Planning on flying anywhere in the U.S. in the near future? Then you might want to prepare ahead to make sure your driver’s license or state ID is REAL ID compliant.
If this story sounds familiar, it’s because we wrote about it way back in 2019. But it took until May 7 of this year for the REAL ID Act—which was passed 20 years ago--to finally go into effect.
So here’s an updated refresher.
What is REAL ID?
It’s essentially a turbo-charged version of a state driver’s license or ID card that the Department of Homeland Security claims is a more secure form of identification.
The REAL ID Act was signed back in 2005 in the wake of 9/11. It was supposed to go into effect in 2021 but then COVID-19 and other events kept pushing the deadline back.
No longer. As of May 7, U.S. airports will no longer accept a standard state driver’s license or state ID as identification for domestic flights. It will need to be REAL ID compliant.
But don’t panic if you’re planning on traveling soon and haven’t upgraded to a REAL ID. You can still use your passport or other TSA-approved forms of identification instead.
However, it’s a lot more convenient if you don't have to bring multiple IDs with you when you're flying domestically. Sure, you’ll have to jump through hoops to get your REAL ID, but once you do you’ll be glad you did, especially if you travel a lot.
Another perk: Your REAL ID will give you visitor access to some federal government offices that require IDs.
Getting your REAL ID
Whether you drive or not, in most cases you have to apply for a REAL ID through your state’s registry of motor vehicles. Depending on where you live, you may be able to initially apply online and then schedule an appointment to complete the process at a local registry office. Some states let you do this at a local AAA office.
The purpose of these appointments is to verify that you’re a real person living at a real address. To prove this, you’ll need to bring a lot of documentation with you.
Massachusetts, for example, has a long list of ID types and documents you can bring with you. Most states have similar requirements.
Documentation ranges from passports and birth certificates to pay stubs, credit card and mortgage statements, insurance policies and tax forms.
If your application and documentation are accepted, a new photo of you will be taken on site and your signature will be captured electronically.
Expect to receive your new REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID within a few weeks. You’ll know it’s a REAL ID because it will have a star in the upper right corner and an eagle hologram next to your photograph, so it will look something like this:
You can apply for a REAL ID license or state ID even if your current ID doesn’t expire for several years. You’ll have to pay a fee, and the expiration date for your new REAL ID will be adjusted to reflect its issue date.
The good news is that, in Massachusetts at least, if you don't change your name or residence, your REAL ID status will remain on your license or state ID the next time you renew it. However, if either of these factors change, you may need to reapply. Check with your registry to find out for sure.
This article was authored by Chris Gullotti and Jeffrey Briskin. Chris is a financial advisor and Partner with Canby Financial Advisors, a SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement by the SEC nor a statement about any skill or training. Chris can be reached at 508.598.1082 or cgullotti@canbyfinancial.com. Jeffrey Briskin is Director of Marketing at Canby Financial Advisors.
©2025 Canby Financial Advisors.