To get a REAL ID, you will need to visit your local DMV or licensing agency in person with specific documents. Most states follow a similar checklist:

• •Proof of identity – A valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or other DHS-approved identity document.
• •Proof of Social Security number – Your Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub showing your full SSN.
• •Two proofs of residency – Documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your current address.

Some states allow you to start the process online by uploading documents or completing a pre-application, which can significantly reduce your time at the DMV counter.

As the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches, DMVs are already seeing longer wait times and limited appointment availability. Many travelers will put this off until the last minute—especially those who do not fly often—leading to crowded offices and added stress.

If you know you will be flying in late 2024 or 2025, it is wise to treat the REAL ID like any other critical travel document: gather your paperwork early, double-check your state’s requirements, and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. That way, your ID will arrive well before your next trip.

One common misconception is that REAL ID will replace all other forms of identification. In reality, its use is narrower.

You will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID (such as a passport book or card) for:

• •Boarding federally regulated commercial flights within the U.S.
• •Accessing secure federal facilities, such as certain federal buildings and military bases.

You do not need a REAL ID to do everyday activities like driving, voting, banking, visiting the post office, or entering most national parks. Your standard driver’s license will continue to work for those purposes.

The REAL ID deadline has been pushed back several times over the years, which makes it easy to assume there will always be more time. But with May 7, 2025 now on the horizon, treating this like a firm deadline will save you from last-minute scrambles at the airport.

If you are planning to fly within the U.S. next year—whether for a family vacation, a quick business trip, or a special celebration—take an afternoon now to update your ID. A little preparation today means you can walk into the airport next spring knowing your documents are ready and you can focus on the trip itself.

• •U.S. Department of Homeland Security – REAL ID Act
• •Transportation Security Administration – REAL ID FAQs