What’s the Deal with REAL ID? Updated 03/28/2020 IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back the enforcement deadline from Oct. 1, 2021 to May, 7, 2025 in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The Real Deal About REAL ID. A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets increased security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Travelers will be required to provide either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification in order to fly after May, 7, 2025. If you have heard about REAL ID in recent months or years you might have some questions about it, so let us take this opportunity to share the basics and provide you resources to learn more. Which states have REAL ID? As of August 2019, all states are either in compliance with the REAL ID Act or have an extension in place. This means all states are currently able to issue REAL IDs. Learn more about noncompliant states and their extension deadlines here. Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestic? A REAL ID is one valid form of identification you can use in order to fly. However, there are many other TSA-approved forms of identification that are also acceptable such as: U.S. Passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), Permanent resident card, U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs issued to dependents), border crossing card, DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license, or federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID. Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are travelling internationally, you will still need your US passport. If you are travelling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID OR your passport, not both. What documents are needed for a REAL ID? States require you to go to your local DMV and present proof of identity, proof of your Social Security Number, proof of residency document, and proof of name change (if applicable). Where can I find more information about REAL ID? Refer to The United States Department of Homeland Security for more REAL ID info. – For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/real-id – Find a wealth of Frequently Asked Questions here. – Read the REAL ID Act and related documents here. – Get REAL ID news and updates emailed to you here.* *Holiday Vacations does not manage this email list.