All US vacationers planning on flying quickly will want a Real ID driver’s license; if not, airport safety checks could also be extra difficult. Starting May 7, 2025, the brand new journey mandate will probably be enforced (except the deadline is pushed again once more) to fly domestically.
After a number of postponements, you now have lower than a month to get a driver’s license or ID that is compliant with the brand new journey laws. There are discussions about extending the deadline to 2027, however I would not maintain my breath.
Below, we define the whole lot it’s essential to know and the steps it is best to take to get your Real ID driver’s license. Most states have already carried out this course of into their license renewal course of, but when not click on in your state within the map beneath for state-specific data.
For extra on journey laws, learn how to resume your passport on-line, rating low-cost flights and how one can streamline your airport expertise.
What is a Real ID, and the way do I do know if I’ve one?
Real IDs will probably be required at airport safety beginning subsequent month.
Essentially, Real ID is an enhanced model of your normal state driver’s license or identification card, supposed to assist authorities crack down on terrorism and id fraud.
Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are complying with Real ID requirements, in response to the Department of Homeland Security. If you latterly renewed your driver’s license, it is probably already compliant. If it has been a number of years, you may most likely need to get it up to date.
Real ID-approved licenses can have considered one of these stars within the upper-right nook.
You can inform by your license: If there’s a gold, black or white star within the upper-right nook, you may have a Real ID. (There are some minor variations — California locations a white star over the state’s bear emblem, whereas Maine places it in an overview of the state.)
How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state?
Whatever state company issued your driver’s license is accountable for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will fluctuate however sometimes contains proof of id and standing as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security quantity and a number of proofs of your present deal with.
Originals or onerous copies of documentation — start certificates, Social Security card, US passport — are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state’s driver’s licensing company web site for extra specifics.
After you apply, it is best to obtain a short lived paper ID till your Real ID-compliant license arrives within the mail about three or 4 weeks later.
With a number of exceptions, the price of getting a Real ID-compliant license is similar as renewing your license or non-driving identification card.
What occurs if I do not get a Real ID earlier than the deadline?
Beginning in May 2025 — except the deadline is prolonged once more — federal businesses just like the Transportation Security Administration will settle for solely Real ID-approved licenses and identification playing cards “for functions of accessing federal amenities,” in response to DHS.
That contains airport safety checkpoints.
Without one, US adults should present a legitimate passport, even to fly domestically, or considered one of these different types of ID:
An instance of a driver’s license with a Real ID emblem.
Not having a Real ID-compliant license will not have an effect on different makes use of of a driver’s license, together with verifying a person’s potential to function a automobile or buy alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
For extra recommendations on flying, learn to by no means pay full worth for air journey, or take a look at six tips for ensuring you get the right seat.
