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You may have noticed Transportation Security Administration signs posted at airport security checkpoints warning travelers about upcoming ID requirement changes. So what exactly are these changes, and what do you need to do to be ready?
We’ll break down exactly how REAL ID works — including what the REAL ID Act means for you and how you travel.
Formulated in the wake of September 11 and passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and it prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
It was aimed at thwarting airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents that grant access to domestic planes.
State agencies that issue licenses and identification cards, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and Social Security numbers to obtain standard licenses under the new act.
The cards also use new technology, making them much more difficult to forge.
Due to various roadblocks and the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have taken the federal government nearly 20 years to implement the act fully — a gradual process that has been met by some confusion as each state has a different status. The original date of compliance was October 1, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline was first delayed to October 1, 2021, then to May 3, 2023, and now to May 7, 2025. All states must comply by May 7, 2025.
We know a lot of travelers are concerned that they will lose the ability to fly, drive, or vote as a result of the REAL ID Act, but this isn’t the case. You can continue to use your regular license or identification to drive and vote without obtaining a REAL ID.
The change will only impact domestic travel in the U.S. and you will either need to provide an alternate form of TSA-approved ID or obtain a REAL ID.
Bottom Line: To fly internationally, you will always need your passport.
In most states, there is a gold or black star on the front of the REAL ID license that signifies compliance. If you see one of these stars, then you’re good to go.
There are 5 states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington — that issue enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs). These are a form of REAL ID. These EDLs allow land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont offer the EDL as an option. Washington only issues EDLs.
Hot Tip: Enhanced IDs aren’t a substitute for passports for air travel, only land or sea travel.
An easy way to know your card is not compliant is if it says “Not for Federal Identification,” “Federal Limits Apply,” or “Not for Real ID Act Purposes.”
Airports are considered federal facilities and this act affects your ability to enter them and board your flight.
Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act takes full effect. From this date, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport or passport card to access federal facilities — including boarding commercial aircraft.
Most states and territories have already begun issuing new licenses. You will have until May 7, 2025, to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license. Just check your license to be sure.
If your ID is REAL ID-compliant, there will be a star in the top right corner. Many drivers may not realize they already have a compliant ID since some states have issued them for many years.
Bottom Line: If you are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act, you will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board your flight starting on May 7, 2025.
A REAL ID is NOT a substitute for a passport for international travel. This means you can’t use a REAL ID to enter Canada or Mexico by land or any international travel destination. The only exception to this is if you have an enhanced driver’s license — more on this below!
There are several other requirements that REAL ID doesn’t affect.
REAL ID requirements don’t apply to:
You can also continue to use your standard driver’s license or ID card for other U.S. travel including driving in and across state lines or riding a train.
In most instances, obtaining a REAL ID isn’t required, but there are many benefits to obtaining a REAL ID. Here is a breakdown of some common reasons to consider getting a REAL ID and a few reasons why you might not need one.
To qualify for a REAL ID-compliant ID or license, you must fall under one of the following categories:
Specifically, for undocumented immigrants, the DHS website notes that driver’s licenses and identification cards can still be issued by the state, but not REAL IDs: “Some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. Noncompliant cards must clearly state on their face that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards.”
Hot Tip: Still not sure? Check DHS’s interactive tool to check if you are “REAL ID Ready”.
Since licenses are issued at the state level, each process is slightly different. But the good news is that all states are in compliance with the REAL ID Act. This just means that each state and territory is now able to provide REAL IDs.
In a move aimed to help more people receive their REAL IDs before the May 7, 2025, deadline, the DHS passed the REAL ID Modernization Act that allows you to submit your identification documents electronically. This includes information such as a birth certificate and passport.
Applicants will still need to bring the required documents in person so they can be compared to the electronic submissions. This means that to get a REAL ID-compliant license, you must still physically go to a DMV office.
Bottom Line: States will not send you a REAL ID-compliant license automatically if you renew your license online. While most states are issuing compliant IDs, individuals may still choose not to upgrade their licenses.
You will be able to use your state-issued ID at airports through May 7, 2025. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another TSA-approved ID) to fly — both domestically and internationally.
All states issue REAL ID-compliant IDs, but none require a REAL ID. You can still fly as long as you have a TSA-approved form of ID. When comparing a REAL ID to a state ID, they can be the same form of identification.
If you’ve decided you’d like to get a REAL ID, you’ll definitely want to know where to go to get a REAL ID, what documents to bring, and how much the REAL ID costs.
Step 1: Make an appointment to visit a REAL ID at a DMV field office near you. Some offices are offering special hours or days for those trying to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. You can also get a REAL ID without an appointment, but this isn’t recommended as wait times at your local office can be incredibly long.
Here are the links to all of the local offices to help you get started with this process.
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