Starting tomorrow, May 7, 2025, US vacationers are anticipated to have a Real ID (or different acceptable type of identification) for all home flights. If you are headed to the airport with out your Real ID, you will nonetheless have the ability to fly. However, your TSA checks would possibly take extra time.
According to go of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, vacationers who aren’t Real ID-compliant “could also be diverted to a distinct line, have an additional step” at airport safety checkpoints.
The Real ID deadline has been prolonged a number of instances, and there have been discussions about extending the deadline to 2027, however the May 7 date appears to be ultimate. If you are planning on flying this summer season or anytime after, make certain your driver’s license is compliant with the brand new laws.
The course of is fairly simple in most states, particularly in case you’re renewing a license. But if it has been awhile otherwise you’re unsure the place you stand, it is price double-checking. Use the interactive map beneath 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 the right way to streamline your airport expertise.
What is a Real ID and the way do I do know if I’ve one?
Real IDs might be required at airport safety beginning tomorrow.
Essentially, Real ID is an enhanced model of your commonplace 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 keeping with the Department of Homeland Security. If you lately renewed your driver’s license, it is possible already compliant. If it has been a couple of years, you will most likely 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 taking a look at your license: If there’s a gold, black or white star within the upper-right nook, you might 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 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 chargeable for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will differ however sometimes consists of 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 arduous 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 short lived paper ID till your Real ID-compliant license arrives within the mail about three or 4 weeks later.
With a couple 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 — 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 services,” in keeping with DHS.
That consists of airport safety checkpoints.
Without one, US adults should present a sound passport, even to fly domestically, or one among these different types of ID:
This driver’s license has a Real ID brand within the upper-right nook.
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 automobile or buy alcohol, firearms or tobacco.
For extra recommendations on flying, discover ways to by no means pay full value for air journey or try six tips for ensuring you get the proper seat.
