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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 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. Read Full Bio

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Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.