US travel requirements: Americans will need a Real ID to fly domestically and enter federal buildings in 2025

NEW YORK — “Less than a year before the United States meets the Department of Homeland Security’s federal requirement to obtain a Real ID for domestic flights and to enter federal facilities, and to help you get ahead and avoid a dreaded hour-long wait at the DMV.” Good Morning America” ​​has compiled all the essential details you need to ensure your ID is up to date.

The US Department of Homeland Security previously delayed the implementation of Real ID several times in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as of this week, U.S. residents have less than a year to obtain the form of identification that will soon be required by the federal government.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Federal Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “establish standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” the DHS reported. states on their website.

The new rules establish what forms of identification can be used to board flights within the United States and to enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities.

Applying for a Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and a trip to your local DMV. Please see below for more information on the full requirements and details of the application process.

All US states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories are issuing Real IDs.

The requirements are largely similar across states, but as of 2021, according to DHS, states are no longer required to collect a Social Security document from a Real ID applicant. They must still collect and retain the number as part of the application process to verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by Real ID regulations.

“Not all states have enforced this, so check with your state’s driver licensing agency to find the most up-to-date information,” the DHS website states.

In California, for example, residents can apply for a Real ID by completing an online application and uploading documents before visiting a DMV office with their uploaded documents to complete the application, which should only take about 15 minutes in person, depending on waiting times.

Identity proof: An original or certified document. For example, a valid passport or birth certificate. A legal name change document is required if the name on proof of identity is different from the name on other documents, such as a marriage certificate or adoption documents.

Proof of California residency: Two documents, paper copies. For example, a utility bill or bank statement.

Social Security number: Some exceptions may apply. Click here for additional details on the DMV’s REAL ID page.

Earlier this week marked one year before DHS begins enforcing the Real ID requirement on May 7, 2025.

Starting that date, a Real ID or other federally approved identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, can only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for access to federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints, if the license or card was issued by a Real ID compliant state in accordance with Real ID security standards.

Enhanced driver’s licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS, and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

The Real ID looks almost the same as a current state ID card or driver’s license, but it has a compliant star mark.

Some differences may vary by state, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears in the upper right corner with the white star on the left side of the animal.

If an ID says “federal limits apply,” that person will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses and other locations after the May 7, 2025 deadline.

Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, however, it ensures that travelers can fly within the US and access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.