This Wednesday was the deadline for US vacationers to acquire a Real ID (or different acceptable type of identification) as a way to fly domestically. If you are touring and your driver’s license is not Real ID-compliant, you may nonetheless be capable of fly — however getting by means of safety may take a bit longer, so remember to give your self further 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 distinct line [and] have an additional step” at airport safety checkpoints.
The Real ID deadline has been prolonged a number of instances, and regardless of discussions about extending the deadline to 2027, the brand new rules have now gone into impact. If you are planning on flying this summer season or anytime after right this moment, you may want to verify your driver’s license or identification card is compliant.
Obtaining a Real ID is simple in most states, particularly for those who’re renewing a license. But if it has been awhile since you have been to the DMV 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 rules, learn the way 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 are required at airport safety as of May 7, 2025.
Real ID is an enhanced model of your typical state driver’s license or identification card. The new requirements have been outlined within the Real ID Act of 2005, as a way of serving to authorities thwart terrorism and id fraud.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia now adjust to Real ID requirements, in response to the Department of Homeland Security. If you renewed your driver’s license or identification card not too long ago, it is in all probability already compliant. If you have not achieved so for a couple of years, you may in all probability need to get it up to date.
Real ID-approved licenses may have certainly one 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’ve 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.)
What occurs if I nonetheless do not have a Real ID?
As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration and different federal businesses will settle for solely Real ID-approved licenses and identification playing cards “for functions of accessing federal services,” in response to DHS.
If you are a US grownup with no Real ID, you may need to current a legitimate passport at airport safety checkpoints, even to fly domestically. You can even present certainly one of these different types of ID as an alternative:
For now, you may nonetheless board home flights with a driver’s license or identification card that is not Real ID-compliant. However, it might take you extra time to move airport safety checks.
This driver’s license has a Real ID emblem 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.
How do I apply for a Real ID card in my state?
You can get hold of a Real ID from the identical state company that points your driver’s license. The course of will sometimes require paperwork together with 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 tackle.
You’ll want to offer originals or laborious copies of documentation, similar to a delivery certificates, Social Security card or US passport — photocopies and screenshots usually are not accepted. Check your state’s driver’s licensing company web site for extra specifics.
After you apply, you may obtain a brief paper ID. You ought to obtain your Real ID-approved license within the mail about three or 4 weeks later.
With some exceptions, the price of getting a Real ID-compliant license is identical as renewing your license or non-driving identification card.
For extra tips about flying, learn to by no means pay full value for air journey or take a look at six methods for ensuring you get the proper seat.
