Requirements to obtain a Real ID in the U.S.

As of May 7, 2025, everyone in the United States will need a Real ID to board flights within the country and access federal buildings or military installations. This measure is part of the government's efforts to strengthen national security.

Some people already have a Real ID driver's license and do not know it. In this article we explain how to identify it and what are the requirements to obtain it.

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To find out if your driver's license is Real ID compliant, check the top right side of your document. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), your license must have one of the following symbols:

• Black or gold star

• Cutout of a star inside a circle

• In California, a star inside a bear

If your license does not have these symbols, you will need to apply for a new Real ID driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before May 2025.

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Requirements may vary by state, but in general, to apply for a Real ID you must submit the following documents to the DMV:

1. Proof of identity and date of birth

   • Valid U.S. passport

   • Certified birth certificate

2. Proof of Social Security Number

   • Social Security Card

   • W-2 or 1099 form with your Social Security number

3. Proof of U.S. residency.

   • Utility bill

   • Bank statement

   • Lease or mortgage contract

4. Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)

   • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

   • Valid visa with employment authorization

Important: All documents must be originals or certified copies. DMV does not accept photocopies without official certification.

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Are the upgraded licenses Real ID compliant?

Yes. According to DHS, some enhanced driver's licenses issued by certain states may be used in lieu of a Real ID for:

• Travel on commercial aircraft within the U.S.

• Accessing federal facilities

• Entering nuclear power plants

If your state issues such licenses, you can confirm this at the DMV before applying for a Real ID.

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Who needs a Real ID?

DHS and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias have clarified that not everyone needs to obtain a Real ID. This document is required for those who:

• Fly within the United States on commercial airlines and do not have another form of accepted form of identification, such as a passport.

• Access restricted federal facilities, such as military bases and certain government buildings.

• Enter nuclear power plants. In these cases, a standard driver's license or state ID without the Real ID mark will not be accepted.

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Who does not need a Real ID?

According to DHS statements, there are many situations in which Real ID is not mandatory:

• For driving: A standard driver's license will remain valid on all roads in the country.

• For in-state identification: A Real ID is not required for local transactions such as shopping, banking or voting.

• To fly with a passport: Anyone with a valid passport can use it to board domestic and international flights without a Real ID.

• To access general access federal buildings: Not all federal facilities require a Real ID; some will accept standard IDs.

As the deadline approaches, the number of people applying for a Real ID has increased dramatically. In Illinois, for example, as of December 2024, 3.2 million Real IDs had been issued, representing only 25.34% of the total number of licenses and ID cards in force in the state, according to official data.

Due to high demand, the state has implemented "Real ID Saturdays," special days at 12 DMV offices where residents can obtain their Real ID without an appointment.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expressed concern about a possible collapse at Real ID issuance centers and airports when the new regulations go into effect. In September 2024, the agency proposed delaying the deadline, although a final decision has not yet been made.

Illinois Secretary of State Giannoulias warned that without proper planning, April and May could be critical months, not only at DMV offices, but also at airports, where passengers could be affected by the lack of the document.

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Have questions? Visit the official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website for up-to-date information on Real ID: https://www.usa.gov/es/real-id-para-viajar

Sources: El Tiempo Infobae.com

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