The United States implements REAL ID: everything you need to know about the new mandatory document

From May 7, 2025United States citizens must have identification that meets the standards of the REAL ID to board domestic flights and access restricted government facilities. This measure seeks to reinforce security in the issuance of identity documents, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

He REAL ID It was passed in 2005 as part of an effort to establish minimum requirements in the issuance of driver’s licenses and state identification cards. However, its implementation has been postponed on several occasions due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The May 2025 deadline marks the end of these extensions, meaning millions of Americans will need to ensure they have a license that meets these requirements before traveling within the country or completing certain federal procedures.

The United States Government has established the May 7, 2025 as the deadline for citizens to have identification compatible with the requirements of the REAL IDa federal standard that will be mandatory to board domestic flights and access restricted government facilities, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The measure is framed in the REAL ID Lawapproved by Congress in 2005 after the attacks of September 11, 2001, with the aim of strengthening the security of identity documents issued in the country. The regulations establish minimum standards for the issuance and production of driver’s licenses and state identification cards, seeking to prevent fraud and make counterfeiting difficult, according to the DHS.

The project has experienced multiple delays in its implementation due to logistical challenges and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the administration to postpone its entry into force on several occasions, the agency said. Transportation Security Administration (TSA, for its acronym in English).

To obtain an ID that meets the REAL IDapplicants must submit documents that verify their identity, date of birth, US residency, and Social Security number. According to the TSAgeneral requirements include:

• US passport or official birth certificate.
• Social Security card or equivalent document.
• Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
• In some cases, additional documentation to confirm name changes, such as marriage certificates or divorce decrees.

Each state manages the issuance process. REAL ID through their departments of motor vehicles (DMV), so specific requirements may vary. He DHS recommends checking the information on the official websites of the State DMVs.

Driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the requirements of the REAL ID They have a star in the upper right corner. In contrast, standard licenses will continue to be issued in some states, but will not be accepted for domestic flights or access to restricted federal facilities, according to the TSA.

However, those who do not obtain a REAL ID They will still be able to travel on commercial flights if they present an accepted alternative form of identification, such as a passport, permanent resident card or military credentialindicated the TSA.

From May 7, 2025travelers who do not have a REAL ID or an equivalent document could face difficulties boarding domestic flights. According to data from the TSAin 2023, approximately 52% of citizens with a driver’s license still did not have a compatible ID. REAL ID.

In addition to air transport, the REAL ID It will be mandatory to enter federal buildings, military bases and nuclear power plants, according to the DHS. However, its use will not be necessary to access hospitals, post offices, federal courts open to the public and voting in elections.

In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV, for its acronym in English) offers the processing of REAL ID in their state offices. According to the FLHSMVapplicants must submit documents in person and cannot complete the process online.

Other states have established similar procedures, although some have implemented mail-in or online renewal programs for those who already have a REAL ID and they only need to update their license, according to the DHS.

People who decide not to process a REAL ID They can continue to use other forms of identification to travel within the country and carry out official business. Accepted documents include:

• US passport.
• Permanent resident card (Green Card).
• Traveler credential from programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
• Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) issued by certain states.

He DHS recommends citizens check with airlines and government agencies to ensure they have the appropriate documentation before departure. May 7, 2025.