“Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,” said department secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a statement on April 27, 2021. “…extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.” What does that mean for travelers? Starting May 3, 2023, the ID options that many Americans have been using (such as their standard driver’s license or state photo ID card) at TSA security checkpoints and to board a plane will no longer be valid forms of identification for domestic air travel. Instead, jet-setters 18 years and older need to acquire and present “a Real ID–compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification” to get through security and fly domestically. Here to walk through everything you need to know, including the best way to get a Real ID and anticipated travel restrictions for anyone who hasn’t obtained theirs by the 2023 deadline, is travel industry expert Werner G. Kunz, co-CEO of Fareportal, the travel tech company behind global travel brands like CheapOair and OneTravel. The Real ID will fully replace your current ID and serve all the same purposes. However, Kunz says for non-travelers in some states, the standard ID will still be valid for all other age-related purposes, including driving, voting, and buying alcohol. “It’s worth noting that some states, such as Maryland, are initiating a permanent transition to Real ID,” Kunz adds. If unsure about what’s valid and where contact your state legislation office for clarification. Keep in mind that the Real ID is only valid for domestic travel in the U.S., and that a passport or passport card is still required for all international travel. In every state that’s compliant to issue Real IDs, the DMV is the only place to obtain one—and you do have to go in person. It can be a drag, but it’s a necessary evil, and everyone who needs one is in the same boat. Hopefully, the deadline extension provides you and your local DMV enough time to plan accordingly and make appointments. One simple thing you can do to make your life easier is book an appointment; the DMV will already have long lines and wait times from others hoping to upgrade their ID. Another common-sense tip Kunz cannot stress enough: Come prepared with all the correct documentation. Here’s a list of all physical documents to bring with you to the DMV:
Passport or birth certificate—no photocopies!Social Security (SS) card OR a document that shows your SS number (like a W-2 form)Two documents proving your residency and street address (such as utility bills)A form of payment: Cash, check, or a debit card are all acceptable (“Please keep in mind that the fee could vary from state to state but will almost certainly be under $50,” Kunz says.)Certain states may require additional materials, so check your state DMV website for details.
Finally, see if you can submit your necessary documents online before heading to the DMV. The Department of Homeland Security has allowed some states to accept required documents for Real ID applications digitally, ahead of people’s in-person interviews. Applicants who submit their docs digitally still need to go to the DMV in person, but this capability can hopefully speed up the process significantly. “If your license or non-drivers ID has a gold or black star on the top right corner, you’re all set,” Kunz says. “Unfortunately, a small number of states, including Hawaii, Ohio, Utah, and Tennessee, issued compliant IDs without the star, so it’s best to contact your state legislation office if you’re unsure.” For a complete list of acceptable forms of ID, including Real ID–compliant driver’s licenses, visit the TSA identification webpage. “My main piece of advice is to start the process ASAP,” Kunz says. “DMV wait times are only going to get longer as the May 3, 2023 deadline gets closer. I would also strongly recommend researching the specific requirements in your state, as they can differ. It’s always best to be over prepared than surprised when dealing with any sort of identification process.” Just get it done—you’ll thank yourself later.
