Still need a REAL ID? Here’s what to know

(NEXSTAR) — In just a few months, a new rule will take effect in the U.S. requiring those flying domestically to have a REAL ID-compliant ID (unless they already have one).

Starting in early May, you will need a REAL ID in order to board a domestic flight, as well as visit certain federal facilities or enter a nuclear power plant. This comes from a bill passed by Congress roughly 20 years ago in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that called for certain minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

Once the REAL ID requirement kicks in, federal agencies like TSA will be prohibited from accepting state-issued IDs that do not meet the necessary standards.

Thankfully, many states have been issuing REAL ID-compliant IDs for years, which means there is a good chance you already have one. The quickest way to tell is by looking at your driver’s license or state-issued ID: if there is a star — it will be either black or gold, appear as a star or a cutout — your ID is a REAL ID.

If your ID is star-less, you may want to start the process of getting a REAL ID soon. Here’s what you should know.

What do you need to get a REAL ID?

For most Americans, getting a REAL ID should be relatively easy. At minimum, you’ll need to provide documentation that shows your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address for your principal residence, and your lawful status.

Four documents — your birth certificate and your Social Security card (or, in some cases, just the number), plus a bill and a pay stub — could help you meet all of those requirements. You may, however, need different or additional documents depending on your situation.

If you changed your name, for example, you will need to provide proof of that change. That could include a marriage certificate, a U.S. passport with your current name, or a record of divorce, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (acceptable documents for a name change may vary by state).

Maybe there are no household bills with your name on them, and you do not receive a paycheck. In that case, your state should have a list of alternative documents that will serve as acceptable forms of proving your residency. 

That could include a valid hunting license, a bank statement, a medical bill, a change of address through the U.S. Postal Service, a photo ID from an accredited college or university, an employee photo ID, or a tribal ID. Again, the accepted proof of residency documents — and whether you need the original or a copy will work — may vary.

Which states have additional document requirements for a REAL ID?

As previously mentioned, some states may ask you to provide more information than the federal minimum. 

In Texas, for example, vehicle owners must also provide current insurance and registration for their vehicles. Similarly, those getting a driver’s license in North Carolina need to provide proof of liability insurance.

New Jersey uses a “6 Points of ID model,” which assigns “points” based on the type of documents being submitted. So, in addition to two documents proving residency and a valid Social Security number, applicants must provide documents that add up to six “points.” This could include an unexpired U.S. passport and an FAA pilot license, worth four and two points, respectively. Some documents used in the first steps can be used again to tally points, like an unexpired photo driver's license and a Social Security card, combined with an unexpired U.S. passport.

When do you need a REAL ID to fly?

If you do not have a star on your ID, your license is still valid and you will still be able to fly until the May 7, 2025 deadline. Once the deadline passes, if you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to provide another form of identification, like a U.S. passport or military ID, to board a plane.

Some states — Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont —  issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and enhanced driver’s licenses (Washington only issues the latter). These include a chip that can make it easier to enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol — REAL IDs cannot be used for crossing the borders.

State-enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag rather than a star and will be accepted at airport security checkpoints when the federal REAL ID enforcement date arrives, officials say.

Minors flying with an adult do not need a REAL ID, the Department of Homeland Security notes.
REAL IDs are also optional. You will not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits like Social Security, enter a federal facility that otherwise does not require an ID (like a post office), go to a hospital, or “participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations,” like jury duty.