By next Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security will start enforcing REAL ID requirements for domestic flights and entrance to federal facilities. Here’s everything you need to know about the May 7 deadline.
What is REAL ID?
“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity, accuracy, and security of the driver license and identification card issuance process,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. “The REAL ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and the Tsunami Relief Act and was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005.”
That legislation was passed in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, per the department. It requires uniform standards for issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and ID cards for use as federal identification.
In general, people should still be able to use ID cards that are not expired for state purposes after May 7. They will also be valid proof that motorists can drive. However, REAL IDs will be required to get on domestic flights and to enter secure federal facilities.
Some people already have REAL ID
Some states have already implemented REAL ID requirements.
For example, Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards on October 10, 2016. REAL IDs can often be identified by the symbol of a yellow circle with a star punched out.
“If your card does not have the star, you can continue to use the card after May 7, 2025, but it will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving (driver license only), banking, and voting,” said the Texas Department of Safety. “It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes.”
States often require residents to have either a driver license or ID card and they require residents to relinquish ID from other states.
Who needs to get REAL ID by May 7?
Anyone planning to get on a flight soon or who needs to visit a secure federal building should get a REAL ID by the May 7 deadline.
Processes to get REAL IDs vary by state. In Illinois, the office of the Secretary of State recommended making appointments due to high demand. In Michigan, Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini filled in Audacy station WWJ Newsradio this week on efforts to get more people REAL IDs.
“Just a couple weeks ago, we found out that 188,000 people in Macomb County still did not have their real ID,” he said. “That’s a big number.”
People with a valid U.S. Passport should still be able to board flights and visit secure federal facilities.
What should people bring to their REAL ID appointments?
In many states, the requirements to get a REAL ID are similar to those for a driver license or identification card. In Texas, the requirements include proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address.
Necessary documents (not laminated or photocopied) include:
· An original or certified copy of a Birth Certificate issued by a State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent Agency from a U.S. State, U.S. Territory, the District of Columbia OR an unexpired U.S. Passport Book or Card
· Social Security Card (actual card)
· If your name changed, legal documents showing proof of name change from your birth name
· Proof of residence
· Proof of identity
Can people still get a REAL ID after the deadline?
Yes. Although people without REAL IDs or a valid U.S. Passport will not be able to board flights or enter secure federal facilities after May 7, they can still get a card. In fact, they typically will have a REAL ID card the next time they renew or obtain a driver license or state ID due to the new federal requirements.
State-by-state information about REAL IDs is available here.