Real ID Deadline Approaches

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, following one of the recommendations from the 9/11 Commission report. This act established federal security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. (Before the Real ID Act, each state and territory set its own rules for issuing such cards, including what documents must be provided to obtain one, and what information was displayed on the card, as well as its security features.) The Real ID requirements include verification of the personal information presented when applying for the identification document, security features on the document, and electronic sharing of databases between states. 

In recent years, the federal government has set and delayed other deadlines for Real ID enforcement after realizing that not enough Americans would be ready with compliant documents, says Kyle Potter, executive editor of the travel website Thrifty Traveler. But starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights, and access certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson Lisa Farbstein reported that 81% of current U.S. travelers already use a Real ID license or an approved alternative form of identification, such as a passport. To check your license, a Real ID-compliant card features a star in the upper right corner.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, you will need to provide documentation showing proof of your identity (birth certificate or valid U.S. passport), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of address. Proof of address can include documents such as a bank statement or a utility bill. If your name has changed from your birth certificate, for example due to marriage, you may need a legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Double-check with your state to find out exactly what documents are necessary and whether your state goes beyond the minimum federal Real ID requirements.

Not everyone is a fan of having a federal Real ID. Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said, "Real ID is an unfunded mandate that violates the Constitution's 10th Amendment on state powers, destroys states' dual sovereignty and consolidates every American's private information, leaving all of us far more vulnerable to identity thieves." Privacy advocates such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation voiced concerns as well, stating that the implementation of the Real ID Act would make it substantially easier for the government to track numerous activities of Americans and conduct surveillance.

After multiple delays and the deadline approaching, DMV offices are experiencing increased demand, leading to longer wait times and limited appointment availability. Processing times for Real ID applications can take up to 45 days in some areas. To avoid travel disruptions, especially during the busy summer season, it's advisable to obtain your Real ID well before the May 7, 2025 deadline. If you have questions about the Real ID, you can visit the Department of Homeland Security Real ID FAQ website for more information.