Are You Ready for Real ID?
If you’re likely to fly on a trip – fishing or otherwise -- anytime starting in May of 2025, you’re going to need to have a Real ID. You’ll also need one to enter most Federal buildings like military bases and Federal courthouses. That’s a capital R, as in, not the opposite of “fake ID.” It has a specific meaning.
What is a Real ID?
In 2005, the 9/11 Commission recommended certain standards for identification cards used for certain purposes. There will now be minimum security standards for license issuance and production.
How Do I Make Sure That I’m Real ID Compliant?
The Department of Homeland Security has an interactive tool that will tell you the process for residents of your state or territory to become compliant. Click below to make sure you won’t be left behind.
Many Real ID driver’s licenses look substantially similar to the current/recent state driver’s license. You can typically tell if you have a compliant ID if it includes the Real ID star marking.
In some states, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are considered acceptable alternatives – even if they don’t have the star marking.
According to the DHS, you will need at minimum documentation showing:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security Number
You will also need two proofs of address for your principal residence and your lawful status, meaning whether you are a citizen or national of the U.S., or lawfully admitted to the country.
What If I Can’t Get a Real ID on Time?
We’re giving you a year of warning, but if you can’t get a Real ID on any time, the following alternate identification will be acceptable for the same purposes:
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The Bottom Line
You have a year to figure this one out. Act sooner rather than later if you’re going to fly in 2025. It will NOT replace a passport for international travel, so it pays to make sure both are in your possession.
