{"id":9367,"date":"2025-04-16T12:35:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T12:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/?p=9367"},"modified":"2025-04-16T15:18:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T15:18:42","slug":"flying-after-may-7-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-id-requirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/16\/flying-after-may-7-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-id-requirement\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying After May 7? Here\u2019s What You Need to Know About the REAL ID Requirement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>REAL ID required to fly by May 7th! Be prepared for your next flight &amp; know your options!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11657161 skip-lazy lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"hand holding leather wallet with real id \" width=\"912\" height=\"527\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/new-york-state-real-id-drivers-license.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>After years of delays, the enforcement of REAL ID is finally happening. Starting Wednesday, <strong>May 7th, 2025<\/strong>, travelers will need a<strong> federally approved form of identification<\/strong> to board domestic flights and access certain federal buildings.<\/p>\n<p>To some, this may be old news since Congress passed the REAL ID Act back in 2005 after the 9\/11 Commission determined that it was too easy for people to obtain a driver&rsquo;s license.<\/p>\n<p>If you don&rsquo;t have one yet, now is the time to prepare! Here&rsquo;s what this means for you and how to make sure you&rsquo;re ready.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Here are the federally approved forms of identification accepted starting May 7th, 2025:<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10736464 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"holding a passport at the airport\" width=\"912\" height=\"684\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/us-passport-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li>Real ID<\/li>\n<li>Passport<\/li>\n<li>Military ID<\/li>\n<li>State Issued Enhanced Driver&rsquo;s License <em>(only offered in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>*All forms of ID must be valid if used for traveling or entering federal buildings. Passports are still required for International travel.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>What is Real ID &amp; what does a REAL ID look like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11657184 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"hand holding leather wallet with real id star circled in red\" width=\"912\" height=\"606\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/real-id-.jpg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p>The REAL ID is a state-issued driver&rsquo;s license or identification card that meets increased federal security standards. It looks similar to a regular license but includes a star in the top right corner.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2025?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>No. The REAL ID is optional if you have another accepted form of ID. Anyone <strong>over the age of 18<\/strong> who plans to fly domestically, enter certain federal buildings, or access nuclear facilities will need a REAL ID, a valid Passport, a Military ID, <strong>or <\/strong>a State-Issued Enhanced Driver&rsquo;s License.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Visit <a target=\"_blank\">your state&rsquo;s DMV website<\/a> to make an appointment and see exactly what documents are accepted. Some DMVs allow document pre-check online.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>How to get a REAL ID &amp; documents needed for REAL ID:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11657196 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"hand holding new jersey real id\" width=\"912\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/real-id-new-jersey.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Each state may impose additional requirements, so checking with your local DMV website before heading in person for an appointment is important. However, most states require:<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Proof of identity<\/strong> (birth certificate or valid passport)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proof of Social Security number<\/strong> (SS card or W-2)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Two proofs of address<\/strong> (utility bill, lease agreement)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal name change documentation<\/strong> (if applicable, like a marriage certificate)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Note that if you&rsquo;ve been <strong>married twice or more,<\/strong> you may also need to provide ALL original marriage certificates to show a paper trail of name changes, regardless of whether you&rsquo;re divorced.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Important:&nbsp;<\/strong>If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you don&rsquo;t need a REAL ID to fly domestically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>REAL ID application &amp; where you need to go to get one:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10115343 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"people sitting in chairs at the dmv at desks \" width=\"912\" height=\"568\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dmv-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>The process for getting a REAL ID varies by state. For example, Pennsylvania residents who are pre-verified may be able to apply online and receive their REAL ID by mail. Others can visit a REAL ID Center for same-day issuance or a regular PennDOT location for document verification and delivery within 15 business days.<\/p>\n<p>If you&rsquo;re in another state, check with your local DMV to see what&rsquo;s required in your area &mdash; some may need appointments or only issue REAL IDs at certain locations.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Head to <a target=\"_blank\">DHS.gov<\/a> to find a location near you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>How much will a REAL ID cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11657478 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"close up of pen on blank checkbook\" width=\"912\" height=\"479\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/checkbook.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>The cost of a REAL ID varies by state, but you can typically expect to pay two separate fees:<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li>A one-time upgrade fee (often <strong>$30&ndash;$60<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>renewal or extension fee<\/strong>, depending on when your license expires<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>In some states, upgrading to a REAL ID automatically extends the expiration date of your license. For example, if you have two years left on your current license, those years might be added to a new 4-year term, giving you 6 years before renewal. This isn&rsquo;t the case everywhere, so check with your state&rsquo;s DMV for specifics.<\/p>\n<p>Payment methods may vary by location. Some DMVs require <strong>checks or money orders<\/strong>, while <strong>others accept cards<\/strong>. Always confirm your local office&rsquo;s accepted payment types before heading in.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10571081 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"airplane wing seen from window\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/airplane-wing.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re planning a trip or just want to avoid last-minute stress at the airport, it&rsquo;s worth double-checking your ID now. May 7, 2025, will be here before you know it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Safe travels, Hipsters! Don&rsquo;t wait until it&rsquo;s too late!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you&rsquo;re still unsure whether you need a REAL ID or what documents to bring, head to your state <a target=\"_blank\">DMV&rsquo;s FAQs<\/a> or visit <a target=\"_blank\">DHS.gov<\/a> for the full breakdown.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><a>Have you seen these travel deals flying around?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>REAL ID required to fly by May 7th! Be prepared for your next flight &amp; know your options! After years of delays, the enforcement of REAL ID is finally happening. Starting Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, travelers will need a federally approved form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal buildings. To some, this may be old news [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9367"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9399,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9367\/revisions\/9399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.singhaparatech.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}