Got Your Travel ID?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards (IDs). The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards. A Travel ID is a form of identification that complies with the federal REAL ID Act. The Travel ID features a star in the top right corner to indicate compliance with federal requirements.

It’s been a long time coming, but the deadline is finally here. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant Travel ID (or an acceptable alternative like a passport or passport card) to board commercial flights in the United States, as well as to enter federal courthouses and military bases.

If you’ll be turning 18 soon and you’re going on a trip this summer, be sure to plan ahead. You can still get a REAL ID after May 7, 2025, but you won’t be able to fly or access federal facilities until it is processed and issued.

To start your application, you will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Department office to get your photo taken and present your identification documents and proof of residency. It will take about two weeks, or 15 business days, to get your REAL ID after your initial appointment. You can also get a REAL ID without an appointment, but this isn’t recommended as wait times at your local MVD office can be incredibly long.

NOTE: If your driver’s license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL ID compliant. There is nothing more you need to do. An easy way to know your card is NOT compliant is if it says “Not for Federal Identification,” “Federal Limits Apply,” or “Not for REAL ID Act Purposes.”

How to Get One

To apply for a Travel ID, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of Identity: This could be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
2. Proof of Social Security Number: You can use your Social Security card, Form W-2, or a pay stub showing your Social Security number.
3. Proof of Residency: Examples include a bank statement, utility bill, insurance policy, deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or government document.

Requirements may vary slightly depending on your state, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific details.

REAL ID requirements don’t apply to:

• Voting or registering to vote
• Applying for or receiving federal benefits
• Being licensed by a state to drive or rent a car
• Entering federal facilities that do not require identification (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings, national parks, and Social Security offices)
• Accessing health- or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics)
• Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigation
• The ability to cash checks at banks

You can also continue to use your standard driver’s license or ID card for other U.S. travel including driving in and across state lines or riding a train.

Acceptable Alternatives

If you don’t have a Travel ID, you can use a passport or passport card, both of which are considered an acceptable form of REAL ID. Here is how they compare:

TRAVEL ID CARD

Travel ID cards are accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints and at restricted federal facilities, including military installations.

First Time Applicant: $25 (on average but the cost varies by state)

Renewals: $25 every 8 years

PASSPORT BOOK

Passport books work for all types of travel. You can use them to enter any country by air, sea, or land. Inside the U.S., you can use one to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

First Time Applicant: $165

Renewals: $130 every 10 years

PASSPORT CARD

A U.S. passport card can be used to board domestic flights. However, it is not valid for international air travel. Passport cards only work for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

First Time Applicant $65

Renewals: $30 every 10 years

In summary, while a REAL ID is essential for domestic air travel, a passport book is necessary for international travel, and a passport card is limited to specific travel scenarios.

Other forms of identification that will be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID or U.S. passport or U.S. passport card include:

• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• State-Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (available in certain states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
• U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including IDs issued to dependents)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards or other federally recognized tribal IDs
• Permanent Resident Cards or border crossing cards
• Foreign Government-issued Passports

Do you already have one of these, or are you planning to apply for a Travel ID?