What is REAL ID deadline? What are the requirements? All you need to know

The May 7 deadline to get REAL-ID has unleashed a mad scramble among US travelers who do not yet have one as domestic fliers will now need a REAL ID-upgraded driver's license, identification card or any other compliant ID like a passport to board domestic flights. Without a REA ID-compliant identity card, flyers would not be able to take flights. They will have to produce their passport even for domestic travel. The May 7 deadline is the one that has been decided after many delays and the administration is taking the deadline seriously.

All states have their own system in place to give an upgraded ID through local DMV offices.

Why do you need a REAL ID ? All you need to know

After the 9/11 attacks, the REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress to set stricter standards for identification used to access federal facilities, board commercial flights, or enter nuclear power plants. Under this Act, IDs must include specific features like a machine-readable zone (like a barcode), anti-counterfeiting measures, and proof of identity and US residency from the applicant, verified against federal standards. States must comply with these requirements, and residents can opt for a REAL ID-compliant card, typically marked with a star in the upper corner, or a non-compliant one for basic use

People aged 18 and above need a REAl ID to fly domestic, to enter certain federal buildings or to enter a nuclear power plane.

REAL ID is not an identity card but your existing identity cards will be upgraded to become REAL-compliant. For example, Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold star at the top of the card.

Documents required for REAL ID upgradation

Proof of identity:

To prove your identity, you can bring a US birth certificate, US passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-US citizen.

Proof of a Social Security number: You can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, which shows your earnings for tax purposes, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job.

Proof of residency: Your state department of motor vehicles may ask you for a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement to prove you are a state resident.

Are non-REAl ID-compliant identification cards still available?

Yes, a driver's license or any other state identification card is available without REAL ID but they won't be applicable for domestic flights, for entering military installations or for getting into federal facilities.