The recent resurfaced announcement about travelers needing a new form of ID has made waves. With talk of the major change to airport security, travelers are scrambling to figure out the specifics. This identification form is something that has been delayed for years. Real ID is an updated form of identification that travelers must be compliant with sooner than later. Check out what Real ID is, when the Real ID deadline is, and how some travelers can avoid the cost of the form of identification.
What is Real ID?
The new policy changes the federal identification rules. The difference is that travelers will need to use an enhanced version of identification to get through airport security. While this big change may seem to be something that will only apply to some, it is a requirement for all flights. The biggest change that will happen is that a driver’s license will no longer be valid identification to present to a TSA agent. All airline passengers in the United States will need to have a valid ID. More specifically, travelers will need to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license.
This change of identification is not technically sudden. Real ID has been something in the works for years. The updated identification type was supposed to go into effect for travelers in 2008 but was postponed. However, the change seems to actually be happening this time, so travelers should prepare themselves.
How To Obtain a Real ID?
Getting a Real ID should not be hard for travelers to do. The Real ID driver’s licenses are available in all 50 states. DMV centers offer Real ID to citizens throughout the five United States territories. These territories include Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Travelers should know that getting a Real ID does mean that they have to pay (more than usual) for license renewal and submit more paperwork. But at the end of the day, being compliant with the new rule will be worth it since that means travelers can experience seamless travel.
Obtaining a Real ID-compliant form of identification will not be avoidable (for most travelers). Even if travelers have TSA PreCheck or a Clear membership, they will need to have their Real ID to make it past security to board their plane. There are two main ways that travelers might avoid the complications of renewing their ID. If travelers have a Global Entry card or are under 18 years of age, they do not have to present the updated form of identification. The Global Entry card is Real ID compliant according to the TSA. Children under 18 who are traveling with a companion within the United States are not required to present this new form of identification to security.
Travelers need to note that local DMVs can still issue licenses that are not Real ID compliant. This means that travelers need to make it clear that they are requesting a Real ID when renewing their license. Travelers should also use their state’s DMV website to find out what specific documents they need to get a Real ID.
The Deadline for Travelers To Obtain a Real ID
Travelers should be sure to take note of the deadline for the new identification form. The deadline for travelers to have an enhanced driver’s license is coming up quickly. Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler will need a Real ID-compatible license. This recent change gives travelers less than a year to prepare. There are a limited number of other forms of identification that are valid under the new rules. Passports, various forms of military ID, and a few other documents are valid. The full list of Real ID documents can be found on the TSA’s website.
