Starting right this moment, US vacationers are required by legislation to have a Real ID (or different acceptable type of identification) with a purpose to fly domestically. If you are touring and have forgotten to get your Real ID by now, you may nonetheless be capable to fly, however getting via safety may take a bit longer, so remember to give your self additional time on the airport.
According to go of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, vacationers who aren’t Real ID-compliant “could also be diverted to a special line, have an additional step” at airport safety checkpoints.
The Real ID deadline has been prolonged a number of occasions, and whereas there have been discussions about extending the deadline to 2027, the brand new laws go into impact right this moment. If you are planning on flying this summer time or anytime after right this moment, you may want to ensure your driver’s license is compliant.
Obtaining a Real ID is simple in most states, particularly when you’re renewing a license. But if it has been awhile since you have been to the DMV otherwise you’re undecided the place you stand, it is value double-checking. Use the interactive map under to search 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 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 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, based on the Department of Homeland Security. If you lately 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 could have one in every of 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 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 accountable for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will range 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 arduous copies of documentation — delivery 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 must 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 — 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 must present a legitimate passport, even to fly domestically, or one in every of 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 potential 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 take a look at six tips for ensuring you get the right seat.
