travel

DHS: Real IDs by 2025 or risk penalty.

Real ID enforcement starts May 2025: No more flying or entering federal buildings without one.

Published May 7, 2024 at 4:33am by Amaris Encinas

Americans Have One Year to Comply with "Real ID" Act or Risk Being Unable to Fly Domestically

If you plan on flying within the U.S. from May 7, 2025, onwards, listen up: you have 365 days to ensure your driver's license or ID is "Real ID" compliant, as mandated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets "minimum security standards" for identification distribution. Federal agencies like the TSA and DHS will not accept state-issued IDs without the Real ID seal from May 2025 onwards.

This deadline has been pushed back multiple times due to "backlogged transactions" at Motor Vehicle Departments (MVDs) nationwide.

Why You Need a Real ID

Boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft
Entering nuclear power plants
Accessing certain federal facilities

While a Real ID is not mandatory, it is necessary for the above activities. Other forms of TSA-accepted identification include passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and enhanced driver's licenses (only issued by WA, MI, MN, NY, and VT).

For full details, see: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Obtaining a Real ID

Visit your local DMV to obtain a Real ID. Required documents vary by state, but DHS requires, at minimum, proof of:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number
Two proofs of address of principal residence
Lawful status

The only difference between a standard state-issued ID and a Real ID is a unique marking in the right-hand corner, which varies by state.

For more information, visit: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id