By Nick DeGray and Addy Bink - 05/08/24

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP/NEXSTAR) — In roughly a year, you’ll need a special identification card, known as a REAL ID, in order to fly domestically, visit certain federal facilities, or enter a nuclear power plant.

Enforcement of these federally-approved IDs was set to begin in 2020, but was delayed multiple times because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Current guidance from the Department of Homeland Security says REAL ID enforcement will begin on May 7, 2025.

Luckily, you may already have a REAL ID-compliant card. If you don’t, you still have time to get one — but you may want to act fast.
What is a REAL ID?

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the federal government called for certain security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards. In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to enact those standards.
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While states had varying levels of standards pre-2005, proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal residency, and two forms verifying your address are required before issuing a driver’s license or ID card.

Under the REAL ID Act, federal agencies such as TSA are not allowed to accept state-issued IDs unless they meet those standards. A REAL ID-compliant card is marked with a star, but more on that in a moment.
Do you already have a REAL ID?

In the years after Congress passed the REAL ID Act, many states began issuing compliant IDs, which means you likely already have one.

As mentioned above, REAL IDs are denoted with a star, which may vary in appearance depending on where you live. Generally, the star will be black or gold, and could appear instead as a cutout of a star — or, in California’s case, as a cut-out star in a bear. You can see an example from Kansas below.

Those who opt out of getting a REAL ID will be issued licenses with a “Federal Limits Apply” note in place of the star.
I don’t have a REAL ID — how do I get one?

Lacking a star-studded ID? Have no fear — you still have roughly a year before you need one. Still, officials are encouraging non-REAL ID holders to start the process now in anticipation of an influx of REAL ID-seeking applicants.

You’ll need to provide proof of legal name, Social Security number, residency, and two forms of your address. All documents must be originals as photocopies and laminated documents will not be accepted. A document cannot be used to prove more than one requirement, either.
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Acceptable documents for these cards include a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, valid permanent resident card, U.S. certificate of naturalization, unexpired employment authorization document, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Your local transportation office or department of motor vehicle agency may have additional information, as well as guidance on how to apply for a REAL ID.

Officials nationwide have encouraged residents to apply sooner rather than later to avoid a rush of applicants who may wait until early 2025.
Acceptable ID for TSA Checkpoints

REAL ID will only be required on a flight if you are using a license to identify yourself, but there are several types of identifications TSA will accept instead. That includes a U.S. passport or passport card, a trusted traveler card from the Department of Homeland Security, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, or any of the below IDs:

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
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 don’t yet have a REAL ID, you’ll still be able to fly, access certain federal facilities, or enter a nuclear power plant through 2024. But, once the May 7, 2025, deadline arrives, anyone 18 years old and older will require a REAL ID to pass through airports across the country.