The Real ID Act is causing lots of questions and confusion among US travelers. Here is what you need to know.
What is the Real ID act
“The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.” ~ Department of Homeland Security
Where do you stand and what will you need to fly domestically?
For most people the Real ID act affects them when they want to fly domestically. It will be required as of May 7, 2025. For international travel it is required that every person, even babies, have a passport. Nothing has changed with that. All passports already meet the Real ID act standards.
You can always fly domestically with a passport as well, but most people usually fly with a driver’s license. If you don’t have a passport you need to be aware of a few things. You will need to show a Real ID driver’s License or Passport to fly domestically as of May 7, 2025. The best place to get up to date information is on the Homeland Security Website.
A driver’s license that is a “Real ID” will have a star on the front. (See picture below) Check your ID to see if it has this designation.
Keep in mind that for some states they will have a real ID but it will be an option. Meaning that you will have to choose to get the real ID drivers license. You will want to be sure you know what you have.
What should I do now?
Check Your ID – Check to be sure you have a real ID. You might have one and not know it or you may have to apply for a different ID, but its available to you.
Be Prepared – If you have a flight after May 7, 2025 be sure you have at least one form of Real ID, whether it is a Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
For more information, please contact the REAL ID Program Office at [email protected].
