Starting May 7, 2025, a significant change will affect domestic air travel within the United States. The REAL ID Act will be fully enforced, meaning every air traveler aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to pass through airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. This requirement, enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is also applicable for accessing federal buildings and nuclear power plants. Understanding what this means for your travel plans is crucial. This guide will answer your questions about REAL ID and flying, ensuring you are well-prepared for upcoming travel.
Understanding REAL ID and Its Impact on Air Travel
To put it simply, REAL ID is a set of federal standards established by the REAL ID Act of 2005. This act was created in response to the 9/11 attacks to enhance security and prevent terrorism by setting minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. States have been working to implement these standards, and Missouri achieved full compliance in 2019. The key change is that after May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant cards or other federally approved forms of ID for official purposes, like boarding domestic flights.
What Exactly is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets the security standards set by the REAL ID Act. These cards are marked with a specific symbol, often a star, to indicate their compliance. In Missouri, REAL ID compliant cards feature a star in the upper right corner. Cards that are not REAL ID compliant will explicitly state “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” in the same area.
Alt: Missouri REAL ID compliant card example showing star marking indicating compliance.
It’s important to note that even non-compliant cards issued before March 25, 2019 in Missouri, and potentially in other states based on their compliance timelines, might still be accepted for REAL ID purposes until the May 7, 2025 deadline. However, relying on this is not advisable.
Do You Actually Need a REAL ID to Fly Domestically?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, if you plan to fly within the United States, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. Without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, you will not be permitted to board your flight.
However, it’s equally important to understand when you don’t necessarily need a REAL ID:
- If you don’t fly domestically: If you have no plans to board a federally regulated domestic flight, you might not immediately need a REAL ID.
- If you have other acceptable forms of ID: The TSA accepts various forms of identification in addition to REAL ID-compliant licenses. These include:
- Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Military ID
- And other forms listed on the TSA website.
If you already possess one of these acceptable documents, you can use it to fly even without a REAL ID. For a comprehensive list of acceptable IDs, it’s best to consult the TSA website.
How to Get a REAL ID in Missouri (and What Documents You’ll Need)
For Missouri residents wanting to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, the process involves visiting a Missouri license office. It’s essential to bring the required original documents to prove your identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Missouri residency.
Documents Required for Missouri REAL ID Application:
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Proof of Identity: (One document required) – This verifies your full legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include:
- U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Employment Authorization Document
- Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa
-
Proof of Lawful Status in the United States: (One document required) – Verifies U.S. citizenship or immigration status. Acceptable documents are generally the same as for proof of identity, like U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, etc.
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Proof of Social Security Number: (One document required) – Acceptable documents include:
- Social Security Card
- W-2 Form
- Paystub with SSN
-
Proof of Missouri Residency: (Two documents required) – Verifies your Missouri residential address. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (gas, electric, water, etc.)
- Bank statement
- Mortgage statement or lease agreement
- Missouri vehicle registration
- Official mail from a government agency
Alt: Poster illustrating document categories required for REAL ID application: Identity, Lawful Status, Social Security, Residency.
For individuals who have legally changed their name, additional documentation such as a certified marriage certificate or court order will be necessary to link the name on your identity document to your current legal name.
Missouri’s Department of Revenue provides an interactive guide to help you determine the exact documents you need based on your individual circumstances. Using this guide can streamline your application process.
Important Considerations When Applying for a REAL ID
- Processing Time: REAL ID applications take time to process. In Missouri, it typically takes 10-15 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail. Plan accordingly, especially if you have travel plans around the May 7, 2025 deadline.
- Renewal Timeline: If your current Missouri license or ID expires close to or after May 7, 2025, you will need to renew it as a REAL ID-compliant card to use it for flying.
- Early Application: It’s advisable to apply for your REAL ID well in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential delays and ensure you are ready for travel. Missouri recommends considering applying no later than April 1, 2025, if you plan to fly shortly after the deadline.
- Cost: The fees for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card in Missouri are the same as for a non-compliant card. Duplicate waivers for REAL ID upgrades may be available in Missouri, potentially waiving the transaction fee but not the processing fees. Check with the Missouri Department of Revenue for the most current fee structure.
REAL ID and Other Uses: Beyond Air Travel
While the focus of REAL ID is on federal purposes like air travel, it’s important to clarify what REAL ID is not required for:
- Driving: Your current Missouri driver’s license, REAL ID compliant or not, remains valid for driving.
- Voting: REAL ID is not required for voting or registering to vote.
- State and Local Purposes: For many state and local government services, your existing Missouri license or ID will suffice.
- Age Verification: Purchasing alcohol or tobacco does not necessitate a REAL ID.
However, REAL ID is required for:
- Accessing Federal Facilities: Many federal buildings, including military bases and federal courthouses, will require REAL ID or another federal form of ID for entry starting May 7, 2025.
- Entering Nuclear Power Plants: Similar to federal facilities, REAL ID will be mandated for accessing nuclear power plants.
It’s worth noting that some federal entities, like the Department of Defense, might have already implemented stricter ID requirements at their facilities. Always check with the specific federal agency you plan to visit to confirm their identification requirements.
Staying Informed About REAL ID
The REAL ID landscape and enforcement dates can sometimes change. The original enforcement date was extended to May 7, 2025, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay up-to-date on any changes and for further information, refer to these official resources:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) REAL ID website: dhs.gov/real-id
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) REAL ID page: tsa.gov/real-id
- Missouri Department of Revenue REAL ID Information: (The original article link)
By understanding the requirements of the REAL ID Act and taking proactive steps to ensure you have compliant identification, you can avoid any travel disruptions and ensure smooth passage through airport security and access to federal facilities come May 7, 2025, and beyond.
Note: Always refer to official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding REAL ID requirements.
