May 9th 2024.
If you're planning on traveling in the near future, the Department of Homeland Security wants to make sure you're aware of some important changes coming your way. As of May 2025, all U.S. travelers will need to obtain a new Real ID license in order to board domestic flights. This requirement is a result of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005, which aims to establish minimum security standards for identification materials, including driver's licenses. This means that federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will no longer accept state-issued IDs without the Real ID seal.
So, what exactly is a Real ID? Well, it's basically just like your regular state-issued ID, but with a unique stamp in the right-hand corner. The specific mark will depend on the state you live in. Originally, the compliance deadline was set for 2020, but due to a backlog of transactions at motor vehicle departments across the country, the Department of Homeland Security has pushed it back to May 2025.
While some may think this new regulation only applies to air travel, it actually has implications for other facilities as well. For example, a Real ID may be required to gain access to nuclear power plants or other secure locations. It's important to note that Real IDs cannot be used for international travel, including to neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. However, if TSA accepts other forms of ID, travelers may not necessarily need to get a Real ID. It's only necessary if no other form of ID is available and there are upcoming travel plans.
If you do need to obtain a Real ID, you'll need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Keep in mind that each state may have different regulations, so the documents needed to verify your identity may vary. At minimum, you will be asked to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and proof of lawful status.
It's worth noting that there are some alternatives to a Real ID that will still be accepted by TSA. These include Enhanced Driver's Licenses (only available in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont), U.S. passports or passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and acceptable photo IDs issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Indian tribe.
Even if you don't have a Real ID, you'll still be able to fly. However, once the May 7, 2025 deadline arrives, all travelers 18 years old and older will be required to have one in order to pass through U.S. airports. So, it's best to plan ahead and get your Real ID in order to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
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