The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the deadline for getting a Real ID is the 7th of May 2025. In case they fail to do so, they’ll not have the option to use their old driver’s license as their identification to board flights. If you are someone who needs more information about the Real ID deadline approaching on May 7, this article is for you. It brings you everything you need to know about the deadline, including information about which card qualifies as a Real ID. The article also includes information about what will happen if you fail to get a Real ID before the May 7 deadline.
What Exactly Is A Real ID, Which Is Now Compulsory For Domestic Travels?
The 9/11 Commission, which was established under former President George W. Bush back in 2002, first came up with the idea of Real IDs. The commission recommended that the federal government set standards for issuing sources of identification, like driver’s licenses and identification cards. Real IDs were also made necessary for those wanting access to several federal facilities and nuclear power plants, along with boarding domestic flights. The Real ID Act was officially passed and became a law in 2005, but the enforcement was delayed many times over the past years due to various reasons. According to what Homeland Security has stated, Real IDs are just to verify your identity and not prove your citizenship.
How To Identify Real IDs?
The Real IDs will reportedly be easy to identify as they will have a particular marking located on the upper half of the identity cards. Homeland Security has clarified that the IDs that do not have the particular marking are not considered as Real IDs. TSA will not accept such a card for identification proof for boarding a domestic commercial flight. However, it is also important to note that the markings on Real IDs vary depending on the State that issued them. For instance, Real IDs issued in California are going to feature a gold grizzly bear along with a white star cutout on them. On the other hand, Real IDs issued in New York will have a star on the US flag.
How Do We Obtain A Real ID For Travelling?
The process you will have to follow to obtain a Real ID also varies depending on the State issuing them. For instance, you will have to apply in person at an Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles in case you live in Alaska. You will also have to submit a document that provides primary information like your birth name and US citizenship status.
On the other hand, if you live in Texas, you will have to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety office to apply for a Real ID-compliant card. Some applicants may also get an opportunity to renew their driver’s license or ID digitally.
Homeland Security has officially specified that people will have to present documents that provide information such as their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of principal residence address, and legal status, to obtain a Real ID.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Have A Real ID While Traveling After May 7 Deadline?
The window for applications to get a Real ID will stay open all the time even though the 7th May deadline has passed. However, it is important to get a Real ID if you are planning to travel after 7th of May or else will face severe troubles in boarding domestic flights and may even lose access to several federal buildings. The TSA has exempted those under the age of 18 from the requirement of possessing a Real ID for travelling. In case you are above 18 and do not have a Real ID, a TSA officer may have you go through a long and time taking process to verify your identity. They will have to collect your information, such as your name and current address, for the verification of your identity. If your identity is true, you can then head towards the screening checkpoint, where you will have to go through additional screening. If you refuse to cooperate and not provide the information necessary for your identity verification, you cannot enter the security checkpoint.
