From May 7, all domestic air travelers in the United States aged 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federally approved identification to board flights. The deadline, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will be enforced at airport security checkpoints across the country.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 to implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set higher security standards for identity verification. These new identification requirements will also apply to entry into certain federal buildings.
According to the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA), “REAL ID state-issued identification cards significantly strengthen identity verification, which is a lynchpin in transportation security.” The agency has confirmed that enforcement will begin as scheduled, although a phased approach may be used to account for operational risks and public impact. However, the May 7 deadline itself remains in effect.
Travelers who do not have a REAL ID, valid passport, passport card, or other accepted documents will not be permitted to board domestic flights after the deadline. Standard state-issued licenses marked “Not for REAL ID purposes” will still be valid for driving but not for airport security screening.
Where to get a REAL ID, how to apply, and cost
REAL IDs are issued by state motor vehicle departments. To get one, residents must book an appointment or visit a designated licensing center in their state. Availability of appointments varies by state, and many departments are expanding hours or opening additional days to meet increased demand.
The process usually involves visiting a driver’s license center in person with original documents that verify:
Costs differ by state but typically range between $10 and $50. Some states charge a standard license renewal fee, while others apply a separate REAL ID processing fee. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the REAL ID product fee is $30 plus the renewal fee. In New Jersey, there is no extra cost if applying during a standard license renewal.
Residents are encouraged to check their state’s motor vehicle website for the most accurate and updated information on locations, hours, documentation, and fees.
Growing demand as deadline nears
In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has been adding 3,500 new REAL ID appointments each day and dedicating Thursdays to process only REAL ID requests. Mobile units are being deployed to reach more residents.
“Across the country, not only here in New Jersey, the demand for REAL ID is extraordinarily high ahead of the start of federal enforcement in May,” said NJMVC spokesperson William Connolly in a public statement. He urged residents to cancel unused appointments so others can book them.
Pennsylvania has also responded to high volumes by opening licensing centers on Mondays and increasing staffing. Yet, only about 26% of eligible Pennsylvanians have received a REAL ID so far.
In Georgia, most permanent licenses issued since 2012 are already REAL ID-compliant. The Department of Driver Services clarified in March that either a gold or black star on the card indicates compliance, depending on when the ID was issued.
As of March 31, New Jersey had issued over 8 million licenses, but more than 6 million were not REAL ID-compliant. These cannot be used for boarding flights.
Check before you travel
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top—typically black or gold. Travelers are advised to verify their ID status and check with their state DMV to ensure they have the correct documents before visiting.
REAL IDs will also be necessary to enter federal buildings where identification is required. While travelers may not have immediate flight plans, DHS advises securing a REAL ID ahead of time to avoid last-minute disruption.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 to implement the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set higher security standards for identity verification. These new identification requirements will also apply to entry into certain federal buildings.
According to the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA), “REAL ID state-issued identification cards significantly strengthen identity verification, which is a lynchpin in transportation security.” The agency has confirmed that enforcement will begin as scheduled, although a phased approach may be used to account for operational risks and public impact. However, the May 7 deadline itself remains in effect.
Travelers who do not have a REAL ID, valid passport, passport card, or other accepted documents will not be permitted to board domestic flights after the deadline. Standard state-issued licenses marked “Not for REAL ID purposes” will still be valid for driving but not for airport security screening.
Where to get a REAL ID, how to apply, and cost
REAL IDs are issued by state motor vehicle departments. To get one, residents must book an appointment or visit a designated licensing center in their state. Availability of appointments varies by state, and many departments are expanding hours or opening additional days to meet increased demand.
The process usually involves visiting a driver’s license center in person with original documents that verify:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of current address
- Proof of lawful status in the United States
Costs differ by state but typically range between $10 and $50. Some states charge a standard license renewal fee, while others apply a separate REAL ID processing fee. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the REAL ID product fee is $30 plus the renewal fee. In New Jersey, there is no extra cost if applying during a standard license renewal.
Residents are encouraged to check their state’s motor vehicle website for the most accurate and updated information on locations, hours, documentation, and fees.
Growing demand as deadline nears
In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has been adding 3,500 new REAL ID appointments each day and dedicating Thursdays to process only REAL ID requests. Mobile units are being deployed to reach more residents.
“Across the country, not only here in New Jersey, the demand for REAL ID is extraordinarily high ahead of the start of federal enforcement in May,” said NJMVC spokesperson William Connolly in a public statement. He urged residents to cancel unused appointments so others can book them.
Pennsylvania has also responded to high volumes by opening licensing centers on Mondays and increasing staffing. Yet, only about 26% of eligible Pennsylvanians have received a REAL ID so far.
In Georgia, most permanent licenses issued since 2012 are already REAL ID-compliant. The Department of Driver Services clarified in March that either a gold or black star on the card indicates compliance, depending on when the ID was issued.
As of March 31, New Jersey had issued over 8 million licenses, but more than 6 million were not REAL ID-compliant. These cannot be used for boarding flights.
Check before you travel
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top—typically black or gold. Travelers are advised to verify their ID status and check with their state DMV to ensure they have the correct documents before visiting.
REAL IDs will also be necessary to enter federal buildings where identification is required. While travelers may not have immediate flight plans, DHS advises securing a REAL ID ahead of time to avoid last-minute disruption.
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