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Legal · Important documents

Getting a state ID or driver's license

A state ID or driver's license is the card you'll show most often: for a job, a bank account, an apartment and the airport. To fly, it has to be REAL ID-compliant, which you can spot by a marking at the top of the card, usually a star. Check your state's licensing agency website, gather the five kinds of documents it wants, and bring them the first time.

Moderate1–3 hours, including the office visit$–$$Checked October 2, 2026

You'll need

  • Proof of your full legal name and date of birth, like a birth certificate or passport
  • Proof of your Social Security number: the card, or a W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099 or pay stub showing it
  • Two proofs of where you live, like a lease, bank statement or official mail
  • Proof of lawful status
  • The fee (it varies by state)
  • A checklist from your state's licensing agency website

What to know

  1. Go to your state's driver's licensing agency website first. It lists exactly which documents it requires, and states can add requirements to the federal minimum. Source: DHS1 DHS's REAL ID page has a map that links to every state's and territory's DMV, plus a quick quiz on whether you're ready to fly. Source: DHS2
  2. Gather the documents. For a REAL ID, you'll need at least proof of your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status. Source: DHS1
  3. No Social Security card? DHS says a W-2, an SSA-1099, a non-SSA-1099 or a pay stub with your name and Social Security number can verify it. Source: DHS1 Your state may still have its own rules, so check its list.
  4. Ask for a REAL ID-compliant card if you'll fly. Every state now issues them. A compliant card has a marking at the top, usually a star. Without one, it won't be accepted for boarding a commercial flight. Source: DHS1
  5. Make an appointment if your state offers them, and bring every document on your state's list. Source: DHS1 For the photo, a religious head covering is allowed if it doesn't hide your face or cast a shadow. Source: DHS1
  6. Keep your temporary paper license if they give you one, but don't count on it at the airport. TSA doesn't accept a temporary driver's license as ID. Source: TSA3
  7. When the card comes, check that your name and date of birth are right, then store your documents together somewhere safe.
Watch out Since May 7, 2025, airports no longer accept state licenses and IDs that aren't REAL ID-compliant. You need a compliant card or another accepted ID, like a passport. Source: TSA3 Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an accepted ID can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID, but if TSA can't verify who you are, you won't get through the checkpoint. Source: TSA3

See it done

Video by Minnesota Department of Public Safety Government

What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

Watch on YouTube: What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?

2025 · Checked October 3, 2026

Heads up: this one's Minnesota's. Your state's document list and fees may differ, so check its site first (step 1).

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • Missing a document? Check your state's agency site for what it accepts instead. See Getting a copy of your birth certificate and Replacing a Social Security card.
  • No bills in your name yet? Ask your state agency which proofs of address it accepts. Requirements vary by state. Source: DHS1
  • Not sure your card is compliant? Look for the marking at the top. If it's missing, it's not compliant. Source: DHS1 Or check with your state DMV. Source: TSA3
  • ID expired? TSA currently accepts the listed IDs up to two years after they expire. Source: TSA3 Renew it anyway. Banks and employers may not accept it.
  • Phone ID? TSA accepts some mobile driver's licenses from approved states, but only if they're based on a REAL ID or enhanced license. Source: TSA3 Carry the physical card too.

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Other IDs that work at the airport

TSA's list includes a U.S. passport or passport card, trusted traveler cards like Global Entry, a military ID, a permanent resident card and an Employment Authorization Card, among others. The list can change without notice, so check it before you travel. Source: TSA3

Enhanced licenses

Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are accepted instead of a REAL ID. They show a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top. Source: DHS1 You can also use them to cross some borders. Source: DHS1

For a new job

On the I-9 form, you can show one List A document (like a U.S. passport), or one List B document for identity (like a state driver's license or ID card) plus one List C document (like a Social Security card or a certified birth certificate). Source: USCIS4

A document checklist (made-up example)

Folder for the DMV: original birth certificate. Social Security card. Lease with my name and address. Bank statement from last month to the same address. Payment card for the fee. Printed appointment confirmation.

Under 18 and flying

TSA doesn't require ID for travelers under 18 within the U.S., but airlines may have their own rules. Source: TSA3

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID frequently asked questions
  2. U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID
  3. Transportation Security Administration Identification
  4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 acceptable documents

Lesson L1.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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