Real ID Travel Guide: What Every Traveler Needs to Know

Key Features of Real ID

Several key features of a Real ID are designed to enhance security and standardize identification across U.S. states. Here’s what travelers should know:

• Secure Verification Process: To obtain a Real ID, applicants need to provide more robust proof of identity than is typically required for driver’s licenses and other state IDs. Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to confirm. Generally, however, you’ll need to provide the items listed below under “How to Obtain a Real ID.”
• Identification Markings: Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs typically feature a star in the upper right corner, which will either be gold or black, depending on the state. This is your visual cue that the ID meets federal standards. IDs without this star are not valid for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

In What Situations Do I Need a Real ID?

You will need a Real ID if you plan on:

• Flying domestically after May 7, 2025. (If you have other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport, you may not need a Real ID for air travel. However, having a Real ID can simplify the identification process.) NOTE: A Real ID is not valid for international travel. You still need a passport for that.
• Accessing certain federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants.

How to Obtain a Real ID

To enjoy Real ID travel, you’ll need to gather the necessary documents. According to the Department of Homeland Security, you’ll need documentation that verifies:

• Proof of identity: This includes documents such as a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate that displays your full legal name and date of birth.
• Social Security number (SSN): This includes your Social Security card or a W-2 form displaying your full SSN.
• Address of principal residence: Documents such as a utility bill, bank statement or pay stub with your current address.
• Lawful status: For non-U.S. citizens, appropriate immigration documents are required.

Check Your State’s Requirements: Visit your state’s DMV website for specific instructions and documentation requirements. The Department of Homeland Security also has a handy map that links directly to Real ID requirements for each state’s DMV site.

Visit the DMV: Schedule an appointment if necessary, and bring the required documents to apply for a Real ID.

Tip: As you probably know, trips to the DMV can involve long lines and long waits. Experts say that the best times to visit are before the lunch hour, in the middle of the week and, ideally, not in the first or last week of the month.

Pay the Fee: There may be a fee associated with obtaining a Real ID, which varies by state.

Domestic Travel with a Real ID: What to Expect at Airports

With the Real ID travel requirement date of May 7, 2025, having passed, those without a Real ID may be unable to board a domestic flight. However, there are a few workarounds to using a Real ID if you plan to travel without one. Travelers can use a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, permanent resident card, or certain trusted traveler cards issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

That said, domestic travel with a Real ID, although optional, is recommended, as it can help ensure a smoother process when passing through TSA checkpoints. So, what can you expect after the Real ID travel requirement date? One of the goals of this program is to speed up the security process at TSA checkpoints. When you arrive at the airport and present your Real ID to the TSA agent, it will be recognized as a secure form of identification nationwide. This means you will not need additional documents for boarding domestic flights, such as a passport or other form of ID, if you have a Real ID.

However, travelers are still required to go through the standard TSA screening process, which includes passing through a body scanner and placing your bags on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. It’s important to note that a Real ID does not act as a passport. So, when it comes to Real ID for international travel, you will need a passport. Additionally, Real ID does not include TSA PreCheck benefits unless you are enrolled separately. 

Is a Real ID Required for International Travel? Here's What to Know

No, a Real ID for international travel is not required, as it cannot be used as a substitute for a passport when traveling outside the United States. One of the top tips for first-time travelers is to ensure you have all the necessary travel documentation to ensure a smooth travel experience, whether by air, land or sea. For international travel, a U.S. passport book is required, while a Real ID is only valid for domestic air travel or access to certain federal facilities.

Certain states, such as New York, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota and Washington, offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs). These are Real ID-compliant while also allowing U.S. citizens to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and certain Caribbean countries. However, EDLs are not valid for international air travel.

Real ID for Seniors: Special Considerations and Tips

There are several senior travel tips to keep in mind when preparing for a trip, and having the right travel documentation is one of them. Seniors planning to travel by air or access federal facilities may need to update their identification. 

So, do seniors need a Real ID? A Real ID for seniors depends. If you plan on flying domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID. However, if you have a valid U.S. passport or another federally accepted ID, you can use that in place of a Real ID. Or, if you don’t plan on flying domestically or accessing federal buildings that require identification, you won’t need to upgrade your existing ID.

Many seniors face hurdles due to missing or outdated documents, which can make it challenging to obtain a Real ID. Here are a few common issues and solutions for seniors:

• Lost birth certificate: Order a certified copy from your state’s vital records office.
• Name changes: Bring original or certified name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers.
• No Social Security card: Use a W-2 or SSA-1099 Form that shows your full SSN.
• Limited mail for proof of residence: Use utility bills, medical bills or official correspondence from a government agency, such as the IRS.

For seniors who even fly occasionally, getting a Real ID is a smart way to avoid travel disruptions. While the deadline is nearing, start the process as soon as possible to ensure you can navigate TSA checkpoints with ease.

Tips for Travelers

Are you preparing for domestic air travel in the future? If so, consider these essential travel tips to ensure your journey is stress-free:

• Check Your ID: Make sure your current ID is Real ID-compliant if you’re planning to travel after the deadline. An easy way to tell is to look for the star in the top right-hand corner of your ID.
• Carry a Passport: If you have one, it's always a good idea to carry your passport for air travel, as it can serve as an alternative form of ID. (Check that, too, to make sure it hasn’t expired!)
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on changes or updates to the Real ID Act, as requirements may evolve.
• Arrive at the airport early: We can expect some travelers to be unfamiliar with the new Real ID rules, which can lead to longer TSA lines. Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights, especially in the weeks after enforcement begins.
• Consider TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: If you’re a frequent flyer, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which helps you move through airport security faster.

Make Sure Your Next Trip Is Hassle-Free

Understanding the Real ID requirements is essential for any traveler in the U.S. Whether you opt for a Real ID or another accepted form of ID, being prepared will help you keep the focus where it should be: on a rewarding and memorable travel experience.