The deadline has arrived for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID requirement, folks! If you wanna catch a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, you better have your Real ID ready by May 7, 2025. TSA agents at U.S. airports will be enforcing this bad boy, so you better get your act together.
“Good Morning America” has all the juicy details you need to make sure your ID is on point. What even is a Real ID, you ask? Well, it’s a federal law that Congress passed back in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission was all like, “Hey, let’s set some standards for IDs like driver’s licenses.” DHS is the one who’s laying down the rules for what IDs you can use to board flights in the U.S. and access cool places like military bases and federal courthouses.
Getting a Real ID ain’t no walk in the park, my friends. You gotta show proof of who you are, where you live, and then take a trip down to your local DMV. Each state has its own requirements, so make sure to check out the DHS website for all the nitty-gritty details.
All 50 states, DC, and five territories are handing out Real IDs like candy. This thing has been delayed a bunch of times thanks to COVID-19, but now the clock is ticking. You’ve got less than a week to get your hands on this shiny new ID.
Now, the big question on everyone’s mind: Can you travel without a Real ID? Well, according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, you can still fly domestically without one. But, you’ll have to go through some extra screening. Noem said, “You may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly.”
Applying for a Real ID is no joke, y’all. You gotta show proof of your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of address and lawful status. Make sure you have all your docs in a row before you head to the DMV.
The Real ID requirement kicks in on May 7, 2025. If you wanna get on a domestic flight or access certain federal spots, you better have a Real ID or another approved ID like a passport. TSA and other federal agencies will only accept IDs from states that follow the Real ID security standards.
Enhanced driver’s licenses from a few states are also A-OK for Real ID purposes. These include licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Check out the DHS website for the full list of acceptable IDs.
What does a Real ID even look like, you ask? It’s pretty much the same as your regular state ID, but it’s got a little star marking to show it’s compliant. Some states might have a few extra touches, like California’s golden bear with a star on its side. If your ID says “federal limits apply,” you won’t be catching any flights after the deadline.
Now, here’s the kicker: Real ID doesn’t replace your passport for international travel. But, you can use your passport for domestic flights and access federal spots without any extra fuss. Check out the DHS website for more FAQs about Real ID.
So there you have it, folks. Get your Real ID in order before May 7, 2025, or you might be stuck in the slow lane at the airport. Happy travels!
