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You are already planning your Going on vacation next year? If you’re traveling within the United States, you’d better add one more item to your to-do list: upgrade your license to Real ID. Starting May 7, 2025, no one with a license that isn’t certified by Real ID will be allowed to board domestic flights in the United States. So unless you have a passport handy, you’ll need to update your license soon.
This regulatory change has been brewing for two decades. The new identification standard was suggested by the 9/11 Commission The law was enacted in response to the 9/11 attacks and signed into law by US President George W. Bush in 2005. While the original deadline for the change was set for three years later, it has been pushed back numerous times. But despite previous delays, the government has given no indication that the current deadline, set for 2025, will be adjusted again.
Curious about what the new licenses look like and how to get yours before the deadline? Here’s everything you need to know about the switch to Real ID.
What does a real ID look like?
It looks pretty similar to previous driver’s licenses, so don’t expect any drastic changes in the ID’s appearance. Pull out your wallet and check to see if you have a real ID by looking for a star in the upper right corner of the license. That’s the only major change.
Photograph: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Just like each state has different designs for its driver’s licenses, the exact implementation of the Real ID star varies slightly by state. Most designs feature a gold circle with a white star embedded in the upper right corner, but California has a golden bear Instead, it surrounds the white star. And while many of the actual IDs are gold in color, some states opted for a more muted color palette.
How do I get a Real ID?
To see exactly what steps you need to follow, visit the Department of Homeland Security website on how to upgrade to a Real ID and click on the state where you reside. This will take you to another government website with more state-specific information on the upgrade process.
You will probably have to Apply for a Real ID in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office and be prepared for Bring plenty of documentation with you. While the details may be a little different for your state, let’s take a look at Missouri Requirements as an example to help you understand how much documentation will be needed to obtain a Real ID.
For starters, if you’re a Missouri resident, you’ll need proof of your Social Security number, which is typically a Social Security card but could also be a W-2 form. You’ll then need to show proof of identification and legal status documentation. For this section, a valid passport or U.S. birth certificate will cover both requirements. Next, two different proofs of residency are required to show that you actually live in the state, such as a utility bill, employer paycheck, or car insurance. Finally, additional documentation is required for any name change, such as a marriage license.
To avoid a frustrating and fruitless trip to the DMV, verify all necessary paperwork before you go to the office. Depending on the state, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance to make the experience smoother (or at least as smooth as any DMV visit).
What else is a Real ID required for?
While many Americans need to update their driver’s license primarily for travel purposes, there are some special cases where a Real ID is also necessary: According to the DHSYou’ll also need it to enter military bases and some federal buildings. A real ID is also required to visit nuclear power plants in the U.S.