How do you get a Real ID in the United States in 2026?

A REAL ID-compliant licence or state ID is marked with a star in the upper corner in most states. Without that mark, cards often say "Federal Limits Apply." You can still use a non-compliant card for driving (if it is a licence), banking, and many state purposes. For boarding U.S. domestic flights or entering many federal facilities and military bases, you need REAL ID or another TSA-accepted credential.

REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel. It does not grant immigration status. It is also separate from Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification); employers may accept a standard state licence as a List B identity document whether or not it carries the star.

USA.gov summarizes the usual three proofs: identity, Social Security number (SSN), and state residency. Examples include a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card for identity, a Social Security card or Form W-2 for the SSN, and a lease, utility bill, or bank statement for residency. Noncitizens follow the state's lawful presence list, which may include an unexpired foreign passport with visa and Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), an Employment Authorization Document, or other listed status evidence.

Each state publishes the exact stack. California DMV, New York DMV, and Texas DPS checklists differ on how many residency documents they want and whether electronic SSN verification is enough. Book an appointment where required. First-time REAL ID issuance is generally in person so staff can verify originals.

New arrivals should sequence paperwork: obtain an SSN if eligible, open a bank account or start a lease so residency mail exists, then sit for the DMV visit. If you already hold a compliant card from another state and then move, you typically must apply again in the new state; REAL ID cards are not transferable interstate.

If your plastic card is still processing, a valid passport remains an accepted TSA identity document. USA.gov also describes TSA ConfirmID as a paid identity-verification option when travelers lack REAL ID and other listed IDs; treat that as a backup, not a plan for every trip. Keep temporary DMV receipts if your state issues them, but confirm with TSA whether a paper temporary licence meets checkpoint rules for your flight date.

You may still choose a standard non-REAL ID product if you prefer fewer documents and will fly on a passport.