REAL ID deadline is almost here: What to do if you don’t have one yet

Don't have your REAL ID yet? Follow these steps

By Kelly Baker Published May 2, 2025 8:58 AM

Person about to get in line at the airport. — Song_about_summer/Shutterstock / Shutterstock

If you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet, it’s time to stop procrastinating. The deadline is May 7, 2025, according to the DHS, and once it hits, you’ll need a REAL ID (or a valid passport) to board domestic flights and access certain federal buildings. That quick weekend getaway or work trip could get a lot more complicated if you show up at the airport with the wrong ID.

So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a state-issued driver’s license or ID that meets federal security standards established after 9/11. It looks pretty similar to your current license, but it’ll have a little star in the upper corner, which is how you know it’s compliant.

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To get your REAL ID, you’ll need to visit your state’s DMV or licensing agency in person and bring a few key documents. These typically include:

Proof of identity (like a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate)
Proof of Social Security number (such as your Social Security card or a W-2)
Two documents showing your current address (like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements)

Requirements can vary slightly by state, so check your local DMV website ahead of time to make sure you bring everything you need. And don’t wait – appointments are booking up quickly as the deadline approaches.

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you can still fly, but only if you bring an alternative form of acceptable ID, like a passport. But honestly, it might just be easier to upgrade your license and be done with it.

Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.

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