You might not have noticed, but all airports in the country are about to change the rules. Yes, you read that right. Starting on May 7, all airports in the country are going to begin denying access to passengers who do not have a Real ID or a valid passport. It doesn’t matter if you have your flight paid, your bags packed, or if you arrive on time: if you don’t carry one of these documents, you won’t be able to get on the plane. And this change is not new, they’ve been warning about it for years, specifically since 2005, but now it has a set date: next May 7. We’ll tell you everything you need to keep in mind if you’re going to take a domestic flight starting from that date.
What is the Real ID?
It’s not a new license, it’s just a more secure version of your state identification. Its goal is to ensure better security when it comes to IDs, and it will be mandatory to show it in places like airports, military bases, or federal buildings. The idea was created by the Department of Homeland Security and its main objective is that, to get a maximum level of authenticity in IDs.
How do I know if I have a Real ID?
Very easy. You just have to look at your current license and see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner. If it doesn’t, it’s not a Real ID, and you need to update it. You can get it at any DMV office in your state, but book an appointment first so you can avoid the long waiting lines.
Who is affected by this rule?
Everyone who wants to fly within the United States or access federal buildings. It doesn’t matter if your driver’s license is valid, if it doesn’t have the star, it doesn’t work to board domestic flights. The only valid alternative will be to carry a valid passport. So, if you don’t have either, on May 7 you’re staying on the ground.
How to get your Real ID (step by step)
If you still don’t have it, don’t worry, the process is easy, but you must do it in person at your state’s DMV. You cannot apply online. Here is what you need:
Book an appointment at the DMV as soon as possible: the closer we get to May 7, the longer the waiting lists will be.
These are the documents you need:
- Birth certificate or passport
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of residence (bill, lease, etc.)
- Do the process and pay the fee: It’s not expensive, and the form is filled out quickly. In many cases, you finish everything the same day.
- Wait for your new ID: Once approved, you’ll get your new card. With it, you’ll be able to fly within the country with no problem.
The official recommendation is clear: do the process now. If you wait until May, the DMV will be packed and you might not make it on time. Remember that without Real ID or passport, there is no flight possible. It doesn’t matter why you’re traveling: work, vacation, or a family emergency. Airport security won’t let you through, so our conclusion is clear too: no star, no flight.
What used to be just a warning now becomes the rule. If you don’t have your Real ID on May 7, you’ll be left out of the plane. So better avoid surprises and make sure you’re carrying the right document. The gold star is your pass to fly. Do the process as soon as you can and travel without problems!