How to get a federal id card

The federal REAL ID Act places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States (U.S.) and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities.  A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a golden bear and star.

Applying for a REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a trip to DMV. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number on your REAL ID application (exceptions may apply).

Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.

Which card is right for me?

How to get a federal id card
Bear + star in top right corner = REAL ID

  • Federal compliant?
    How to get a federal id card
  • Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
    How to get a federal id card
  • Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
    How to get a federal id card

How to get a federal id card
Federal Limits Apply = Not REAL ID

  • Federal compliant?
    How to get a federal id card
  • Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
    How to get a federal id card
  • Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
    How to get a federal id card
  • * May be used as photo identification, but not as evidence of legal presence in U.S. Additional documentation may be required.

Resources

For more information on REAL ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.

  • REAL ID (Step-by-Step) Video
  • REAL ID Document Checklist
  • REAL ID: Get Onboard with REAL ID (Overview)
  • REAL ID Fact Sheet
  • REAL ID Infographic English | Spanish
  • Driver’s License and Identification Card Options
  • REAL ID for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients

More information on licensing requirements for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients may be found on the REAL ID Info: Non-U.S. Citizen page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a REAL ID? plus minus

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted for of identification. REAL ID cards are marked with a golden bear and a star.

A REAL ID is a verified driver’s license or identification (ID) card that’s a federally accepted form of identification, sometimes referred to as a verified ID.

Get a REAL ID

A REAL ID is a verified driver’s license or identification (ID) card that’s a federally accepted form of identification, sometimes referred to as a verified ID.

Get your REAL ID before May 7, 2025

As of May 7, 2025, the U.S. federal government will require anyone who boards an airplane for domestic travel or who enters certain federal buildings to show one of these forms of ID:

  • A verified REAL ID license
  • A verified REAL ID state-issued ID card
  • A passport
  • Permanent resident card

A REAL ID is verified by a gold star in the top right corner of your license or ID card. Non-verified IDs don’t have a gold star.

How to get a federal id card

Note: Per the REAL ID Modernization Act and DMV policy, individuals are no longer required to provide documentation of their Social Security Number when applying for a REAL ID. However, a Social Security card can still be used as part of identity verification—details below.

Get a REAL ID by appointment

Get your initial REAL ID with an in-person appointment. You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID.

Apply for your REAL ID

Follow these steps to get a REAL ID:


Step 1:  Check your eligibility

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license.

 

Step 2:  Gather what you need

Visit the REAL ID required documents checklist: English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF) REAL ID Document Checklist

In most cases, you need:

  • A U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • A Social security card
  • Two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
Step 3: Get your REAL ID

Schedule an appointment at any DMV office or partner office, like DMV Express. Visit locations and office hours to view DMV locations. View locations.

If you aren’t due for a license renewal and would like a REAL ID, you can request your driver’s license or ID for a $30 duplicate fee.
Your REAL ID arrives in the mail within 20 business days. For more on this, please visit Central Issuance.

Track the delivery of your new card.

 

Related Resources
  • Review other forms of identification accepted by the TSA

Get your REAL ID
Schedule your appointment now

  • FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the REAL ID program

How to get a federal id card

  • Frequently asked questions about the REAL ID program
  • What does a REAL ID do for me?
  • Am I eligible for a REAL ID?
  • What do I need to do to get a REAL ID?
  • What are the requirements for non-U.S. citizens?
  • Are verifications for a REAL ID gold star done at DMV offices and DMV express offices?
  • Can I get a verified license or ID card any time before my current one expires?
  • Do I have to get a gold star on my license or ID card?
  • Is my driver’s license still valid if I choose not to get a REAL ID?
  • Will my license or DMV-issued ID card show if I accept or reject REAL ID?
  • Can I use my U.S. passport at the airport instead of having this additional identity check done?
  • Does a drive-only license qualify for a verified, REAL ID license?
  • I have a gold star verified license. Do I need to bring additional proof of identity to a DMV service location for renewal?

Frequently asked questions about the REAL ID program

What is the REAL ID program?

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles renews driver’s licenses and DMV-issued ID cards based on federal REAL ID laws. This program stems from national security measures and federal identification standards set in place after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S.

 

The REAL ID program also offers additional protection to residents against identity theft.  The same identity verification for federal and state standards requirements for new license and ID card applicants have been offered by the DMV since October 2011.This identity verification is a one-time review of original identity documents.


Does verification cost extra?

No. A driver’s license or ID card renewal is the same cost if your identity is verified or not.

 

These are the fees for licenses:

  • Regular license renewal for six years: $72
  • License renewal for eight years: $96
  • License renewal for those age 65 or over: $24
  • Commercial driver’s license renewal valid for four years: $70
  • DMV-issued ID cards valid for six years: $24
  • DMV-issued ID cards valid for eight years: $32

If you don’t need to renew a license and want to obtain a new verified license or REAL ID card, you’ll be charged a one-time $30 fee.

 

Important

To get a gold star on your license or ID when you renew, you need to get it according to these REAL ID verification requirements.


Read More

How to get a federal id card

What does a REAL ID do for me?

A verified REAL ID driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card allows residents to fly on a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. A verified REAL ID is needed for these actions due to federal requirements that will take effect as of May 7, 2025.

 

The Connecticut DMV started offering this verification in October 2011 to allow ample renewal time for residents to become verified prior to May 2025.


Read More

Am I eligible for a REAL ID?

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified credential.

 

Citizens are subject to verification using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE).

 

One of these forms of identification is required to verify: 

  • Valid U.S. passport
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Permanent resident card

An Alien Registration Receipt card (Form I-151) is not considered an acceptable document and must be updated before any Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles credentials are issued.


Read More

What do I need to do to get a REAL ID?

1. Documents to verify your identity. Examples include:

  • An original birth certificate. If your name is different than what is printed on your birth certificate, another form of identification must be shown like an original marriage license, a divorce decree, adoption papers, or other legal documents. Note: Hospital-issued and Puerto Rico-issued documents prior to July 1, 2010, are no longer acceptable. A U.S. birth certificate with foreign place of birth must also be accompanied by a U.S. passport or passport card, or certificate of citizenship.
  • A Social Security card
  • Original papers that show permanent residency in the U.S.
  • In addition to the above documents, bring two pieces of mail that show your name and current mailing address

View the entire REAL ID document checklist: English version (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)

2. Make an appointment at the DMV or partner office.

3. Your verified ID arrives in the mail in 20 days. Track the delivery of your new card.


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What are the requirements for non-U.S. citizens?

Non-U.S. citizens need to show a permanent resident card or other legal presence documents that prove permanent residency.


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Are verifications for a REAL ID gold star done at DMV offices and DMV express offices?

Yes. Identity verification checks are done at DMV hub and branch offices, as well as participating DMV  AAA offices and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations.

 

Non-U.S. citizens must visit a DMV office. Learn more about specific location information.


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Can I get a verified license or ID card any time before my current one expires?

Yes. A $30 duplicate fee applies.


Read More

Do I have to get a gold star on my license or ID card?

No. You can decline verification and just renew your current driver license or ID card.


Read More

Is my driver’s license still valid if I choose not to get a REAL ID?

Yes. You can renew your license and legally drive without verifying your ID. Without a REAL ID, your license doesn’t meet federal requirements for a verified ID, though.


Read More

Will my license or DMV-issued ID card show if I accept or reject REAL ID?

Yes. The new identity-checked driver licenses and DMV-issued ID cards have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner that indicate your ID is verified.

 

ID cards without an identity check are stamped “Not for Federal Identification” since they don’t meet the federal standard for identification.


Read More

Can I use my U.S. passport at the airport instead of having this additional identity check done?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport can also be used because existing federal standards are built into them. See additional documents, other than a license, ID card, or passport, that TSA will accept at the airport.


Read More

Does a drive-only license qualify for a verified, REAL ID license?

No. Under current law, a drive-only license does not qualify for a verified license/REAL ID.


Read More

I have a gold star verified license. Do I need to bring additional proof of identity to a DMV service location for renewal?

No. You don’t need to bring any additional documents to the DMV if there’s no changes needed to your license or ID (e.g., change in name or address).

How do I get a US government ID?

How do I get a state I.D..
A completed application form..
Proof of U.S. citizenship..
Proof of state residency..
Your Social Security Number..
Having your thumb- or fingerprints taken..
Having your picture taken..
Paying a small fee..

How much is a federal ID in Arkansas?

First time issuance or renewal is $40.00. Additional testing and transfer fees may be applied. Duplicate license is $10.00.

How much is a federal ID in North Carolina?

You will have to take a vision test and take a new photo. If you get an N.C. REAL ID outside of the renewal period, the cost is $13 – the same as a duplicate license or ID card.

How much is a federal ID in Louisiana?

How Much Does It Cost? A Real ID will cost the same as a Louisiana driver's license or identification card. As of January 2022, a Louisiana personal driver's license cost ranges between $13.00 to $38.75 and a Louisiana identification card cost ranges between $0-$33.00.