U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID by May 7^th to board domestic flights; access federal facilities

DEARBORN, Mich., (March 27, 2025) — In just about forty days, your driver’s license may not be an acceptable form of identification for boarding a domestic flight. That is unless your license is REAL ID compliant.

Beginning May 7^th, U.S. travelers will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. The requirement also extends to Americans looking to access certain federal facilities such as military bases, nuclear facilities, or federal buildings that require identification.

“It’s important to get your REAL ID now, especially if you plan to travel this summer,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “The REAL ID deadline has been extended several times in the past, but that likely won’t happen again. So, don’t wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID, or you may encounter a long line at the DMV.”

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, is a federal law applicable to all states and all adults 18 and over. REAL ID is a driver’s license or other form of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the minimum-security standards set forth by the federal government. It carries with it all the privileges of a standard license/identification. A REAL ID will look almost exactly like your standard ID – except that it’s marked with a star in the upper corner of the card.

Is my License REAL ID Compliant?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board a commercial aircraft.

How to Apply for a REAL ID

You can apply for a REAL ID in person at a DMV office and bring several DMV-accepted documents that verify your identity, U.S. legal residence or citizenship status, and current address.

Required Documentation for Enrollment

All customers need documents showing United States citizenship or lawful presence, in addition to other identification documents, as required by federal and state law – even if you already have a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.

Each state has set its own standards as to what documents are accepted, so make sure you check with your state’s RMV/DMV office and have all the proper paperwork ahead of time. All documents need to be originals – photocopies will not be accepted.

View Requirements by State

• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

Review additional FAQs from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID webpage.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.