Update on 12/2/2022: This changed again at a later date, and it is now May 7, 2025.
This date has changed! Again.
Starting on May 2, 2023, every traveler 18 or older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or passport) to fly within the U.S.
The deadline was bumped back from 10/1/21 to 5/2/23 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, per the April 27 announcement from Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Also, it says that the pandemic has greatly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID licenses & ID cards on time & meet the original deadline, since so many driver’s licensing offices across the country have been still operating at limited capacity.
If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you must present a different form of ID, like a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to the airport’s TSA agents (Transportation and Security Administration) in order to board a plane. If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or any other acceptable form of ID, you won’t be allowed to fly. For real, you won’t get on the airbus. TSA and DHS are not kidding around with this.
To get your REAL ID, go to your state’s driver’s license agency & bring documentation that proves who you are as well as where you live. Check with your DMV’s website before hand to be sure you bring the right things before you go – they likely have a checklist!
For example, if you got married and your current last name is different than the one on your birth certificate, you should bring:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- W2 with your current name and social security number
- Valid driver’s license with current address
- All U.S. states and territories, except for American Samoa, are now issuing REAL IDs.
Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card by May 2, 2023 can still fly domestically, but they must have a valid passport to board the plane. But anyone planning to travel in the U.S. should just go get one so you don’t have to think about REAL ID anymore. Why not get it now? Better yet, get this, your passport and if you’re going to leave the country, think about applying to get your Global Entry Card – I promise, it is worth it!
Are you ready to comfortably plan your next trip? Even as far out as 2023, I’m ready to help you and prices are starting to climb, so I wouldn’t wait too long! Reply to this email or inquire on my site to get started! I hope you travel soon – whether near or far! Connect with your loved ones and enjoy this life!
I hope this information is helpful to you now or in the future!