Is Your License a Real ID? Here’s How to Check Before the Deadline!

The deadline for the new REAL ID requirements is fast approaching, and it’s crucial to ensure that your identification is up to date. Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID will become the standard identification for domestic air travel, and the transition is already in full swing across the country. If you’re unsure whether your license is REAL ID-compliant, this article will help guide you through everything you need to know before the deadline.

Why REAL ID Matters

REAL ID is a new federal identification standard that is part of a law passed by Congress in 2005. Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone traveling on domestic flights will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable alternative form of identification to board a plane.

If your ID doesn’t meet these requirements, you may face difficulties getting through airport security and boarding your flight. REAL ID is also necessary for accessing certain federal buildings and facilities, including nuclear plants.

For those wondering if other forms of identification can be used instead of a REAL ID, the following alternatives are acceptable:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Border Crossing Card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver’s license will no longer be enough for airport security or federal access for most adults (18 and older).

States with Exemptions

Some states have exceptions for residents who already have Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), which are also accepted as REAL ID-compliant IDs. If you live in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington and already possess an EDL, you do not need to upgrade your license to a REAL ID. These enhanced licenses feature an image of the U.S. flag and the word “Enhanced” at the top, making them easily identifiable.

What to Know About REAL ID-Compliant Cards

Every state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, and others) are now issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting in May 2025, federal agencies, including the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), will only accept state-issued IDs that meet the REAL ID standards for security purposes. This means travelers who use the TSA PreCheck program for expedited airport screening will also need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID to board.

How to Spot a REAL ID-Compliant License

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will feature a small star in the upper-right corner of the card. If your ID has this star, it means your license is compliant with federal requirements. If your license does not have this star and includes the words “Not for REAL ID purposes,” it is not valid for boarding flights or entering federal facilities.

If your card does not have this star or is marked as “Not for Federal ID,” you must upgrade it to a REAL ID-compliant version before May 2025.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025

If you show up at an airport for travel without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification on or after May 7, 2025, you will not be allowed through security. TSA recommends arriving at the airport early if you lack the required ID. They suggest that travelers who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID should arrive at least three hours prior to their flight.

It’s also important to note that temporary driver’s licenses or state-issued documents that are not fully processed will not be accepted at airport checkpoints. If you find yourself in this situation, bringing a passport or another valid form of ID can help you board your flight.

REAL ID Exclusions

Although REAL IDS are required for air travel and access to federal buildings, they will not be accepted for international travel. If you plan to travel abroad or cross the U.S. border, you will still need a valid passport for entry into Canada, Mexico, or other countries. Similarly, REAL IDs cannot be used to board international sea cruises.

How to Get a REAL ID

If your current ID is not REAL ID-compliant, it’s essential to make an appointment with your local DMV or licensing office as soon as possible. You will need to bring your current driver’s license or ID, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), and, if applicable, a certified document showing a name change. Be prepared for potential wait times at your local office, as the REAL ID rollout has caused long lines and appointment backlogs in some areas.

What Officials Are Saying About the REAL ID Transition

TSA Administrator David Pekoske has emphasized the importance of identity verification for national security, urging Americans to ensure their identification meets the REAL ID standards before the deadline. He stated that both federal agencies and state governments are working hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for travelers.

Many state officials, such as Sam May from Michigan, have warned that citizens without a REAL ID-compliant card may face delays when traveling domestically. However, Erin Johnson, a spokesperson from Minnesota, noted that the public has largely been aware of the need for an enhanced ID.

The Bottom Line

As the REAL ID deadline approaches, it’s essential for all Americans to check their identification and ensure it meets federal standards. If your driver’s license does not have the star marking or is otherwise non-compliant, make sure to visit your local office to upgrade it to a REAL ID before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Taking action early will ensure you avoid unnecessary delays at the airport and federal facilities and allow for a smoother transition to the new ID standards.

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