What to Know About the REAL ID Changeover—and How You Can Still Fly Without One

After years of delays, the REAL ID changeover has now taken place. 

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, places new regulations on the type of identification cards that will be accepted if a person wants to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. REAL ID cards are marked with a star to show compliance with the law. The REAL ID Act was drafted following a report by the 9/11 Commission, which included recommendations for the federal government with the goal of preventing attacks like 9/11 going forward.

The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline for a final time in December 2022, pushing back the full enforcement date and giving people two more years to obtain this type of identification card. Prior to then, the deadline had been extended during the COVID-19 pandemic and many times over.

A day before the May 7 deadline, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a congressional oversight hearing that if people traveling don’t have a compliant ID, “they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step—but people will be allowed to fly.”

Here’s what to know about the REAL ID requirements, to make sure you are prepared.

What is the REAL ID changeover?

As of May 7, U.S. residents now need to present a REAL ID to board any domestic flight or gain access a federal facility—or they risk facing delays.

On April 11, TSA said in a press release that those without a REAL ID at the airport can “expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.”

If you missed the May 7 deadline, however, you can still get a REAL ID.

Noem has said that 81% of people traveling by airline in the U.S. are already compliant with the REAL ID Act. But some states have lower rates of compliance.

An April 7-April 18 CBS analysis showed that at least 17 states are less than 50% compliant with the law, with New Jersey having the lowest compliance rate. Since then, New Jersey and other states have been reminding their residents about the imminent deadline, and introducing efforts to meet the rush in demand of people attempting to obtain their REAL IDs. On March 4, New Jersey its "REAL ID Thursday” initiative which added thousands of appointment slots for REAL ID upgrades.

On April 21, New Jersey also introduced a REAL ID “emergency issuance program” for residents who have to fly within 14 days for “life-or-death reasons” or have “urgent travel plans,” but have not received their REAL ID.

How do I fly without a REAL ID?

Travelers can also present a valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License. Other forms of valid identification are listed on the TSA site. Passengers traveling without a REAL ID or another acceptable alternative ID may experience delays as they’re traveling, as they may be directed to a separate area and undergo further screening, according to TSA.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are currently only being issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The licenses are state-issued and “provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle,” according to the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers can use an Enhanced Driver’s License when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. The IDs are distinguished with the word “enhanced” near the top of the card. Unlike REAL IDs, Enhanced IDs have an additional fee of $30.

What are the REAL ID requirements?

Those who wish to obtain a REAL ID must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and present a number of valid documents that verify their address and full legal name. The documents will also help officials verify a person's lawful status in the U.S.

The eligible documents may change on a state-by-state basis, so residents should verify their REAL ID requirements on their state’s DMV site.

Generally, in order to meet said requirements, applicants must present a primary document, such as a valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Permanent Residence Card. 

Certain states, such as New Jersey, also allow people to present alternative documents including their current photo employment authorization card, un-expired foreign passport with a valid visa, or certificate of naturalization. 

Applicants may need to verify their Social Security number. The REAL ID Modernization Act and DMV policy says that individuals do not have to provide their Social Security card to verify their number, but it can still be presented as part of their identity verification. A W-2 tax form or pay stub that lists the Social Security number may be presented at some state DMVs.

Residents must also bring two proofs of address. Applicants can usually comply with this requirement by bringing a credit or debit card statement and a utility bill.

States may have additional requirements on the documents residents need to provide. If you visit your local DMV website, the DMV’s online document guide will create an individualized checklist of all the documents you need to bring to your appointment.

How much does it cost to get a REAL ID?

There is no additional fee to get a REAL ID, according to the New York State DMV, but the typical transaction fees still apply, such as if you’re renewing your license.