- REAL ID-compliant cards will be required by May 7 for air travel, entry into certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. These cards have a special marking on the upper portion.
- Before visiting the DMV for a REAL ID, ensure you have the necessary paperwork such as a birth certificate or passport for proof of identity, and married women may need a certified marriage certificate for proof of name change.
- The TSA also accepts other forms of identification like passports, passport cards, and Global Entry cards at airport checkpoints, so rushing to get a new driver’s license may not be necessary if there are no immediate travel plans.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminded the public Friday, April 11, to obtain a REAL ID by May 7 if they plan to fly. The new rule, which has faced nearly two decades of delays, will soon be enforced.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a reminder on X, saying, “REAL IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists.”
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According to the DHS website, REAL ID-compliant cards feature a special marking on the upper portion. Cards lacking this marking are not REAL ID-compliant.
However, rushing to get a new driver’s license may not be necessary. If there are no immediate travel plans, the current driver’s license remains valid for driving. Likewise, the TSA has listed acceptable identifications for airport checkpoints, including passports, passport cards and Global Entry cards.
Before visiting the DMV, ensure you have the correct paperwork. Many DMV offices are accepting appointments. Married women applying for a REAL ID will likely need a certified copy of their marriage certificate to prove a legal name change. Additionally, a birth certificate or passport is typically required for primary proof of identity. Some states may also require certified copies of previous marriage certificates if the name has changed multiple times.
Aside from airports, REAL IDs will also be required at certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants, according to DHS.
