Already in planning Planning a big vacation next year? If you’re flying within the US, you might want to add one more item to your to-do list: update your driver’s license to a Real ID. Anyone with a driver’s license that isn’t Real ID verified will not be able to board domestic US flights after May 7, 2025, so if you don’t have a passport, you’ll need to update your driver’s license immediately.
The regulatory changes have been two decades in the making. New identification standards were proposed by the 9/11 Commission following the September 11 attacks and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005. The original deadline for the changes was three years away, but has since been postponed multiple times. But despite past postponements, there has been no indication from the government that the current deadline of 2025 will be adjusted again.
Wondering what the new license will look like and how you can get yourself one before it expires? Here’s everything you need to know about switching to Real ID.
What does a real ID look like?
Don’t expect any major changes to the look of the ID, as it will look very similar to your old driver’s license. Take out your wallet and check to see if you have a Real ID with you. Star in the upper right corner of the license. This is the only major change.
Photo: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Just as each state has a different driver’s license design, the exact implementation of the Real ID star varies slightly from state to state. Most designs feature a gold circle with a white star embedded in the top right corner, but California has a gold bear surrounding the white star. And while many Real IDs feature gold, some states opt for a more muted color palette.
How do I get a Real ID?
To find out exactly what steps you need to take, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID renewal webpage and click on the state you live in. This will take you to another government website with more specific information from your state about the renewal process.
You probably have to do that. Apply for ID documents At your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, Bring sufficient documentation With you. The details may vary slightly from state to state, but to get an idea of how much documentation you’ll need to get a Real ID, let’s look at Missouri’s requirements as an example.
First, if you’re a Missouri resident, you’ll need proof of your Social Security number. This is usually a Social Security card, but it can also be a W-2 form. Next, you’ll need to show one form of identification and one document of lawful status. A valid passport or U.S. birth certificate will satisfy both requirements for this section. Next, you’ll need two different proofs of residency, such as a utility bill, employer pay stub, or auto insurance, to prove you actually live in the state. Finally, any name changes require additional documentation, such as a marriage license.
To avoid frustrating trips to and from the DMV and wasted time, double-check all of the paperwork you need before you go to the office. Some states may require you to make an appointment in advance to make the process go more smoothly (well, to make sure your DMV visit goes as smoothly as possible).
What else do you need a Real ID for?
Even though many Americans need to renew their driver’s licenses primarily for travel purposes, there are some exceptions where a Real ID is also required. According to DHS, a Real ID is also required to enter military bases and some federal buildings. A Real ID is also required if you are visiting a U.S. nuclear power plant.
