, visit federal buildings, or go onto a military base, you may not need a REAL ID. For everything else, your standard (non-compliant) card still works.
5. Who might not be eligible for a REAL ID, and why?
Some people are not eligible for a REAL ID. Common reasons include:
– They cannot provide the required documents (such as proof of lawful status in the United States 🇺🇸, or documents showing their true name and date of birth)
– They are ineligible for a Social Security number (in most states, a REAL ID requires this)
– Their immigration status does not allow for a REAL ID
Some immigrants and non-citizens may not have the papers needed for REAL ID. In these cases, a non-compliant driver’s license or ID card may still be available to them for regular, day-to-day use, depending on state laws.
6. Is it legal for states to issue non-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards?
Yes. The REAL ID Act does not stop states from issuing non-compliant licenses and ID cards. States can choose to issue both versions. This means more residents can have a legal form of state ID, even if they don’t meet federal REAL ID guidelines.
7. What will these non-compliant licenses look like?
A non-compliant license or ID card usually looks almost the same as a REAL ID-compliant one, but without the special star (or symbol) marking it as REAL ID. In many states, these cards may display a printed phrase such as “Not for Federal Identification” or “Not Acceptable for Federal Purposes.” This helps airport agents or federal officers tell the difference quickly.
8. Can I use a non-compliant ID to cross the border or fly internationally?
No. Neither a non-compliant nor a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card can be used for international travel. To cross the border into places like Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽, or to take an international flight, you must have a U.S. passport (or passport card for certain land crossings), or a special trusted traveler card.
9. What are alternative federally accepted forms of identification if I do not have a REAL ID?
If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use other federally accepted forms of identification for federal purposes, including:
– A valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
– A Department of Defense ID card (for military)
– A permanent resident card (Green Card)
– Foreign government-issued passport (with valid visa, for legal visitors)
– Other forms listed on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website
This is helpful for immigrants, military members, and others who might already have such documents.
10. How and where can I apply for a non-compliant license or ID card?
Every state runs its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency, and each has its own rules. To find out specifically what documents you need, how to apply, costs, and locations in your area, visit your state’s DMV website.
A full listing of links to every state’s REAL ID information and DMV sites is available at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page.
11. If I have a non-compliant license now, do I have to renew it for a REAL ID before May 7, 2025?
No, you do not have to switch to a REAL ID if you do not want to. You can keep using your non-compliant license as you have been unless you need to board flights or enter federal facilities after the cutoff date. If you find later that you need the extra features of a REAL ID, you can apply to upgrade when your license expires or at any time, following your state’s process.
12. I do not have lawful status in the United States 🇺🇸. Can I still get a non-compliant state driver’s license or ID?
Some states allow people who do not have lawful status to obtain a limited driver’s license or ID card—sometimes called a “driving privilege card” or “limited purpose ID.” These are always non-compliant with REAL ID. They let people drive legally and prove their identity for basic state purposes. The rules and eligibilities are different in every state, so check with your local DMV.
13. Can a non-compliant ID be used at banks, schools, or other non-governmental places?
Usually, yes. Most banks, schools, landlords, and employers will accept a state-issued driver’s license or ID (even if non-compliant) for their needs. Some private companies might have their own requirements, so check ahead if in doubt. For federal purposes—like TSA screening at airports—a non-compliant ID will not be accepted after May 7, 2025.
14. Can minors (children under 18) use a non-compliant ID to board planes?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, children under 18 do not need to show identification when flying with a companion within the United States 🇺🇸. The adult must have approved identification. For international travel, children will need a passport.
15. Will a non-compliant license or ID affect my immigration status or record?
No. A non-compliant driver’s license or ID card is a state-issued identification document used for daily purposes. It does not grant immigration status, nor does it affect or prove your lawful presence. It only limits what federal activities the ID can be used for.
16. Is there a fee difference between applying for a REAL ID and a non-compliant license or ID?
Fees may vary from state to state. In some places, the cost for a REAL ID-compliant card or a non-compliant card may be the same. In others, there may be a small difference to cover the extra verification steps required for REAL ID. Check your state DMV’s fee schedule for details.
17. What documents do I need to apply for a standard (non-compliant) license or ID card?
Document rules change by state, but generally, you will need:
– Proof of your full legal name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate, foreign passport, or other ID)
– Proof of residency in the state
– Proof of Social Security number if you have one (not always required for non-compliant cards)
– Other forms as the state requires
States often waive some REAL ID requirements, making it easier for people with fewer documents to get at least a non-compliant card. Always check your local DMV’s website for the current list.
18. If I later become eligible for REAL ID, can I trade in my non-compliant license or ID?
Yes. Most states let you upgrade your regular driver’s license or ID to a REAL ID-compliant version if you gather the correct documents and pay any difference in fees. You do not need to wait for your license to expire. Visit your DMV for their upgrade process.
19. Are any states not issuing REAL ID at all?
As of now, all states and most territories are issuing both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant licenses and IDs, following federal law. Occasionally, states may face delays or changes in their process. Always check the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID status updates page for the latest news.
20. Where can I find complete, updated information about the REAL ID and non-compliant licenses?
You can always find government updates and answers at the official US Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page and your state’s DMV website. For a friendly, detailed overview, VisaVerge.com also publishes well-researched guides and news to help travelers and immigrants understand their options.
Common Misconceptions
“If I don’t have a REAL ID, I cannot get a license or ID at all.”
– False. You can still get a regular (non-compliant) state ID or license.
“A non-compliant license is not legal once REAL ID starts.”
– False. Non-compliant IDs are still valid for state and local uses, but not for boarding domestic flights or federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
“I need to get a REAL ID right now or I am breaking the law.”
– False. Getting REAL ID is optional. Only if you need to use a federal facility or board a plane after May 7, 2025, do you need it (or another form of approved ID).
To sum up, if you are not eligible for a REAL ID, you will still be able to get a standard (non-compliant) driver’s license or ID card in your state. The REAL ID Act lets states offer both options, helping more people have legal local ID. While non-compliant licenses and IDs cannot be used for federal purposes—like domestic air travel or entry into federal buildings after May 7, 2025—they remain useful for driving, voting, and other everyday needs. Always check your state’s DMV for the forms and rules, and refer to the official REAL ID resources for future updates. If you need more help understanding how REAL ID affects immigrants and travelers in the United States 🇺🇸, analysis from VisaVerge.com provides reliable, up-to-date guidance.
For further questions, contact your local DMV or visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID webpage. This ensures you always have the most recent and dependable information for your identification needs.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally standardized state-issued identification card or driver’s license, marked with a star, meeting enhanced security requirements.
Non-compliant License → A driver’s license or state ID that does not meet REAL ID Act standards and lacks the required federal security symbol.
Department of Homeland Security → The U.S. federal agency overseeing REAL ID rules and national security policies, including identity documentation standards.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) → State government office where residents apply for driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and related documents.
Lawful Presence → Immigration term referring to persons who have legal authorization to reside in the United States under federal law.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL ID or another federal ID will be required to fly domestically or access federal facilities. Regular non-compliant licenses remain valid for driving and identification in most everyday situations. Immigrants and citizens alike should check state-specific DMV rules for eligibility and documentation before choosing between ID types.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients can get REAL ID licenses
• AB 60 licenses not valid for boarding US domestic flights under federal rules
• REAL ID vs. standard driver’s license: What immigrants need to know
• Mobile driver’s licenses must meet REAL ID rules for TSA acceptance in 2025
• Enhanced Driver’s License approved for US domestic flights
