The federal government has been pushing back the date for when you need a REAL ID to fly. That is coming to an end, since they are saying that you’ll need one starting May 7, 2025.
What this all means is that you will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, like a passport or passport card, to get through TSA. If you don’t have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, you’ll not be able to get on your flight.
You can see all of the acceptable forms of identification that will get you through TSA by clicking the following link.
What is a Real ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The commission that created the Act said that getting a driver’s license was too easy to get since the terrorists used state IDs and driver’s license.
The Act that was passed in 2005 set standards for states to follow as it comes to issuing state IDs. Initially, the Act was supposed to begin in 2008. That date has been pushed back until now.
It wasn’t until 2020 that all 50 states became compliant with the federal government standards. Beside airports, you will need a REAL ID to enter certain federal buildings as well as nuclear power plants.
You may have a REAL ID and don’t even know it. If your driver’s license has a star or a bear in the corner then you already have one.
How Can You Get a REAL ID?
When you renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID compliant. You will need to go to your state’s driver’s license website to see what documentation that you will need to get a REAL ID. In most situations, your state will require you to bring the following items:
- Proof of Identity: You can bring a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Green Card if you aren’t a U.S. citizen.
- Social Security Number: You can bring your social security card, a W-2, a SSA-1099, or a pay stub with your name and social security number on it.
- Proof of Residency: Depending on the state you may be asked to show a deed, mortgage statement, lease statement, utility bills, or bank statements with your name and address on it.
You’ll need to visit your state’s website to see if there is any additional documentation that you will need to bring.
Who Needs to Have a REAL ID?
If you are 18 years or older, you will need to have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of identification to be able to travel domestically.
How Much Does It Cost?
The costs of a REAL ID varies from state to state. I live in Ohio and a 4 year REAL ID is $24.50 and an 8 year REAL ID costs $48.
Will You Be Denied Going Through TSA Beginning May 7th?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, beginning May 7, 2025, if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification, you won’t be allowed to pass through TSA checkpoints..
TSA themselves have said that they are going to take a phased in approach. You will get a warning if you don’t have a REAL ID. You will also have to go through a more thorough screening process.
It’s best to get a REAL ID or other form of identification that will help you get through TSA. The last thing that you’ll want to do is leave your fate to a government agency.
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