The REAL ID deadline is less than a month away, and 38% of American adults are still without one, according to Mobile ID World.
If you’re one of the 124 million Americans who still need to get a REAL ID before the deadline, it’s important to stop putting it off as soon as possible. Serious travel disruptions may occur if you show up to the airport without a REAL ID.
“If you have a flight in your near future, the time is now to get a REAL ID,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. ”We are just a few short weeks aways from the REAL ID deadline, and you can prevent the burden of delays by getting yours now. Making an appointment online is the best way to get in and out of a DMV office quickly.”
Though you may feel blindsided by the seemingly sudden travel rules and changes, the REAL ID Act passed in Congress back in 2005 to standardize identification in order to protect against identity fraud and bolster national security. REAL IDs can be best recognized by the star in the upper-right corner.
Who needs a REAL ID?
The REAL ID deadline of May 7th, 2025 applies to Americans 18 years or older. Children under 18 are not required to show ID when with a companion during their domestic travels.
What are the security features in a REAL ID?
REAL IDs must comply with at least three levels integrated security features: (level 1) visual or tactile inspection, (level 2) examination by trained expert with simple tools, (level 3) forensic analysis by specialists.
Beyond its distinctive star marking, REAL IDs utilize UV images, holograms, barcodes, microprinting, ghost images and laser engravings that make the identification unique to standard IDs.
Without a REAL ID, you can no longer:
- Board a domestic flight
- Enter various federal facilities (military bases, federal courthouses, some federal offices)
- Enter nuclear power plants
What can you still do without a REAL ID?
- Vote
- Drive (with a standard license)
- Access hospitals
- Receive federal benefits
- Enter federal facilities that do not require an ID
REAL ID-compliant alternatives
- Valid U.S. passport
- DHS trusted traveler cards (NEXUS, Global Entry, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- U.S. military card
- Other federally recognized ID
Save yourself the hassle and get yours asap! Learn more on the REAL ID website.