If you are planning to board a aircraft on or after May 7, 2025, you will 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 commonplace driver’s licenses will not lower it until they’re REAL ID-compliant. If yours would not have a star on the high, it is time to replace it or be ready to make use of a passport or one other permitted ID for home flights.
The course of is fairly simple 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 value 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 how to resume your passport on-line, rating low-cost flights and the way to 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 commonplace state driver’s license or identification card, meant 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, based on the Department of Homeland Security. If you latterly renewed your driver’s license, it is seemingly already compliant. If it has been a number of years, you will in all probability should get it up to date.
Real ID-approved licenses may have one in all these stars within the upper-right nook.
You can inform by taking a look at your license: If there’s a gold, black or white star within the upper-right nook, you will 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 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 liable for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will differ however usually 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 exhausting copies of documentation — beginning 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 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 — until 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,” based on DHS.
That contains airport safety checkpoints.
Without one, US adults should present a sound passport, even to fly domestically, or one in all 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 means to function a car or buy alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
For extra tips about flying, discover ways to by no means pay full worth for air journey, or take a look at six tips for ensuring you get the right seat.
