(CNN) —The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) again delayed the deadline for enforcement of REAL ID requirements, the latest pandemic-related extension for the program aimed at establishing a consistent security standard for issuing driver's licenses and other identification. Show
DHS announced Tuesday it is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021, to May 3, 2023. Once enforcement is in effect, travelers age 18 and older flying commercially in the US will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card, which should be marked by a star on the top of the card. Passports and other forms of approved identification will still be accepted. The department attributed the latest delay to limited operating capacity at state driver's licensing agencies, which has delayed renewals of expiring licenses. All 50 US states, Washington, DC, and several US territories are compliant with REAL ID security standards, but only 43% of US IDs are currently compliant, as a result of pandemic-era limitations, DHS said. However, that's up from about 35% around a year ago. DHS also said it needs time, along with various states, to implement requirements mandated by the REAL ID Modernization Act, such as those related to electronic document submission. In March 2020, DHS rolled back the deadline for the federally mandated identification program a year from October 1, 2020, until October 1, 2021. Now it's being pushed back again. Even before the pandemic, it appeared unlikely that all states would meet the previous deadline, with former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf admitting to lawmakers that there was a "small" prospect of all states being able to issue their constituents a REAL ID by October 2020. DHS Secretary Alejando Mayorkas said in a statement Tuesday that extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline "will give states needed time to reopen their driver's licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card." We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details. You may have noticed that the Transportation Security Administration has signs posted at airport security checkpoints warning travelers about some upcoming ID requirement changes. So what exactly are these changes, and what do you need to do to be ready? We’ll break down exactly how REAL ID works — including what the REAL ID Act means for you and how you travel. Table of contents
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What Is the REAL ID Act?Formulated in the wake of September 11 and passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and it prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. It was aimed at eliminating airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents granting access to domestic planes. State agencies that issue licenses and identification cards, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and Social Security number under the new act than necessary to obtain standard licenses. The cards themselves will also be built using new technology, making them much more difficult to forge. Due to various roadblocks and the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have taken the federal government nearly 20 years to implement the act fully — a gradual process that has been met by some confusion as each state has a different status. However, all states will need to comply by May 7, 2025. Note: The original date of compliance was October 1, 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was first delayed to October 1, 2021, then to May 3, 2023, and now to May 7, 2025. We know a lot of you are concerned that you will lose the ability to fly, drive, or vote as a result of the REAL ID Act, but this isn’t the case. You can continue to use your regular license or identification to drive and vote without obtaining a REAL ID. The change will only impact domestic travel in the U.S. and you will either need to provide an alternate form of TSA-approved ID or obtain a REAL ID. Bottom Line: To fly internationally, you will always need your passport. What Does a REAL ID Look Like?In most states, there is a gold star or black star on the front of the REAL ID license that will signify compliance. If you see this, then you’re good to go. There are 5 states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington — that issue enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs). These are a form of REAL ID. These EDLs allow land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Hot Tip: Enhanced IDs aren’t a substitute for passports for air travel to these places, only by land or sea. An easy way to know your card is not compliant is if it says “Not for Federal Identification,” “Federal Limits Apply,” or “Not for Real ID Act Purposes.”  What Does REAL ID Mean for Me?Airports are considered federal facilities, and therefore this act affects your ability to enter them in order to board your flight. Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act takes full effect. From this date, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport or passport card) for accessing federal facilities — including boarding commercial aircraft. Most states and territories have already begun issuing the new licenses, so you will have until May 7, 2025, to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license. Just check your license to be sure. » Related: Expedited U.S. Passport Application Guide — Includes All 26 U.S. Passport Offices & Agencies If your ID is REAL ID-compliant, there will be a star in the top right corner; many drivers may not realize they already have one since some states have been issuing them for many years. Bottom Line: If you are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act, you will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board your flight starting on May 7, 2025. What the REAL ID Act Is NotA REAL ID is NOT a substitute for a passport for international travel. This means you can’t use a REAL ID to enter Canada or Mexico by land, or any international travel destination. The only exception to this is if you have an enhanced driver’s license — more on this below! There are also a few other things that REAL ID doesn’t affect. REAL ID requirements don’t apply to:
You can also continue to use your standard driver’s license or ID card for other U.S. travel like driving in and across state lines or riding a train. Who Needs a REAL ID?In most instances, obtaining a REAL ID isn’t required. There are still many reasons and benefits for why people will choose to obtain a REAL ID. Here is a breakdown of some common reasons to consider getting a REAL ID and a few reasons why you might not need one. Common Reasons To Obtain a REAL ID
Reasons You May Not Need a REAL ID
Who Can Get a REAL ID?In order to qualify for a REAL ID-compliant ID/license, you must fall under one of the following categories:
Specifically, for undocumented immigrants, the DHS website notes that driver’s licenses and identification cards can still be issued by the state, but not REAL IDs: “Some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. Noncompliant cards must clearly state on their face that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards.” REAL ID by StateSince licenses are issued at the state level, each process is slightly different. But the good news is that all states are in compliance with the REAL ID Act. This just means that each state and territory is now able to provide REAL IDs. In a move aimed to help more people receive their REAL IDs before the May 7, 2025, deadline, the DHS passed the REAL ID Modernization Act that allows you to submit your identification documents electronically. This includes information such as a birth certificate and passport. Applicants will still need to bring the required documents in person so they can be compared to the electronic submissions. This means that to get a REAL ID-compliant license, you must still physically go to a DMV office. Bottom Line: States will not send you a REAL ID-compliant license automatically if you renew your license online. While most states are issuing compliant IDs, individuals may still choose not to upgrade their licenses. What if My State Is REAL ID-Compliant?You will be able to use your state-issued ID at airports through May 7, 2025. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another TSA-approved ID) to fly — both domestically and internationally. Which States Require REAL ID To Fly?All states issue REAL ID-compliant IDs, but none require a REAL ID. You can still fly as long as you have a TSA-approved form of ID. When comparing a REAL ID to a state ID, they can be the same form of identification. Steps To Take To Get a Compliant REAL IDIf you’ve decided you’d like to get a REAL ID, you’ll definitely want to know where to go to get a REAL ID, what documents to bring, and how much the REAL ID costs. Step 1: Make an appointment to visit a REAL ID at a DMV field office near you. Some offices are offering special hours or days for those trying to get a REAL ID before May 7, 2025. You can also get a REAL ID without an appointment, but this isn’t recommended as wait times at your local office can be incredibly long. Here are the links to all of the local offices to help you get started with this process. State by State WebsitesAlabama DPSIndiana BMVNebraska DMVSouth Carolina DMVAlaska DMVIowa DOTNevada DMVSouth Dakota DPSArizona DMVKansas DOVNew Hampshire DMVTennessee DMVArkansas DFAKentucky DMVNew Jersey MVCTexas DPSCalifornia DMVLouisiana OMVNew Mexico MVDUtah DMVColorado DMVMaine BMVNew York DMVVermont DMVConnecticut DMVMaryland MVANorth Carolina DMVVirginia DMVDelaware DMVMassachusetts RMVNorth Dakota DOTWashington DOLFlorida HSMVMichigan SOSOhio BMVWashington, D.C. DMVGeorgia DDSMinnesota DPSOklahoma DPSWest Virginia DMVHawaii CSDMississippi DSBOregon DMVWisconsin DOTIdaho TDMissouri DORPennsylvania DMVWyoming DOTIllinois ILSOSMontana MVDRhode Island DMVStep 2: On the day of your appointment, make sure you bring all the necessary documents (even if you have submitted them online beforehand!). What Real ID Documents Do I Need?
If you have any issues or concerns with obtaining 1 or more of the documents or to see if an item will be accepted, we suggest checking directly with your local DMV. Step 3: Pay the fee for the license. This will vary by state but is generally less than $60. Check our graphic under “How Much Does a REAL ID Cost?” below for specific costs. Common Problems Obtaining a REAL IDThere are a lot of questions about what is and isn’t an appropriate document to bring along with you to obtain a REAL ID. Things like not having a mailing address, having a name change, or having an expired license are often noted as common problems. Also, getting a REAL ID without key documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport can be a challenge. If you’re unsure, we always recommend reaching out to your state’s license-issuing office directly — and do this before you head to your appointment! Some states, like California, have made a list of documents that are accepted for each category required. This would be a good place to start when gathering your documents together. This notes when copies or originals are necessary and also has recommendations on alternatives if you don’t have the recommended residency documents or if you use a P.O. Box. Can I Transfer My REAL ID Between States?No, you can’t transfer your REAL ID between states. Unfortunately, federal requirements don’t allow for the transfer of a REAL ID license between states. Each state is required to view and image all documentation upon original issuance in that state. This means that when you move, you will need to go in person to present the same documentation such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and 2 proofs of residence address, as well as meet all of your new state’s issuance requirements. On a positive note, REAL ID licenses from other states can typically be used like any other out-of-state driver’s license to waive behind-the-wheel drive tests. Is REAL ID Mandatory To Fly?As of May 2022, an estimated 137 million Americans held REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, and passport cards, military IDs, and Global Entry cards, all of which qualify as REAL ID-compliant identification. But, according to recent reports, that is only 49% of Americans! This means that you don’t have to upgrade your license to board your flight, but you will have to use an alternative (TSA-approved) form of ID. TSA currently accepts several other forms of identity documents: As you can see, the most common alternatives to a REAL ID will be a U.S. passport or a U.S. passport card. Other less common items would be DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a permanent resident card, Department of Defense ID, enhanced driver’s license, or federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please see TSA’s website. However, it should be noted that if on or after May 7, 2025, the traveler cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, they will not be permitted through the security checkpoint to board their flight. How Much Does a REAL ID Cost?One question you might want to be answered is the cost of a READ ID in your state. That price varies significantly throughout the country. It’s set by the state and the state also determines if the process for getting a REAL ID (when updating your driver’s license) is a renewal, duplicate, or a new license. Below is a map that has information on cost and process in each state. Potential State RevenueAdditionally, we were interested in estimating just how much revenue states might be bringing in due to the new REAL IDs. For this, we used the cost from the above numbers and multiplied them by the estimated number of drivers in each state, according to information from the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration. This estimation is based on what we would consider the max possible revenue (if every driver in each state got a new license for the REAL ID Act). Because the new IDs are not mandatory, we understand that not everyone may get one. However, this is an approximation of revenue. What About Minors Under 18?TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. The companion will need acceptable identification though. Specific airlines may demand proof of the child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport, but this is not regulated by TSA. Contact the specific airline for more information. Final ThoughtsNow is the time to make sure you know the requirements to be REAL ID-compliant. In some states, it may take a few weeks (or longer!) to even get an appointment at your local DMV. By taking steps towards compliance now, you can avoid the last-minute rush and be ready to go long before May 7, 2025. Can I still fly in the US without a REAL ID?Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.
Do you need a REAL ID to fly to Hawaii 2022?Domestic travel
If you are flying to Hawai'i within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
Is my Colorado driver's license a REAL ID?Do I have to get a REAL ID compliant credential? No, but please note that all Colorado driver licenses and ID cards, except CO-RCSA credentials, have been REAL ID compliant since 2012. Having a REAL ID compliant credential will likely make traveling easier for you.
Do you need a California REAL ID to fly?No. A REAL ID driver's license or identification card is optional. A REAL ID is needed if: You wish to continue to use your driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S.
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