**The REAL ID deadline was around the corner. But, the DMV is backed up. So, it was extended again! What are you supposed to do? Should you even really care? Here’s what you need to know.**

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Update: I know that the original post is not that old. But, the Department of Homeland Security issued yet ANOTHER extension to the REAL ID compliance deadline. Earlier this week the deadline was extended for at least the fourth time; this time for a full 24 months. The new deadline is May 7, 2025.

COVID related backlogs at the DMV are being blamed for necessitating yet another extension. However, there have been funding, implementation, and technology issues plaguing the process from the beginning.

Furthermore, the already hard-it US Travel Industry was not in favor of the impending implementation. The concern was that since so many potential travelers are not yet REAL ID compliant, their inability to board domestic aircraft would further dampen the industry’s recovery.

But I have gotten ahead of myself…

What is a REAL ID? How do you know if you already have one? How do you get one? Do you really need it? And, with the new extension, what is my suggestion?

What is a REAL ID?

Congress passed the the REAL ID Act back in 2005 as a response to the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The goal of the REAL ID Act was to have uniform standards of identification.

Your REAL ID, will generally be your state issued drivers license. So, in order to get your REAL ID, you’ll have to present various proofs of identity and your citizenship/residency status at your local DMV. Each state may have slightly different requirements, so click the applicable link below for your state.

There have been many delays in implementation across all states and territories and the deadline has been pushed off multiple times (it was originally Oct 1, 2020). The Department of Homeland Security continues to work with all US states and territories to ensure compliance. ~~As of now, the deadline for compliance is May 3, 2023.~~ The deadline has once again been extended. This time to May 7, 2025.

What happens when the enforcement date comes?

When the enforcement date comes, you’ll no longer be able to enter certain federal facilities, board a commercial aircraft (even domestic), or enter a nuclear power plant. Now, I’ve only been to a nuclear power plant once, but those other two I do all the time!

The key when it comes to certain federal facilities is the certain part. If they don’t require any form of ID now, chances are they won’t start. So national parks, branches of the Smithsonian, etc. won’t be requiring a REAL ID. At least not any time soon.

The place that this will effect the largest number of people is at the airport–unless of course you prefer to fly on your private jet (since this only applies to commercial flights). To go through security, everyone over 18 has to present an acceptable form of identification. And, beginning ~~May 3, 2023~~ May 7, 2025 if you’ll be using a drivers license it will have to be a REAL ID.

There are many other TSA acceptable forms of ID, however for convenience sake most of us tend to travel with our drivers licenses. Several years ago, my nephew flew out to visit us. He had just turned 18 the day before so he needed ID. He didn’t have a drivers license. His passport had expired when he was 9. All he had was a student ID issued by his small private high school. He had to go through several extra screenings at the airport, but he was allowed through. (Yes, this was post 9/11. It was 2016.)

How Do You Know If You Have A REAL ID?

A REAL ID-compliant card will have some sort of star on the upper right corner. Different states use different versions. Some states have even used multiple versions.

If your drivers license or state issued ID card has one of these, then it is a REAL ID. If it doesn’t, then it’s not.

How Do You Get a REAL ID?

The simple answer is to make an appointment at your local DMV and bring in the required documents. Click your state specific link below to determine exactly what you’ll need.

About a year and a half ago, my mother had to go renew her drivers license. Since it had expired during COVID, she had been carrying around her passport with her. The clerk asked if she wanted to just get a REAL ID while she was there anyway instead a plain drivers license. My mother said sure, and then made the mistake of showing the clerk her social security card!

Why was this a mistake? The social security card was in her maiden name! She hadn’t used her maiden name in almost half a century. Her drivers license, passport, credit cards, all her bills, and everything else were in her married name. However, the clerk told her that once she’d seen the actual social security card, she couldn’t pretend she hadn’t. So, even though you don’t need a social security card (just the number) to get a REAL ID in California, my mother couldn’t get one!

Moral of the story:

know what you need and what you don’t before you go
make sure your documents are all in your current name
bring any name change documentation, if necessary

Do You Really Need a REAL ID?

Not everyone is eligible for a REAL ID. So, if you’re not, then this is really a moot point. You won’t have one and you’ll have to figure out what you can do in circumstances that require such forms of ID. There are other options, especially at the airport.

However, what about those that are eligible? At this point, the real question is whether or not you should actually go through the effort of getting a REAL ID?

The DMV is notorious for long slow lines in the best of times. The COVID back-up combined with the impending REAL ID compliance deadline have only exacerbated this. And, you’ll have to go in person.

If you’re flying domestically, it’s definitely more convenient not to have to remember to bring your passport to the airport. However, if you have one anyway, it’s really not such a big deal.

Suggestion?

What would I suggest?

When I discussed various international destinations and options for Traveling Without a Passport, I said “just because you don’t need a passport does not mean that you shouldn’t bring one”. I was referring to being prepared in case of any unforeseen change of plans.

If you have a passport, I would still recommend getting a REAL ID. However, there’s no urgency. ~~Therefore, you could make an appointment at the DMV for after the deadline has passed. Hopefully then there will be more availability and shorter wait times (but bring a good book anyway).~~

Now, with new deadline extension, I still think you should get one. However, the timing may be a little different. I think it would depend on how informed the people living in your area are. If they were all rushing to get in before the old deadline, then by all means make your appointment for sometime after that. Even if they all know there’s a reprieve, the likelihood that all existing appointments over the next few months will be cancelled are slim.

However, if appointments are still open, then go ahead and get it over with if you have to renew your license anyway. Since the deadline isn’t coming up so fast anymore, there won’t be the all out media-blitz to get people in the door any time soon.

But, with the seemingly unending deadline extensions, there really is no rush. Even for those without alternate forms of ID. So, if you have a passport anyway, and no other reason to go to the DMV, I’m kind of feeling like “why bother?” The most common sentiment I received from readers who responded to the original post can be summarized as “if I have to go to the DMV anyway, but I’m really in no rush”.

At this point, I may be too old to get on a plane anyway by the time the REAL ID is really enforced. Time will tell. And I will continue to update you.

Do you already have your REAL ID? Are you planning to get one? Are you going to skip getting a REAL ID altogether? Does the new extension change your plans? Share your thoughts.

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REAL ID–ASAP! Not Anymore!