Are You Ready to Fly? Understanding the Real ID Requirement

The landscape of domestic travel and access to certain federal buildings is on the verge of a significant shift. The Real ID Act, a federal law enacted to enhance security standards for state-issued identification, is nearing its full enforcement deadline. This legislation will soon dictate which forms of identification are acceptable for various federal purposes, making it crucial for everyone to understand its requirements and take necessary action before the May 7, 2025 deadline.¹ This article will serve as a comprehensive guide, explaining what Real ID is, where it will be required, the alternative forms of identification that will be accepted, and the steps you need to take to ensure you remain compliant.

What Exactly is Real ID?

The Real ID Act was passed by the United States Congress in 2005.¹ This legislative action stemmed from the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission ¹, which advocated for the establishment of minimum security standards for identification documents issued by states. The fundamental goal of the Real ID Act is to bolster the security and integrity of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.² By setting minimum security standards for the issuance and production of these documents ¹, the federal government aims to combat terrorism, reduce identity fraud, and enhance overall national security.

A key feature of a Real ID-compliant identification card is a visual marker, typically a star in the upper right corner of the card.¹ In California, Real ID cards also display a golden bear alongside the star.¹⁴ It’s worth noting that in Colorado, compliant IDs issued before 2020 feature a gold star, while those issued after have a black star.¹ This visual indicator serves as a quick way to identify whether a state-issued driver’s license or identification card meets the federal Real ID standards. It is important to understand that Real ID is not a national identification card.⁷ Instead, it represents a set of federal security benchmarks that each state must adhere to when issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. Each state retains the authority to issue its own unique licenses and maintains its own individual records. Some states issue non-compliant licenses to individuals who cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. These non-compliant cards are required to clearly indicate that they are not acceptable for federal Real ID purposes. For example, these cards might display text such as “Federal Limits Apply” ¹⁴ or, as in Colorado, feature a black banner stating “NOT VALID FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION, VOTING, OR FEDERAL PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES”.¹ These non-compliant cards will not be accepted for federal identification purposes after the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Where Will You Need a Real ID?

As the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches, it’s crucial to understand the specific scenarios where a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of federal identification will be mandatory.¹ Primarily, you will need a Real ID or an acceptable alternative for the following federal purposes:

• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft for domestic flights.¹ This means that to pass through TSA security checkpoints at airports for domestic travel, you will need to present a Real ID-compliant card or another accepted form of identification.
• Accessing certain federal facilities.¹ This category includes a range of federal buildings and properties where identification is required for entry. Specific examples include:

• Military bases: Accessing military installations, such as Fort Jackson, will require a Real ID for visitors without a Department of Defense ID after the enforcement date for routine access like recreational activities.¹² While a Real ID can streamline the entry process for individuals who have been vetted through the visitor control center, it is not a substitute for a military ID card.¹² It’s important to note that some military facilities might have specific policies regarding IDs marked as “Not Valid for Federal Purposes” and may require a secondary form of identification.¹²
• Federal courthouses: Entry into federal courthouses will also necessitate a Real ID or an acceptable alternative.⁶
• Other secure federal buildings: Various other federal buildings that require identification for entry will also adhere to the Real ID requirements.⁴
• Entering nuclear power plants: For security reasons, entry into nuclear power plants will require a Real ID or another approved form of identification.⁴

Conversely, there are several situations where a Real ID will not be required ³:

• Driving a vehicle. Your standard driver’s license will still be valid for operating a motor vehicle.
• Voting or registering to vote.
• Entering federal facilities that do not typically require identification from the general public, such as the public areas of the Smithsonian museums.
• Applying for or receiving federal benefits, such as Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Accessing hospitals or health clinics.
• Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.
• Visiting the post office.
• Riding Amtrak or other forms of public ground transportation.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for the public to comprehend the specific scenarios where Real ID will be necessary and where existing forms of identification will continue to suffice.

What Forms of ID Will the Federal Government Accept?

While the focus is often on obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification card, it’s important to know that the federal government will accept several other forms of identification for official purposes after the May 7, 2025, deadline.⁷ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a comprehensive list of acceptable identification documents for boarding aircraft ⁷:

Notably, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are considered acceptable alternatives to Real ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for all federal purposes where Real ID is required.⁷ These EDLs often feature a U.S. flag and the word “Enhanced” and are recognized even if they do not have the star marking typically found on Real ID cards.⁷ It’s important to remember that temporary driver’s licenses are generally not accepted as valid forms of identification at airport security checkpoints.⁷ While an unexpired U.S. passport is always required for international travel ⁴, it also serves as a universally accepted form of federal identification for domestic purposes under the Real ID Act.³ The wide range of accepted alternative identification documents ensures that individuals who may not want or be able to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license still have viable options for air travel and accessing federal facilities.

Enhanced ID vs. Real ID: What Are the Additional Benefits?

While both Real IDs and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) are acceptable for federal identification purposes, including boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities ⁷, an EDL offers an additional significant benefit. If you are a U.S. citizen and reside in a state that offers EDLs (currently Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington), you can use your EDL instead of a passport to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean.¹ A Real ID, while valid for domestic air travel, does not grant this privilege for international travel.⁴ Therefore, if you frequently travel to these neighboring countries by land or sea, obtaining an EDL might be a more convenient option than carrying a passport in addition to your standard identification.¹ It’s important to note that this benefit is specific to land and sea travel to these particular regions; a valid U.S. passport is still required for air travel to international destinations.⁴

Upcoming Changes You Need to Know About

The most critical upcoming change to be aware of is the full enforcement date of May 7, 2025.¹ After this date, individuals who attempt to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities using a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that is not Real ID-compliant, and who do not possess another acceptable form of identification, will likely be denied access.¹ At airport security checkpoints, TSA officers will inform passengers presenting non-compliant IDs about the requirement. These individuals may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification processes.⁴ If an individual’s identity cannot be successfully verified through these additional measures, they will not be permitted to proceed through the security checkpoint.⁴

Therefore, it is imperative to check your current driver’s license or state ID for the presence of the star marking in the upper right-hand corner.¹³ If your card does not have this star, or if it displays markings such as “Federal Limits Apply” ¹⁴ or features a black banner indicating it’s not valid for federal purposes ¹, it is likely not Real ID-compliant for federal uses after the upcoming deadline. While the enforcement date is set for May 7, 2025, it is strongly recommended to obtain a Real ID well in advance of this date.¹⁴ Applying early can help avoid potential long lines and processing delays at your state’s DMV or equivalent agency. Some DMVs even suggest waiting until your regular license renewal cycle to apply for a Real ID to manage the anticipated increase in demand.¹⁴ Proactive preparation will ensure a smoother transition to the new requirements and prevent potential travel disruptions or access issues.

How to Get a Real ID

To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification card, you will generally need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar agency in person.² Typically, the initial application for a Real ID cannot be completed online or via mail.² During your visit, you will be required to present original documents or certified copies (not photocopies) to verify the following information ¹:

• Proof of Identity: Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).⁴ Ensure that the name on your identity document matches your current legal name. If there has been a name change, you will likely need to provide official documentation such as a marriage certificate or a court order.⁸
• Proof of Social Security Number: You will usually need to present your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub that displays your full name and Social Security number.¹
• Two Proofs of Residency: These documents must demonstrate your current residential address. Common examples include a utility bill, a bank statement, a mortgage statement, a lease agreement, or a vehicle registration.⁴ The name and address on these documents must match your current information.
• Proof of Lawful Status: For U.S. citizens, a birth certificate or passport is generally sufficient. Non-U.S. citizens will need to provide documentation confirming their legal presence in the United States.¹

Before visiting your local DMV, it is highly recommended to check your state’s specific requirements for acceptable documents by visiting their official website.⁴ Many state DMVs provide online checklists to help you gather the necessary documentation. Ensure you have all the required documents ready before your appointment to make the process as efficient as possible. Be prepared for potential wait times at the DMV, as demand for Real IDs is expected to increase as the enforcement deadline nears. If your state offers the option to schedule an appointment, consider doing so to minimize your waiting time. Keep in mind that even if you have previously provided these documents to the DMV for a standard driver’s license or ID, you will likely need to present them again for the Real ID application.⁴ Regarding fees, there is typically no additional fee specifically for the Real ID card itself. However, standard transaction fees for license or ID renewals or duplicates will still apply.⁸ Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, where available, may incur an additional fee.⁸

Conclusion

The implementation of the Real ID Act will bring about changes in how we identify ourselves for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal facilities. The deadline of May 7, 2025, is fast approaching, making it essential to take proactive steps to ensure compliance. By understanding what Real ID is, where it will be required, and the alternative forms of identification that will be accepted, individuals can prepare themselves for these upcoming changes. The most crucial action you can take now is to check your current driver’s license or state ID for the star marking. If your ID is not compliant, visit your state’s DMV website to understand the specific documentation requirements and plan your visit to apply for a Real ID well in advance of the deadline. Taking these steps now will help you avoid potential complications and ensure smooth travels and access to federal buildings in the future.

Works cited

1. REAL ID and Colorado | Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle, accessed May 8, 2025, https://dmv.colorado.gov/real-id-and-colorado
2. REAL ID – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/real-id/
3. Federal Real ID Act – Texas Department of Public Safety, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/federal-real-id-act
4. REAL ID – Oklahoma.gov, accessed May 8, 2025, https://oklahoma.gov/service/popular-services/real-id-checklist.html
5. REAL ID – TN.gov, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/real-id.html
6. Missouri REAL ID Information, accessed May 8, 2025, https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/real-id/
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8. Enhanced or REAL ID – Driver License – NY DMV, accessed May 8, 2025, https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id
9. Real ID Act – Wikipedia, accessed May 8, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_ID_Act
10. About REAL ID – Homeland Security, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/about-real-id
11. Department of Homeland Security, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/24-Homeland-Security-REAL-ID-Briefing-Paper.pdf
12. What you need to know about Real ID compliance | Article – Army.mil, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.army.mil/article/284854/what_you_need_to_know_about_real_id_compliance
13. How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel | USAGov, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.usa.gov/real-id
14. What Is REAL ID? – California DMV, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/what-is-real-id/
15. www.dmv.ca.gov, accessed May 8, 2025, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/what-is-real-id/#:~:text=The%20federal%20REAL%20ID%20Act,courthouses%2C%20and%20other%20federal%20facilities.