Heard people mention this thing called REAL ID but still have no clue what it actually means? Yeah, you’re not the only one. I’ll break it down for you.
REAL ID is basically a federal rule in the U.S. that raised the security standards for driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs. It’s been around since 2005 — Congress rolled it out after the 9/11 Commission pushed for better ID security. The idea is to make IDs harder to fake or misuse.
So why is everyone talking about it now? Because starting May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight or get into certain federal buildings unless your ID meets these new rules. No REAL ID? No flight. It’s really that simple.
This rule has been sitting on the back burner for years, but now the deadline is real, and travelers need to get their stuff in order.
Wondering if you already have a REAL ID? Grab your license or state ID and check the top corner. Do you see a small star up there? Maybe it’s gold, black, inside a circle, or has a flag next to it — every state does it a little differently. If you’ve got that star, good news — your ID is ready for takeoff under the new rules.
But if your license says “Not for Federal Identification” or has zero stars on it… well, you’ve got some work to do. You’ll need to update your ID before the 2025 deadline rolls in. Don’t stress — I’ll show you exactly how to handle that.
The REAL ID Deadline Is Coming — Here’s What Happens If You Don’t Have One
Circle this date: May 7, 2025. That’s when the TSA and other federal agencies are done waiting — they’re officially enforcing the REAL ID rules at airports across the U.S.
After that day, if you roll up to airport security with a regular driver’s license that isn’t REAL ID-compliant, you’re not getting on that plane. TSA officers will only accept your ID if it meets the new security standards — meaning it has that little star in the corner — or if you’ve got another approved form of ID with you.
Now, to clear up some confusion — no, you don’t have to get a REAL ID if you have other acceptable ID options. You can still use a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a Global Entry card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (available in some states). TSA will let you through with any of those. But if your only ID is a standard, non-compliant driver’s license — yeah, that’s going to be a problem.
Let me put it plainly: If you don’t plan ahead and you don’t upgrade your license (or carry a passport for domestic travel), you could miss your flight. And nobody wants that, especially if you’ve got a vacation booked or an important trip coming up.
This whole REAL ID thing is really about making sure people boarding planes have a secure and verified ID. So if you keep using an old license past the deadline, don’t be surprised if you get stuck at security watching everyone else breeze through.
Quick heads-up for parents: Kids under 18 don’t need their own ID when flying domestically with an adult. But you, as the grown-up, absolutely will.
And it’s not just about airports either — REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal buildings like courthouses or nuclear facilities. But for most of us, the airport rules are what matter most.
Now that you know what’s at stake — and what could happen if you don’t get your REAL ID sorted — let’s move on to how to actually get one.
How To Get A REAL ID (Step-By-Step Without The Stress)
Getting a REAL ID might sound like a lot of work, but it’s pretty similar to renewing your driver’s license. The only catch? You’ll need to bring a few extra documents with you. Here’s how the process works, step by step, so you know exactly what’s coming.
Step 1: Check If You Actually Need A REAL ID
Start by checking your current driver’s license or state ID. Look at the top corner — do you see a small star? Or maybe it says “Enhanced”? If you spot either of those, you’re good to go. No need to do anything else — your ID already meets the REAL ID standards.
But if there’s no star, no special marking, or if you’ve been hanging onto an old ID from years ago, then yes — you’ll need to get a REAL ID.
A lot of people already have one since newer IDs often meet the requirements. But it really depends on when you last renewed your license or if you decided to skip it before.
Step 2: Gather The Documents You’ll Need
To get your REAL ID, you’ll have to go to your state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or whatever office handles driver’s licenses in your state. And here’s where you need to be ready — you’ll have to bring specific original documents to prove your identity.
Requirements might change depending on your state, but most of them will ask for the following:
- Proof Of Identity — This usually means a certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport. Expired passports usually won’t be accepted.
- Proof Of Social Security Number — Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If not, a W-2 form or a recent pay stub showing your full Social Security Number usually works.
- Proof Of Residency (Two Documents) — Most DMVs want two separate documents that show your name and current address. Think utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, or official mail.
- Proof Of Lawful Status — For U.S. citizens, your birth certificate or passport typically covers this. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to bring your green card, immigration papers, or other official documents proving legal status.
- Name Change Documents (If Your Name Has Changed) — If the name on your birth certificate doesn’t match the name you currently use — maybe due to marriage or another legal change — bring the necessary documents like a marriage certificate or court papers showing the name change.
These are the most common requirements, but you’ll want to check your state DMV’s website before you go. Every state lists exactly what documents are allowed.
Yes — collecting these documents can be a little annoying. But the good news is, you’ll only need to do this once. And don’t forget — bring the original documents or certified copies. Regular photocopies won’t cut it.
Step 3: Visit Your DMV (And Plan Ahead)
You can’t get a REAL ID online. It has to be done in person so the staff can check all your documents properly — that’s part of why this ID is considered more secure.
If your state DMV lets you schedule an appointment online, definitely do that. The closer we get to May 2025, the busier DMVs will get. So going early can save you a ton of waiting time.
When you go, bring all the documents from Step 2, plus your current license or ID. You’ll fill out an application form — some states let you do this online ahead of time — and then a DMV employee will verify your documents and take a new photo for your REAL ID.
There’s usually a fee involved — often the same price as renewing your license. It varies by state but expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $50. Some places may charge a little more.
One helpful tip: Some DMVs allow you to upload your documents online before your visit to speed things up. Look on your state DMV website to see if they offer a “REAL ID document pre-check” feature.
Step 4: Get Your REAL ID
Most DMVs will hand you a temporary paper license or receipt right after your appointment. Your official REAL ID card will arrive by mail a few weeks later.
Once you get your new card, look for the star or special marking (it might be a flag, a bear, or a different symbol depending on your state). That’s how you know your ID meets the new federal standards.
And that’s it — you’re all set. After you’ve upgraded to a REAL ID, you won’t need to do it again until it’s time to renew your license like usual (usually every few years depending on your state).
One last thing — don’t put this off until the last minute. Processing times can vary, and the closer we get to the deadline, the longer the wait might be. It’s smart to handle this a few weeks or months before your next trip so you’re not rushing or stressing later.
Now that you know how to get your REAL ID, let’s move on to how it’s going to affect your travel plans.
How REAL ID Will Affect Your Travel Plans (Especially At The Airport)
Starting May 7, 2025, the airport check-in routine we’re all used to is going to change. TSA agents will still ask for your ID at security — that part stays the same. But here’s where it gets serious: if you hand over a regular driver’s license that doesn’t meet REAL ID standards, they’re not going to let you through. No argument. No exceptions.
This means that from that date forward, REAL ID becomes the new standard for flying within the U.S.
Let’s break down exactly how this will affect your travel — especially if you fly often.
Domestic Flights: You’ll Need A REAL ID-Compliant License (Or A Backup Option)
If you’re traveling within the United States — that includes places like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands — you’ll have to show a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of ID at airport security.
This rule isn’t flexible. If your ID isn’t compliant, you won’t make it past TSA. Airlines and security will be strict about this.
Heading out on an international trip? Nothing new there — you’ve always needed a passport for international flights. But here’s the thing to remember — even for domestic legs of your trip or for U.S. territories, you’ll need a REAL ID or an approved alternative. That quick weekend trip to Puerto Rico with just your old license? Not going to work anymore unless it’s a REAL ID.
What Alternative IDs You Can Use If You Don’t Have A REAL ID
Not everyone wants to update their license — and that’s fine. TSA accepts other forms of ID, but it has to be on their approved list.
Here’s what will work:
- A valid U.S. passport book
- A U.S. passport card
- A DHS Trusted Traveler card — like Global Entry
- An Enhanced Driver’s License (available in certain states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington)
- Military IDs
- Federally issued PIV cards (for government employees)
If you’re into travel perks and points, chances are you might already have Global Entry — that ID card will get you through security just fine.
But for most people, getting the REAL ID license is the easiest route. It saves you from having to remember a passport for domestic flights.
What REAL ID Doesn’t Affect
Let’s clear this up — you don’t need a REAL ID for everyday life.
This rule has nothing to do with driving, voting, banking, or applying for federal benefits. Your regular license will still work for all that.
REAL ID rules only apply when flying within the U.S. or when entering certain federal facilities. That’s really where this whole thing matters for travelers.
Federal Facilities: You’ll Need REAL ID Or A Passport To Get In
Even though this guide focuses on travel, it’s good to know that after the deadline, you’ll need a REAL ID or passport to visit certain federal buildings.
That could include military bases, courthouses, or federal offices where you might have appointments — like renewing a passport in person.
It’s not something most people deal with every day, but worth keeping in mind if that’s on your calendar.
Traveling With Kids: What Families Need To Know
If you’re traveling with kids under 18, you don’t need to worry about getting them a REAL ID for domestic flights. TSA doesn’t require minors to show ID when flying with an adult who has a valid ID.
But here’s where parents need to pay attention — anyone 18 or older must have their own compliant ID to board a plane. So if you have teens, college students, or anyone in your household turning 18 soon, make sure they’re aware of this rule. A learner’s permit or school ID won’t work.
Why REAL ID Matters (Especially If You’re Into Points & Miles Travel)
If you’re someone who loves booking trips with points and miles, this is something you need to pay attention to. Let’s be real — we’re planners. We don’t just wing it when it comes to travel. We hunt for the best flight deals, line up award seats months in advance, and make sure we’ve got the right credit card for lounge access or extra perks.
Getting your REAL ID is just another thing to put on your travel checklist so you don’t run into any last-minute disasters.
Picture this: You’ve got the perfect trip lined up. Maybe it’s a big family vacation you paid for entirely with points. Or maybe it’s that long-awaited cross-country getaway you’ve been planning forever. Your flights are booked. Seats picked out. The countdown is on.
Now imagine showing up at the airport and getting told you can’t board because your ID doesn’t meet the new rules. Total nightmare. Nobody wants to deal with that kind of mess — especially after spending months collecting miles and putting the whole trip together.
This is exactly why REAL ID should be on your radar. Here’s why it matters so much for points and miles travelers:
Award Flights Are Booked Way Ahead
If you’re using points to book flights, you’re probably locking in trips months — sometimes a year — in advance. That’s how we grab the best award space and stretch our points further.
So if you’re booking anything for May 2025 or later — for yourself or anyone traveling with you — you need to check that everyone has a REAL ID (or another acceptable ID) before that trip happens.
Got a family trip planned with your cousin, your parents, or your friend who hasn’t updated their license since forever? Might be time for a friendly reminder. It would be a shame to have a free flight booked and then have someone miss it because of an outdated ID.
Be Ready For Last-Minute Deals
We all know that sometimes the best points-and-miles trips happen at the last minute. Maybe you see a crazy cheap fare or mistake deal and want to book it right away.
But without a REAL ID or backup ID ready to go, that spontaneous weekend trip could fall apart before it even starts.
Having your REAL ID done means you’re ready to jump on whatever travel deal pops up without having to scramble for documents or stress about airport security.
TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Don’t Get You Out Of This
A lot of us have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry because we like to move through airports fast and avoid extra hassle. But just to be clear — having PreCheck doesn’t mean you can skip the ID rule.
REAL ID is still required in the PreCheck line. Global Entry cards are an option for ID at TSA checkpoints, but most of us keep those tucked away for customs, not everyday use.
Honestly, the simplest move is to update your driver’s license to Federal-compliant ID so that whatever security line you’re in — regular or PreCheck — you’re covered.
One Less Thing To Stress About
When you’re planning trips using points and miles, there are already a ton of details to keep track of — flight schedules, seat assignments, point balances, hotel bookings, rental cars.
Getting your REAL ID ahead of time is just one more thing you can cross off the list early.
Treat it like checking your passport expiration date or buying travel insurance — something quick and easy to handle now that saves a lot of headaches later.
My Advice: Get It Done Sooner, Not Later
This isn’t something you want to put off. Yes, the government has pushed back the REAL ID deadline a few times before, but this time they seem pretty set on sticking to it.
And the closer we get to May 2025, the crazier the DMVs are going to get. Nobody wants to spend an entire day waiting in line because they waited too long to apply.
We’re already seeing warnings everywhere because the deadline is coming fast.
TSA says around 80% of travelers already have a REAL ID or another approved ID — but that still leaves millions of people who don’t.
You want to be in the “ready to fly” group — not the group scrambling around in a panic because they forgot.
