Flying wherever within the U.S. after May 7, 2025? You’ll want a Real ID to get by means of airport safety. That deadline is now official and TSA has confirmed there will not be any extra extensions.
At airports throughout the nation, officers are getting the phrase out early. Travelers at locations like Fresno Yosemite International are already being reminded that normal driver’s licenses will not minimize it except they’re REAL ID-compliant. If yours would not have a star on the prime, it is time to replace it or be ready to make use of a passport or one other accredited ID for home flights.
The course of is fairly easy in most states, particularly for those who’re renewing a license. But if it has been some time otherwise you’re undecided the place you stand, it is price double-checking now. Use the interactive map under to seek out your state’s necessities and get began so that you’re able to fly with none surprises.
For extra on journey laws, learn the way to resume your passport on-line, rating low cost flights and tips on how to streamline your airport expertise.
What is a Real ID and the way do I do know if I’ve one?
Real IDs will likely 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, meant to assist authorities crack down on terrorism and identification fraud.
Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are complying with Real ID requirements, based on the Department of Homeland Security. If you latterly renewed your driver’s license, it is possible already compliant. If it has been a number of years, you may in all probability need to get it up to date.
Real ID-approved licenses may have one among 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 could have a Real ID. (There are some minor variations — California locations a white star over the state’s bear brand, whereas Maine places it in a top level view of the state.)
How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state?
Whatever state company issued your driver’s license is chargeable for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will range however sometimes contains proof of identification and standing as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security quantity and a number of proofs of your present tackle.
Originals or laborious 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, you need to obtain a brief 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 identical 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 companies just like the Transportation Security Administration will settle for solely Real ID-approved licenses and identification playing cards “for functions of accessing federal amenities,” based on DHS.
That contains airport safety checkpoints.
Without one, US adults must present a sound passport, even to fly domestically, or one among these different types of ID:
An instance of a driver’s license with a Real ID brand.
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 proper seat.
