Starting May 7th, 2025, Travelers will not be able to fly domestically using regular state-issued ID or Driver’s License. Why? The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, is implementing the REAL ID Act. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The law intends to create a national standard and ensure every state has a more secure form of identification. The act has been in the works for a long time. Times are changing: travelers must present their REAL ID to board domestic flights, access federal facilities, and enter any military base.
Do You Need A REAL ID Card?
You will only need to worry about getting a REAL ID if you plan to access federal buildings or fly domestically. Your regular state-issued driver’s license will still be a valid form of ID otherwise.
You will not need to be REAL ID compliant if you already have a valid U.S. passport. If you do not, those travelers that are 18 or older must present their REAL ID card at security checkpoints such as TSA to board a domestic flight.
There are a few alternatives to the REAL ID Card. An acceptable alternative is an Enhanced Driver’s License issued by Minnesota, New York, Washington, Michigan, or Vermont. Or, you can use your U.S. passport.
Identifying a REAL ID Card
To pass through security checkpoints at the airport, you will need to present a REAL ID card. But how will TSA officials know that your card is REAL ID compliant? REAL ID cards have a special marking; a star in the upper right-hand corner of the card. The star icon may appear black or gold. The star image also contains a bear if your REAL ID card is issued in California.
Remember that Enhanced Driver’s licenses do not contain the star marking at the upper-right-hand corner but are still an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant card.
How to Apply for REAL ID
Like applying for a regular ID, you’ll need to take a trip to the DMV. Before you go, visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website. Here, ensure you know the different requirements, such as the documentation you must provide.
Again, regular IDs aren’t going away, so make sure you specify with the DMV that you are specifically applying for a REAL ID card. You must apply for a REAL ID card before the act is implemented on May 7th, 2025. The deadline may seem a ways away, but 2023 is just around the corner, and before you know it, the act will be implemented.
All applicants must provide proof of identity.
Examples are:
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Employment authorization document
- A permanent resident card
- Foreign passport with an approved I-94 form
You may have to provide extra documents if you recently had a name change due to marriage/divorce or a court order. These documents include certified copies of a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order.
All applicants must provide proof of Social Security number.
All applicants must provide two current residency documents with the applicant’s name.
Examples are:
- utility bills
- rental agreements
- deed/title
- bank statements
All applicants must provide proof of signature.
Examples are:
- a credit/debit card
- canceled check
Your REAL ID card will be mailed to you, and you should receive it within 15 business days.
Do You Still Need a Passport?
Although REAL ID allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities, it does not act as a passport. If you plan to travel internationally by air, sea, or land, a REAL ID card will not allow you access.
If you only travel domestically, you don’t necessarily need a passport. We recommend having one in case you need a second form of ID.
Consider Getting a Passport
If you travel internationally often, a REAL ID card won’t cut it. All U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport for international travel. Here is what to do if you need a new passport or a renewal.
You will apply for a New Passport if at least one of the following is true:
- This will be your first U.S. passport
- You are under the age of 16 or if your passport was issued when you were under 16
- Previous U.S. passport expired more than 15 years ago
- Passport was damaged, lost, stolen
If you meet at least one of those statements, you must apply for your using Form DS-11. You will also provide extra documentation and evidence to verify your identity. More information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website. Those applying using Form DS-11 must apply in person.
You will apply for a passport renewal if you meet all of the following:
- Passport must be undamaged except for regular wear and tear.
- Your passport must have been issued at 16 or older. (valid for five years from the date it was issued).
- The passport must have been acquired by you less than 15 years ago.
- It was issued in your current name, or you can provide documents to affirm the name change.
If you meet these requirements, you must apply for a passport renewal using Form DS-82. You must apply by mail.
Do you need your Passport Expedited?
Getting a REAL ID can take as little as 15 days. Unlike passport processing times, that can land you in a 6-10 week waiting room. If you would like to apply for a passport instead of a REAL ID card or want to keep both handy but you are traveling soon, here is what you can do.
You can traditionally apply for an expedited passport at a courthouse or post office, reducing your waiting time to about 3-6 weeks.
If you need your passport sooner, consider applying with a private courier. Private couriers, like The Passport Office, can get you an expedited passport in as little as three days! Apply with The Passport Office today for your passport renewal or your new passport in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, or Hollywood.
