Real ID mandatory? Not in these 5 states as of May 7 ... and you’ll be surprised which ones they are
Time is running out to get your Real ID, which are necessary to pass TSA check points. You’ll need to get one from your DMV, but not people in these states.
The clock is ticking down to when you’ll have to switch your old state issued driver’s license for a Real ID if you want to travel by plane or access certain federal facilities. The new form of identification incorporates a set federal security standards based on recommendations for the 9/11 Commission.
Real ID-complaint identity documents look just like regular driver’s licenses and identity cards except that they have star marking on the upper portion of the card. Residents of nearly every state will be required to have one to pass TSA check points and access certain federal facilities and nuclear plants starting 7 May, except for those of five states which rolled out Enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs over a decade ago.
These states include Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. The EDL/EIDs are an acceptable alternative to Real ID-complaint documents as they show proof of identity and proof of citizenship. Instead of a star, they can be identified by having an image of the US flag and the word ‘Enhanced’ at the top of the card.
Real ID, or Enhanced, identification documents will be required to get through security at the airports, as well as enter federal buildings (except publicly accessible areas such as those of the Smithsonian Museum), military bases and nuclear facilities
Born in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, REAL IDs are now here. On May 7, 2025, to board a domestic flight in the United States, access certain federal facilities, or enter a nuclear power plant with a state-issued ID, it will need to be a REAL ID.
— PBS News (@NewsHour) April 10, 2025
Why REAL… pic.twitter.com/a6lKcWFa0K
Other forms of ID that can be used at TSA checkpoints
All adults passengers 18 and older must show some form of acceptable identification at airport checkpoints starting 7 May, 2025. Minors will not be required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States says the Department of Homeland Security on its REAL ID frequently asked questions website.
The Transportation Security Administration provides a list of identification documents that can be used instead of a REAL ID. They include the following:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License ( currently only Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
If you have one of the above indentification documents, you can carry on with our regular driver’s license or ID card issued by your state, if you want to fly on a commercial flight. Your standard driver’s license is valid for everyday driving as well. However, to avoid hassles it is recommendable to get a Real ID-complaint card to prove identification.
How to check if your driver’s license of identification document is REAL ID compliant
The United States has been working on rolling out REAL IDs for some time now, it was originally supposed to be mandatory in 2021. However, the covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in those plans and the enforcement date was pushed back to 7 May, 2025.
REAL ID is not a federal identification document. Instead they are state identification cards and driver’s licenses that are compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act. If it has a gold or black star in the upper right corner, you already have a REAL ID and don’t need to take any further action.
How to get a REAL ID
To obtain your REAL ID, follow these steps:
- Visit your state’s DMV website – Each state manages its own REAL ID process, so find your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office online.
- Schedule an in-person appointment – Unlike standard renewals, this process requires an in-person visit.
- Bring the required documents, which typically include:
- Proof of identity (such as a valid passport or birth certificate).
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement).
- Complete the application and pay the required fee – Costs vary by state.
For further details and updates, visit the official REAL ID website or check your local DMV’s guidance.
With the deadline quickly approaching, now is the time to ensure you have the proper identification to avoid any travel or driving disruptions. Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your REAL ID today!
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