If you're planning to jet-set across the United States in 2025 and beyond, ther♓e's a crucial update you need to know about.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you have less th🦹an a year left to ensure that your state-issued driver’s license or identification is "Real🍸 ID" compliant.
Real ID compliance is part of a comprehensive act passed by Congress in 2005, aimed at establishing "minimum security standards" for the issuance of identification materials, including driver’s licenses. Failure to obtain a Real ID-compliant form of identification coulဣd mean certain federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or DHS, won't accept your state-issued ID for travel purposes.
The implementation of Real ID compliance has seen delays, with DHS initially setting a 2020 deadline, which was then e꧋xtended multiple times due to various rea🐟sons, including backlogged transactions at motor vehicle department (MVD) offices nationwide.
Come May🔯 7, 2025, individuals without Real ID-compliant identification will face restrictions. They won’t be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain facilities.
Is Real ID compulsory?
While Real ID compliance is not mandatory, if you plan to travel within the United States and don't have another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or passport c�𝓡�ard, it's advisable to obtain one.
Other TSA-apℱproved forms of identification include state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, DHS t꧙rusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and more. However, for federal facility access, Real ID-compliant IDs are preferred.
What are the alternatives to Real ID?
If you're consid𝐆ering alternatives to Real ID, keep in mind that state-issued enhanced driver’s licen🦩ses are accepted by TSA for domestic flights. Enhanced licenses, available in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are designed to provide additional proof of identity and citizenship. Here are all the other TSA-approved forms of identification:
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI,🦩 FAST)
U.S. Deparඣtment of Defense ID, including IDs issued to de🐲pendents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal 🅷Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian pr🎐ovincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada🦂 card
Transportation worker identification💎 credent🌺ial
U.S. Citizenship 💧and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
These alternative IDs can be used for both travel and accessing federal facilౠities. Federal agencies, however, will only accept state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that meet Real ID compliance standards when accessing federal facilities, including 🅺TSA security checkpoints.
How to get a Real ID?
To obtain a Real ID, visit your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). Requirements vary by state, but generally, you'll need to provide documents v൩erifying your identity, sucꦑh as your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and proofs of address and lawful status.
Real ID-compliant cards bear a uniqu𒁏e marking in the right-hand corner, distinguishing t🔯hem from non-compliant IDs. The mark varies depending on the issuing state.
With the clock ticking, ensuring Real ID compliance is crucial for seamless travel within the United States. Don't wait until🌞 the last minute to secure your Real ID and avoid potential travel disruptions.
