Do Americans Have Their REAL ID Yet? [2025 Survey]

Navigating airport security can already feel like a hassle, but starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly domestically. Although the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, years of enforcement delays and confusion have left many unprepared—potentially leading to a last-minute scramble for millions of Americans.

To gauge just how prepared—or not—Americans are, we surveyed over 2,300 U.S. residents to find out who has their REAL ID, who doesn’t, and why some are putting it off. Our findings reveal striking gaps in awareness, regional differences in preparedness, and just how much people would rather avoid a trip to the DMV.

So, which states are ahead of the curve, and where are residents most likely to be turned away at the airport following the deadline? Keep reading to find out.

REAL ID Preparedness, State by State

The 5 Least Prepared States

These states have the highest percentage of residents who don’t have a REAL ID:

• New Jersey – 61.2%
• Pennsylvania – 60.4%
• Montana – 57.8%
• Illinois – 52.9%
• Tennessee – 51.0%

Across these five states, more than half of respondents admit they still haven’t secured their REAL ID, with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Montana leading the way in unpreparedness. Rounding out the top 10 states with the most respondents who don’t have their REAL ID are Oregon (48.0%), Maine (46.2%), Oklahoma (44.0%), Washington (43.1%), and Louisiana (41.7%). Notably, the Northeast, West, and South each have three states in the top 10, while the Midwest has only one (Illinois).

The 5 Most Prepared States

On the other end of the spectrum, these states have the highest percentage of residents who have a REAL ID:

• Delaware – 88.6%
• New Mexico – 87.8%
• Maryland – 86.3%
• Vermont – 84.4%
• Indiana – 84.0%

Residents in these states are well ahead of the curve, with Delaware leading as the most prepared state. With over 80% of respondents reporting REAL ID compliance, New Mexico, Maryland, Vermont, and Indiana are also well-positioned for seamless domestic travel once enforcement begins. Joining them in the top 10 are Texas (83.1%), Mississippi (81.3%), Georgia (80.8%), Florida (78.4%), and Hawaii (77.3%). Notably, four of the top 10 most prepared states are in the South.

States With the Most Uncertainty

Some Americans are unsure whether they even have a REAL ID. The states with the highest percentage of residents who aren’t sure include:

• Nebraska – 20.4%
• Colorado – 17.3%
• Florida – 13.7%
• South Dakota – 12.5%
• Georgia – 11.5%

In these states, many people aren’t just unprepared—they’re completely unaware of their REAL ID status. Nebraska and Colorado lead the country in uncertainty, while more than 1 in 10 residents in Florida, South Dakota, and Georgia also aren’t sure whether they have a REAL ID or not.

National Insights: Who’s Ready?

Looking at the data nationwide, nearly 30% of Americans still don’t have a REAL ID. Additionally:

• 5% of Americans don’t know whether they have a REAL ID or not.
• A third (33%) of both Gen X and baby boomer respondents still don’t have one.
• Millennials aren’t far behind, with 28% still lacking a REAL ID.
• Gen Z is the most prepared generation—only 21% don’t have their REAL ID yet.

Why Aren’t People Getting a REAL ID?

• Low travel frequency is driving disinterest – Nearly a quarter of Americans (24.2%) say they don’t fly often or at all, so they don’t see the urgency in getting a REAL ID.
• Passports are a popular alternative – Over 1 in 5 Americans (21.2%) plan to use their passport instead for domestic travel, avoiding the hassle of obtaining another form of identification.
• The DMV deterrent is real – 17.2% are skipping the REAL ID process to avoid a trip to the DMV. Long lines and tedious paperwork are keeping many from taking action.
• Awareness gaps still exist – Shockingly, 13.9% of people don’t know what a REAL ID is, while 8.3% didn’t realize they needed one—meaning over a fifth of respondents (22.2%) are unaware or uninformed about the requirement.

REAL ID Reluctance: Deadlines, DMV Lines, and Public Sentiment

A staggering 68% of Americans don’t know when the enforcement date actually is, leaving many of those who don’t have a REAL ID at risk of being turned away at airport security. Even more concerning, while 55% find the process of getting a REAL ID straightforward, 18% find it confusing, and 28% aren’t sure what the requirements are to begin with. 

Misconceptions about alternatives further complicate the issue. A third of respondents (33%) were unaware that a valid passport can be used in place of a REAL ID for domestic flights. 

For those without a REAL ID, many simply aren’t in a rush to get one. 66% of Americans without a REAL ID aren’t planning to get one anytime soon. Among them, 39% say they rarely fly, and 27% say they’ll use their passport for domestic travel instead. 

One of the biggest roadblocks? The dreaded trip to the DMV. Nearly three-quarters of respondents without a REAL ID (73%) refuse to wait longer than an hour to obtain their REAL ID. Only 16.5% are willing to wait over an hour. The frustration runs so deep that some would rather give up their daily conveniences—when asked, more people said they would rather go without their smartphones for two days than wait in a three-hour DMV line to get their REAL ID.

The ability to apply online could be a game-changer. 74% of respondents without a REAL ID said they would already have one if they could complete the process digitally. Millennials, in particular, are willing to pay a premium for convenience—on average, they would pay the DMV over $350 to handle all of their license needs online moving forward, eliminating the need to ever step foot in a DMV again.

Beyond the inconvenience, Americans are divided on whether the REAL ID requirement is even necessary. The majority of respondents (58%) don’t believe it will enhance airport security, while 42% do.

Full Data

Want to see how prepared your state is for the upcoming REAL ID enforcement deadline? Our interactive table below provides a state-by-state breakdown of who has a REAL ID, who doesn’t, and who isn’t even sure.

Closing Thoughts

With the REAL ID deadline rapidly approaching, many Americans remain unprepared—either by choice, confusion, or sheer procrastination. Our survey reveals that a significant portion of the population is still unaware of the enforcement date, unclear on the requirements, or simply unwilling to endure the hassle of a DMV visit. Regional disparities also stand out, with some states far ahead in compliance while others lag behind. As enforcement day looms, the reality is clear: Travelers without a REAL ID—or an alternative like a passport—may find themselves grounded when trying to board a domestic flight.

For the travel industry, this shift presents a major challenge. As travelers scramble to meet the new requirements, businesses may see last-minute booking fluctuations, increased customer service inquiries, and payment disruptions. High Risk Pay’s travel merchant accounts help businesses navigate these changes, ensuring smooth and secure transactions even as industry-wide adjustments take place. With reliable payment processing tailored for high-risk industries, travel businesses can stay ahead of the curve and keep operations running smoothly.

Methodology

These REAL ID insights are based on a survey of 2,355 U.S. residents, ages 18 to 76, across 47 states. The survey was conducted from February 13 to 17, 2025. Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming were excluded due to limited survey respondents.