Already thinking about your next trip? If Europe is on your radar, you may already be aware of the upcoming travel requirement, known as ETIAS, to visit numerous European countries by 2025. By the same year, Americans will also need to take an extra step before taking a domestic flight.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), every U.S. traveler that is 18 years or older will need a Real ID by May 7, 2025 to board a commercial flight. Nonetheless, a new proposal suggests pushing the deadline back, as only 56% of Americans had driver’s licenses and ID cards that were REAL ID-compliant as of January 2024.
Now, what exactly is a REAL ID, how do you get a hold of one and when will the deadline be pushed back to? Here’s what you need to know:
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a federally recognized form of identification for domestic air travel and for entering various federal facilities, such as nuclear power plants. The card contains a star stamp on the right hand corner.
Why do I need a REAL ID?
Established by the Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, REAL IDs strengthen national security while setting a minimum standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards include “incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be,” according to DHS.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
You can easily check if your license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant by looking for a gold star on the upper right corner.
How can I get a REAL ID in Florida?
The good news is you probably have that gold star (a.k.a. a REAL ID) if you received a new or renewed Florida driver’s license or ID since January 2010. REAL ID cards are issued at your local DMV. At a minimum, you’ll need to provide documentation of your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence and legal status.
Will the REAL ID deadline be pushed back?
The DHS has extended the deadline for REAL IDs several times, with the current date set for May 7, 2025. However, the Transportation Security Administration is proposing a phased approach that wouldn’t exactly change the deadline, but would give TSA and other federal agencies the flexibility to decide whether they will require travelers to have their REAL IDs ready by May.
With only 56% of Americans having REAL IDs as of January 2024, DHS anticipates that many will be making the switch at the last possible minute, leading to issuance delays. So fliers hoping to get their REAL ID in time to travel by next year’s deadline might be out of luck in receiving their card on time.
The TSA’s proposed rule could provide agencies with an extra two years to fully enforce REAL IDs, until 2027. If the deadline is pushed back, this would be the fourth delay since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Get more information on REAL IDs on the DHS website.