As of May 7, 2025, you will not be able to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID. The federal government has mandated this for enhanced security measures in air travel. The REAL ID program was established in 2005 to make air travel safer after 9/11, requiring higher scrutiny for identification and making it harder to forge IDs.
To obtain a REAL ID, you need to provide documentation showing your legal name and birthdate, social security number, proof of address, and lawful status. Renewing your license online is not an option as you need to physically go to the DMV for the new ID.
What must you do?
You must get the REAL ID before May 7, 2025, to continue flying domestically. The lines at the DMV may be long, but you can find creative ways to avoid waiting, like going to a less crowded location. Traveling without a REAL ID after the deadline will not be permitted.
If you have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID for domestic travel. However, for driver’s license renewal, you will eventually need to go through the process. It is recommended to take care of it sooner rather than later to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
Starting from May 7, 2025, it will be mandatory for all individuals to have a REAL ID in order to board a domestic flight in the United States. This requirement is a result of a federal law passed in 2005 to enhance air travel security. The REAL ID is designed to be harder to forge and requires individuals to provide specific documentation, including proof of identity, social security number, proof of address, and proof of lawful status. Renewing your license online will not suffice as you will need to visit the DMV to obtain a REAL ID. The process may involve long lines, so it is advisable to plan ahead and find alternative DMV locations with fewer people. Traveling without a REAL ID after the deadline will not be allowed, and having a passport can serve as an alternative for domestic travel. While obtaining a REAL ID may seem like a hassle, it is necessary for future domestic travel plans to avoid any inconveniences.
