Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about whether a regular driver’s license can be used as a Real ID. The short answer? Only if your license is Real ID-compliant.
Curious? Let’s dive deeper.
What Is a Real ID?
The Real ID Act is a federal law passed after 9/11 to improve security standards for state-issued identification like driver’s licenses. The law sets higher security requirements, aiming to make identification more secure and to protect against terrorism.
The enforcement of the Real ID Act has been delayed several times, mostly due to the pandemic, but the deadline is finally here: Starting May 7, 2025, if you’re 18 or older, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another valid ID (like a passport) to pass through TSA security at the airport for domestic flights.
So, what does this mean for you and your driver’s license?
How Can I Tell If My Driver’s License is Real ID-Compliant?
Check your driver’s license carefully. If you see a star in the upper right corner, you’re all set. That little star means your license meets the federal Real ID standards.
If there’s no star, then it’s just a regular driver’s license, and come May 2025, you won’t be able to use it to board domestic flights or access certain federal buildings.
How Do I Get a Real ID?
Upgrading your driver’s license to a Real ID isn’t complicated, but it does require a visit to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Be sure to bring these documents with you:
- Proof of Identity (like a birth certificate or a valid passport)
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements)
It’s a good idea to visit your state’s DMV website before heading in, as rules and required documents can vary slightly by state.
Will I Face Delays Without a Real ID?
If you’re flying soon and don’t have a Real ID or any other acceptable form of ID, you may face significant delays. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated that passengers without a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted ID could face extra screening or might not be allowed past the security checkpoint. This includes passengers with TSA PreCheck.
According to the TSA, “Passengers without acceptable ID should plan to arrive about three hours early for verification.” That’s a long wait. And if you don’t cooperate with the identity verification process, you might be denied entry to the security checkpoint.
What Happens if I Don’t Have an Acceptable ID?
If you forget to get your Real ID and only have a regular driver’s license, you might have to go through extra procedures. A TSA officer will ask for more personal information, such as your name and current address, to confirm your identity. If your identity can be verified, you’ll be allowed into the security checkpoint, but expect more scrutiny.
If you decline to cooperate or if your identity can’t be confirmed, you won’t be allowed to pass through the security screening, so make sure you have the proper ID to avoid a stressful airport experience.
My Experience with Real ID
I always carry my passport when I travel, so I haven’t needed a Real ID. I tried to get one once, but I forgot an important document and just renewed my regular driver’s license instead.
Interestingly, I’ve seen some posts from travelers who have faced confusion with TSA officers. Some didn’t realize that a passport is a valid ID and tried to insist that it wasn’t.
I was surprised to see this, as passports are widely accepted for air travel, but the situation shows how important it is to be aware of the ID rules to avoid complications.