The US government is trying to keep it Real

An important deadline is on the horizon for people who plan on flying around the US in 2025 and beyond.

Americans aged 18+ now have exactly 364 days to update their state-issued driver’s license or identification, in order to comply with new “Real ID” rules from the Department of Homeland Security.

Anyone whose state-issued identification doesn’t feature the Real ID seal by May 7, 2025, won’t be able to use that form of ID when boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, entering nuclear power plants (this writer’s favorite pastime), or accessing certain government facilities.

• The rules are part of a larger federal law aimed at setting “minimum security standards” for identification materials, which was initially approved by Congress in 2005 but has experienced several delays.

How do I upgrade my license to Real ID? Applicants must visit their local DMV and provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status, and two proofs of address of principal residence. States may impose additional requirements beyond that, so check your local DMV website before visiting.

• There is one exception: enhanced driver’s licenses – only issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington – are considered acceptable alternatives to Real ID-compliant cards.

📝 Bottom line: If you have other forms of identification that TSA accepts, like a passport or permanent resident card, there probably isn’t an immediate reason to obtain a Real ID. But for everyone else, the clock is ticking.