The implementation of the REAL ID regulation in the United States in May 2025 will bring significant changes to identification requirements for U.S. citizens who wish to board domestic flights, access specific federal facilities, and nuclear power plants.
- The implementation of the REAL ID regulation in the United States in May 2025 will bring significant changes to identification requirements for U.S. citizens who wish to board domestic flights, access specific federal facilities, and nuclear power plants.
- It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant identifications will not be required for children under 18 traveling within the United States when accompanied by an adult.
- When will the regulation take effect?
- How do I know if my license or ID card complies with the regulation?
- Additional facts about REAL ID:
This regulation establishes minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states, with the goal of enhancing security and consistency nationwide.
To comply with the REAL ID regulation and obtain a compliant identification, U.S. citizens must visit their state’s driver’s licensing agency and provide documentation that includes their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of primary residence address, and legal status in the country. Compliant IDs will be marked with a gold or black star at the top of the card, or a state-specific symbol.
It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant identifications will not be required for children under 18 traveling within the United States when accompanied by an adult.
However, those accompanying them must have an acceptable form of identification.
While REAL ID-compliant identifications will be mandatory for domestic flights and access to federal facilities, they will not be valid for crossing the border into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel. For these purposes, U.S. citizens will still need a passport.
The REAL ID regulation does not establish a national database of driver’s license information. Each jurisdiction will continue to issue its own licenses and control access to records independently.
The implementation of this regulation also affects the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards to certain non-citizens and undocumented immigrants. States may issue non-compliant cards to these individuals, which must be clearly distinguishable from compliant cards and will not be accepted for REAL ID purposes.
In summary, the REAL ID regulation sets security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states in the United States, aiming to improve security and consistency nationwide. Its implementation will have a significant impact on identification requirements for U.S. citizens who wish to travel within the country or access specific federal facilities.
When will the regulation take effect?
The enforcement date for the law is May 7, 2025. Starting on that date, driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet REAL ID standards will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights, entering federal facilities, or accessing nuclear power plants.
How can I get a REAL ID card?
To obtain a REAL ID card, you must visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency and provide the following documentation:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of primary residence address
- Legal status in the country
How do I know if my license or ID card complies with the regulation?
REAL ID cards will have one of the following marks at the top of the card: a gold or black star, or a state-specific symbol. If the card does not have one of these marks, it is not REAL ID-compliant.
What if I don’t have a REAL ID card?
If you do not have a REAL ID card, you can still fly domestically using other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport or military ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, these forms of identification will not be accepted for entering federal facilities or accessing nuclear power plants.
Where can I find more information about REAL ID?
You can find more information about REAL ID on the Department of Homeland Security website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Additional facts about REAL ID:
- The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11 attacks.
- All states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.
- Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID card to fly domestically if traveling with a companion.
- REAL ID cards cannot be used to cross the border into Canada or Mexico, nor for international travel.
- If you have an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), it will be accepted as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
- The Department of Homeland Security is not creating a national database with REAL ID card information.
- States that issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants may continue to do so.
- Citizens of the Freely Associated States are now eligible for a full-term driver’s license or identification card, rather than a temporary one.
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