Five states have an acceptable alternative to the Real ID. (DHS). With just days left until the May 7, 2025, deadline for IDs to comply with federal Real ID standards, millions of Americans are rushing to update their documents to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
The law, which was developed following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and was passed by Congress in 2005, aims to establish a uniform identification standard across all 50 states.
While for most Americans obtaining a Real ID-compliant license is now essential, residents of five states have a document that simplifies the process and serves as an acceptable alternative to the Real ID for boarding commercial flights, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Which states don’t need the Real ID?
Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington have an alternative that simplifies the process: the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). These licenses, easily recognizable by displaying an image of the US flag and the word “Enhanced”, automatically meet REAL ID standards.
David Pekoske, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), stated in January that “identity verification is critical to security” and urged citizens to ensure their credentials comply with the new regulations
Pekoske emphasized that those using driver’s licenses or state ID cards as their primary form of identification for travel or accessing federal buildings should update them as soon as possible.
The EDLs, in addition to being accepted for domestic flights, allow their holders to cross by land or sea into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, they do not replace a passport for international air travel. According to the Michigan Department of State, “enhanced licenses are automatically Real ID-compliant, even if they do not display the star,” which indicates compliance.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed that its enhanced licenses meet federal standards and clarified that applicants must be US citizens and at least 16 years old.
In Vermont, DMV Deputy Commissioner Matthew Rousseau explained that those who already have an enhanced license retain a valid credential for domestic flights. “Vermont began spreading awareness about the upcoming Real ID deadline in January 2014,” Rousseau added during an interview with Newsweek.
The Real ID deadline is approaching
In Washington, the Department of Licensing clarified that Real ID is a federal regulation, not a specific type of identification, and that EDLs meet the established security requirements. Other accepted forms of identification in the state include a US passport, permanent resident card, and credentials issued by federally recognized tribes.
Mark J.F. Schroeder, commissioner of the New York DMV, stressed that “If you have an upcoming flight, now is the time to get your Real ID. We are just weeks away from the deadline, and you can avoid delays by getting it now. Scheduling an appointment online is the best way to get in and out of a DMV office quickly.”
For those who still do not have a compliant ID, authorities recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible and bringing documents such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or proof of legal presence in the country, as well as any documents supporting a name change if necessary.
As May 7, 2025, approaches, millions of Americans will need to act to ensure their identification documents comply with the new federal standards or risk being stranded at airports and federal buildings.
Image: Infobae
