The Real ID Act was formulated in the wake of September 11 and was passed by Congress in May 2005. It was an Act of Congress that modified the U.S. federal law that is in charge of the security, authentication and issuing of ID documents, such as driving licenses and birth certificates.
The Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to the federal government. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet the established standards.
States have been implementing the necessary changes to meeting the key recommendation made BY the 9/11 Commission. By May 7, 2025, all states must comply with this new regulation.
The following is implemented by the Real ID Act:
The goal of the act was to eliminate airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents that allow a person to take domestic flights.
Due to the Real ID Act, state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and a valid Social Security Number before they can issue a license or ID.
The cards themselves are built using new technology, making them more difficult to forge.
It has taken the federal government almost 15 years to fully implement the act. The process has been gradual as each state has a different status. However, all states must be in compliance with the act by May 7th, 2025. U.S. residents will need to meet the REAL ID requirements in order to get theirs.
In December 2022 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the deadline for citizens to swap their old ID for a REAL ID had been extended to May 7, 2025.
Originally the cut off date had been set for October 1, 2021, and then extended to May 2023 before being extended once more.
This change has been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited the ability for DMVs across the country to respond to the usual volumes of applications.
You do not yet need a REAL ID to fly in 2022. If you’re a U.S. resident taking a domestic flight, you’ll be able to show one of TSA’s approved identification documents. For any international flights, you’ll need to show a passport.
However, beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 years or older will require a REAL ID-compliant identification to pass through TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.
This will cover all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S.territories. A passport will still be required to fly internationally, and a REAL ID will not be accepted as a substitute for your passport.
You can check if an identification document is REAL ID-compliant by looking if there’s a star at the top of the document. If you’re unsure, contact your state driver’s license office on how to get a REAL ID card.
The REAL ID ACT was established to prevent identity theft and increase national security. However, what does the REAL ID Act mean for travelers?
As of May 7th, 2053, anyone who is a resident in the United States will need to have a Real ID identification to pass through TSA security at airport checkpoints.
The easiest way to know if you really need a REAL ID is if you are planning to travel by airplane or visit federal facilities. It should be noted, however, that if you have one of the following documents, you do not need a REAL ID card:
If you plan on taking domestic flights, you will always need to carry a federally approved document.
Residents in the United States should note that a Federal Non-Compliant card:
The table below sums up the differences between a standard ID or driver's license and a real ID or driver's license.
| Differences between standard ID and Real ID | ||
| Purpose | Standard ID / Driver's License | Real ID / Driver's License |
|---|---|---|
| General identification | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Driving | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Boarding a domestic flight (after May 7, 2025) | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Entering a federal facility or military base | ❌ | ✔️ |
Source: PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
To get a REAL ID card you will need to visit a DMV office with the required documents. You can complete your driver’s license application online.
A gold or black star in the top right corner will identify your document as a federal compliant REAL ID driver's license and identification card. If your ID does not have a star verify with your state to make sure you have a federal compliant ID.
It is possible that you may already have a REAL ID, as some states have been issuing them for a few years now.
No, a birth certificate is not a form of REAL ID. This campaign aims to replace government photo ID with harder to forge copies and a birth certificate does not fit that criteria.
However, you can use your birth certificate as an official form of ID when replacing your current driver's license or photo ID with a REAL ID compliant replacement. This will need to be presented during the application process.
If you don’t already have a REAL ID, there are a few steps you can take to get it. Be sure to read about the Real ID requirements and how to proceed.
At this time, all states are either in compliance with the Real ID Act or have an extension. The alternative to a REAL ID are a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
If you apply for a REAL ID, note that you will still need to obtain a U.S. passport in order to travel abroad.
Getting a REAL ID can be more complicated if the name on your birth certificate does not match the name on your ID.
There are many reasons why the names may not match, including marriage and legal name changes.
If you have a different name on your birth certificate to the name on your driving license, passport, or other type of ID, then you have 2 options when applying for your REAL ID:
The protocol may vary depending on the state you’re in. If you’re unsure of your options, you can contact your local DMV office.
When some women get married and take their partner’s surname, they change their maiden name to their middle name. Though a marriage certificate proves the change in surname, it does not explain the change in middle name.
This can cause problems when applying for a REAL ID, as the change may not have been officially recorded.
Due to many occurrences, many DMV offices now make allowances for this type of name change. However, you’re recommended to contact your local DMV to check their policy.
If you still need to get your REAL ID, but you do not have a copy of your birth certificate, you can easily request a birth certificate replacement online. The simple application process allows you to quickly request a government issued certified copy of your birth certificate in minutes.
