Is Your License READY for the Upcoming Deadline? What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID?

Starting from May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will enforce the requirement for REAL IDs for all adult passengers traveling domestically within the United States. This marks the conclusion of a regulatory process that spanned two decades.

In slightly more than two weeks, the TSA will cease accepting state-issued identification documents that do not meet enhanced criteria. This regulation was established by a law passed in 2005. The September 11 Commission’s suggestion from 2001 To endorse more rigorous national standards for distributing ID cards, even though implementation has been delayed several times.

"Starting next month, every air passenger aged 18 and above will be required to possess a REAL ID-compliant document. This can be a state-provided driving license, an identity card issued by the state, or some other approved identification like a U.S. passport," stated the TSA in their announcement. If you lack a REAL ID, By May 7, you might experience delays with your flight.

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As enhanced identification becomes required next month, here’s what you should know about obtaining one.

How does a Real ID differ from a standard ID?

According to DHS Real ID-compliant cards will feature a star symbol at the "upper part of the card."

In places such as California, the emblem features a star superimposed over an outline of a bear, whereas in various other states, a straightforward gold-colored star is included on Real ID cards.

What are some options instead of getting a Real ID?

TSA-approved alternatives include:

U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS approved travel documents (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense identification cards, which include those given to dependents
Border crossing card
A valid photo identification provided by a federally acknowledged Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driving license or INAC card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Work Permit Card (Form I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What steps should I follow to obtain a Real ID?

According to DHS The most effective method to determine "precisely which documents are needed for obtaining a REAL ID" is to check your state’s official driver’s licensing agency website. However, generally speaking, you must present evidence including your complete legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of your primary residential address, and confirmation of your lawful status.

Each individual state might have extra conditions, so reach out to your state’s motor vehicle department either online or in person for further details or support.

Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trends correspondent for USA TODAY, can be contacted via email at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and followed on X under the handle @fern_cerv_.

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: The day is nearly here: Are you prepared with a REAL ID compliant license? What happens if you don’t have one?