If you haven’t upgraded to a REAL ID yet, now is the time to do so. Beginning May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card for travelers aged 18 and older to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Originally scheduled for an earlier rollout, the deadline was extended to ensure more Americans have adequate time to obtain their updated identification.
For Members attending the Academy Spring Summit, which ends on May 5, 2025, this new requirement is particularly important if you plan to extend your trip or fly home after the event. Ensuring you have a REAL ID in advance will help avoid travel disruptions.
What Is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to set minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. A REAL ID is a more secure form of identification, designed to reduce identity fraud and enhance national security.
If your current driver’s license or state-issued ID does not have a gold or black star in the top right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant. Some states use a bear with a star or another state-specific symbol, but the presence of a verification mark indicates compliance.
Who Needs a REAL ID?
If you plan to:
- Fly domestically within the United States
- Enter federal buildings or secure facilities that require ID
- Visit military bases (if applicable to you)
then you will need a REAL ID, a U.S. passport, or another TSA-approved form of identification after May 7, 2025.
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person and provide specific documents, which generally include:
- Proof of Identity (e.g., valid passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form)
- Two Proofs of Residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement)
- Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable, such as a marriage certificate or court order)
Check with your state’s DMV website to confirm the exact requirements, as they may vary slightly.
Do You Need a REAL ID If You Have a Passport?
No. If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you do not need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. However, many people choose to get a REAL ID for convenience, especially if they do not want to carry a passport for domestic travel.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025?
If you try to board a domestic flight after the deadline and do not have a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), you will not be allowed to fly. Similarly, access to certain federal buildings and secure facilities will be denied without proper identification.
REAL ID Readiness: Key Steps to Avoid Travel Delays
- Check Your ID Now – Look for a gold or black star on your driver’s license or state ID. If you don’t see it, your ID may not be REAL ID-compliant.
- Make an Appointment Early – DMV offices will get busier as the deadline approaches. Schedule an appointment now to avoid long wait times.
- Gather Your Documents in Advance – Each state has slightly different requirements, but you’ll generally need proof of identity, a Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Check your state’s DMV website for specifics.
- Consider Alternatives – If you already have a valid passport or another TSA-approved ID, you may not need a REAL ID for flying, but it’s still useful for other federal purposes.
- Verify Your Name Matches – Ensure that the name on your documents matches your ID exactly, especially if you’ve had name changes due to marriage or other legal reasons.
- Bring Originals, Not Copies – Most states require original documents (or certified copies) when applying for a REAL ID.
- Check for Enhanced Licenses – Some states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), which also serve as REAL ID-compliant identification.
- Plan for Extra Processing Time – Even if you apply in advance, processing times can vary. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Spread the Word – Remind family and colleagues, especially those attending the Academy Spring Summit, so they don’t run into travel issues if extending their stay past May 5.
- Double-Check Before Your Trip – If you’re unsure about your ID status, confirm with your state’s DMV and review TSA guidelines before heading to the airport.
Don’t Wait – Upgrade Your ID Now
With the deadline approaching, DMVs nationwide will likely experience long wait times as more people rush to get their REAL ID. To avoid last-minute stress, make an appointment at your DMV well in advance of May 7, 2025.
For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official REAL ID page or check your state’s DMV website.