Real ID Deadline: What to Know and How to Get One
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The deadline to obtain a Real ID is here after 20 years of delays.
Starting on May 7, 2025, the Real ID Act will be enforced by TSA agents at U.S. airports for anyone flying domestically.
AslineswraparoundtheblockatDMVsaroundthecountryfromtherushtogetRealIDs,hereiswhattoknowaboutobtainingoneandwhatidentificationyou’llneedifyoudon’thaveoneandplantoflydomesticallystartingonMay7.
WhatistheRealID?CongresspassedtheRealIDActin2005,whichestablishedhighersecuritystandardsforstate-issuedidentificationcardsontherecommendationofthe9/11Commission.
TheenforcementoftheacthadbeenpushedbackfordecadesbutisnowsettogointoeffectonMay7inall50states,theDistrictofColumbiaandfiveU.S.territories.
ExampleofaRealID.TODAYTheRealIDisastate-issueddriver’slicenseoridentificationcardthatmeetsthesecuritystandardslaidoutintheRealIDAct.
U.S.travelersmusthaveaRealIDtoboardafederallyregulatedcommercialplaneandentersomefederalfacilities.Thosewhoneedtoenteranuclearpowerplantwillalsoberequiredtocarry
