If there is one thing that sets the United States apart, it is that it is one of the few countries that does not have an ID card for its citizens. However, part of that is about to be solved with the law that creates the REAL ID card. If you still don’t know what it is, we explain what the REAL ID card is and how to obtain it.
The first thing to clarify is that the REAL ID law does not create a national identity card, but it does establish the security standards that states must apply to their respective cards. It also establishes that its use will be mandatory for certain procedures.
What is the REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, implemented one of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations that the federal government «establish standards for the issuance of identity documents,» including state identification cards and driver’s licenses.
The legislation establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes permits and ID cards from states that do not meet the requirements.
Why you should have a REAL ID card
The federal REAL ID Act sets new standards for the forms of identification that can be used to board flights within the United States and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other domestic facilities.
REAL ID may not be needed to do certain things, such as vote, bank, or apply for some government benefits.
In fact, states continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID, but are valid for driving or other activities.
When will the REAL ID card be mandatory on commercial flights?
The enforcement date is May 7, 2025. The measure applies to all passengers over the age of 18.
If your document does not meet REAL ID requirements, you will not be able to board a commercial flight regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or enter federal buildings.
However, if you do not have a REAL ID card, you may board a commercial flight with one of these documents:
- U.S. Passport.
- U.S. Armed Forces Identification Card.
- Permanent Resident Card («Green Card»).
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by a state.
- Passports issued by foreign countries.
How to verify that your license meets REAL ID requirements
To verify that your driver’s license or state identification document meets REAL ID requirements, you should check to see if it has a star at the top.
For example, a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card issued in California meets the requirements and is identified with a golden bear, a star, or has the text «enhanced» on it. These are examples of current REAL ID cards:
How do I know if my license or ID card is REAL ID compliant?
REAL ID compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the top of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
How to obtain a REAL ID card
If you need to obtain a REAL ID card, you can do so when you renew your driver’s license or state-issued identification card. At a minimum, you must present documents containing the following information:
- Full legal name.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number.
- Two proofs of primary residence.
- Legal status.
However, states may impose additional requirements, so check your state’s driver licensing agency website:
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- New York
- Texas
The complete list is available on the Federal Department of Transportation website.
Documents for Real Id
Check your state’s driver licensing agency website to find out what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID.
These are the documents you generally need to submit:
-
Full legal name
-
Date of Birth
-
Social Security Number
-
Two Proofs of Address of Primary Residence
-
Legal Status.
Each state may ask for additional requirements, it is best to check with your state’s driver licensing agency website before going in person.
How do I get a REAL ID?
You can get a REAL ID when you apply for or renew your driver license or state identification card. Your new license will have the new REAL ID-compliant star mark at the top of your ID card.
Real Id extension
The new REAL ID deadline is Beginning May 7, 2025,. As of this date, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/state ID or other acceptable form of identification to fly commercially within the U.S.
This rule applies to all passengers 18 years of age and older. If your ID does not meet the requirements, you must have another form of identification acceptable to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Otherwise, you will not be allowed to go through airport security to board your flight.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, other acceptable forms of identification for boarding an aircraft include:
- U.S. passports
- U.S. military IDs
- Permanent Resident Cards
- State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL)
- Government-issued passports from foreign countries
What happens if I don’t get a REAL ID?
If you do not obtain a REAL ID, you will not be able to use your driver’s license or state identification card to board an aircraft in the U.S. You must show one of the other forms of identification accepted by the TSA. Other federal agencies may require a REAL ID for official purposes. Can I still get an ID card that is not REAL ID compliant? No. States issue driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant. Check with the appropriate federal, state or local government agency to see what identification requirements they have for official purposes.
When will REAL ID apply?
The application date is beginning May 7, 2025.
What will happen when the REAL ID application date begins?
Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, can only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for access to federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints, if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID-compliant state in accordance with REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID-compliant star mark). Most EDLs do not contain the star mark and this is acceptable.
Do all states issue REAL ID compliant cards?
DHS is working closely with all states and territories to provide assistance and guidance to achieve full compliance by the May 7, 2025 deadline.
As of March 26, 2021, 55 states and territories are fully compliant with REAL ID requirements.
How do I get a REAL ID?
Check with the state for which you want to apply for a REAL ID to find out what requirements are required for issuance. As a general rule you will be asked for the following documentation:
1) Your full name
2) Your date of birth
3) Your Social Security Number
4) 2 proofs of your Residence Address.
5) Your Legal Status.
States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver licensing agency website before visiting them in person for additional guidance and assistance. If a person’s Social Security Administration account card is not available.
What other documents can be used to verify a person’s SSN?
The individual may submit any of the following documents with the applicant’s SSN:
- A W-2 form
- An SSA-1099 form
- A form other than an SSA-1099
- o A pay stub with the applicant’s name and SSN on it.
DHS is aware that states may be more restrictive in terms of what they will accept and recommends that individuals check with their state driver licensing agency for more information.
When will I have to change the way I travel within the country?
Beginning May 7, 2025, all residents of states and territories will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license/identification, or other acceptable form of identification, to enter federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and be able to fly on commercial aircraft.
The card itself must comply with REAL ID unless the resident is using an acceptable alternative document, such as a passport or passport card, or a state-issued enhanced driver’s license.
The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required for access to a federal facility (such as to enter public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit any agency from approving other identification documents (e.g., passport or passport card).
Will minors be required to have Real ID/ID cards to fly within the country?
No. The TSA does not require children under the age of 18 to present identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need an acceptable ID.
What about travelers who present themselves without a compliant license and will the TSA turn them away?
Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative as of May 7, 2025 will not be allowed to pass through security screening.
Is a passport my only other option?
No. The TSA accepts other forms of IDs. For more information on acceptable forms of ID for boarding aircraft, visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .
Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?
No. REAL ID cards cannot be used to cross the border into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
Can I use my REAL ID to travel by sea (cruise ship)?
No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international ocean cruise travel.
Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID?
If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need a valid form of identification, either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative, such as a passport, not both.
Is real id an enhanced driver’s license?
No, the Real Id is needed to fly between states belonging to the United States.
The states of Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota and New York issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are valid.
Washington State issues only enhanced driver’s licenses.
State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses carry a flag. These driver’s licenses will be admitted at the airport security checkpoint when REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.
What is an Enhanced Drivers License in the United States?
Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDL) are state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a car. This type of license has built-in technology that makes travel easier for individuals.
Real id vs Enhanced
Real Id only allows flying between U.S. states vs providing proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in an automobile.