The REAL ID Act of 2005, follows the ”recommendation that the Federal Government sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards”. Beginning May 7th 2025, passengers aged 18 and over who plan to fly within the US domestically, or visit federal facilities will need a REAL ID.
From what documents you need in order to convert to a REAL ID, what time to avoid the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) for your application, and how to apply for a REAL ID, here is a summary of what you need to know.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card which counts as a federally accepted form of ID. These new ID cards are marked with a golden bear and a star, to make checks at TSA or elsewhere easier. You will need one in order to travel via plane domestically within the US.
You will need a REAL ID if you plan to:
- Access certain federal facilities
- Board Federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Enter nuclear power plants
How to apply for a REAL ID:
The first step you will need to undertake in order to gain a REAL ID is to apply online. Homeland Security reported that the online application ‘only takes 9 minutes’ to complete. For this, you will need to have several documents handy. You will need ONE proof of identity, containing your date of birth, and first, middle and last name. This can be anything from:
- Proof of citizenship
- A valid foreign passport stamped ”processed for I-SS1”
- A United States birth certificate
- Your valid permanent resident card
- A valid United States passport or, passport card
It must present your legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of your permanent residency address and your lawful status.
Next steps
After submitting your online application and receiving a confirmation code, you will need to head to your closest field office or DMV. This is to finish the driver’s license and ID card application process. Be sure to bring along any and all original documents that you included in your online application – along with your confirmation code which you should get shortly thereafter.
Reminder that tests are no longer available at DMV after 4:30pm.
For example, if you are in California, those who do not have a REAL ID but currently hold a passport are able to wait to convert to a REAL ID when your driver’s license is due for renewal.
If you are located in Massachusetts, your driver’s license will indicate whether it already counts as a REAL ID on your driver’s license card by reading ‘NOT FOR FEDERAL ID’, or on the other hand it will show a star in the right-hand corner.
For those in New York, if your New York state license does not show a star or a flag, then your ID is not REAL ID compliant.
Information for those who may have a second residency
If you currently hold a second residency, and you are based in California, be sure to check the California DMV for more information.
How do you think the REAL ID requirement will impact future domestic air travel?
