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Real ID 2025 deadline: Who needs it, how to get one and what documents are needed

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Published  April 16, 2025 9:48am EDT
New York
FOX 5 NY

How to get your REAL ID before the deadline hits

The clock is ticking for travelers. Starting May 7, anyone flying domestically must present a REAL ID, enhanced ID, or passport at TSA checkpoints. Representatives from the TSA, DMV, and Port Authority held an event at LaGuardia Airport urging New Yorkers to act now to avoid travel delays. FOX 5’s Jessica Formoso breaks down what you’ll need to bring to your DMV appointment, how to schedule one despite high demand, and what new tools are available to help speed up the process — including online pre-checks and expanded Saturday hours.

The Brief

    • Starting May 7, anyone flying domestically or entering secure federal facilities in the United States must have a Real ID, Enhanced ID or valid passport.
    • All states, the District of Columbia and the five territories are Real ID compliant and are issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.
    • Back in 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission.

NEW YORK - We are just three weeks away before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security begins enforcing the Real ID requirement. 

DEADLINE FOR REAL ID: START DATE l WHAT IS IT? l REQUIREMENTS l APPOINTMENTS

Starting Wednesday, May 7, anyone flying domestically or entering secure federal facilities in the United States will need a Real ID, Enhanced ID or passport. 

When do you need Real ID to fly?

The backstory:

In 2022, the DHS announced an extension of the deadline until May 7, 2025. 

This means, starting May 7, a Real ID, or other federally approved identification, will be necessary to board domestic flights.

What is a Real ID?

Big picture view:

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission.

Older IDs will be suitable to allow people to drive, buy liquor or other age-regulated products, and gamble at casinos. Travelers can also use military IDs or passports to access flights and federal facilities.

What do I need for Real ID?

What we know:

To apply for a REAL ID, travelers should visit their local DMV office, and fill out the online application and upload their documents. Customers must visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. 

At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing:

  1. Full legal name.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Social security number.
  4. Two proofs of your address of principal residence.
  5. Lawful status.

For more information, click HERE.

Do you need a Real ID to fly in the US?

According to the DHS, U.S. travelers must obtain a Real ID to board flights within the United States and access certain federal facilities.

If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your Real ID or another acceptable alternative, such as a passport, not both.

For more information, and what documentation is needed, click HERE.

Do I need a Real ID to travel internationally?

If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport. 

The Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, but it does ensure that you can continue flying within the U.S. and access secure federal locations without additional documentation.

Real ID vs Enhanced license

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) are considered acceptable alternatives to Real ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.

For a detailed comparison of which ID is right for you, click HERE.

How long is Real ID good for?

Check with your local DMV office to find out how long your Real ID is valid.

Appointment for Real ID

According to FOX News, some states, such as New Jersey, are so currently overwhelmed with demand that there are virtually no appointments available for many people to obtain a Real ID, even with the addition of extra booking slots. 

"Besides the appointments currently available, approximately 3,500 new appointments for Real ID upgrades are added each morning on a rolling basis," a NJDMV spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "On top of that, over 4,600 appointments will be added for each new ‘Real ID Thursday’ as they roll over on the schedule."

New York State also introduced "Real ID Thursdays" on April 3. 

Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reported on Monday that the Department of Motor Vehicles website showed "0 appointments available" for Real ID services on its site. 

NJ MVC Real ID appointment

Click HERE for New York City and HERE for New Jersey.

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

What they're saying:

"If you have a passport, you're fine. That's a strong, valid credential. And you can use that," said Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of Public Affairs at AAA Northeast. "If you want to fly without the passport, then you have to have that Real ID domestically."

US passport status

Click HERE for more information.

The Source

    • This article contains information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles and Fox News.
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