✈ Real ID Guide: What You Need to Know (AARP Article/Updated)

[SpringIsHereVA]

FROM THE ARTICLE:

Enforcement begins May 7, 2025. Travelers will need the upgraded driver’s licenses for security screening.

By Christina Ianzito and Ken Budd, AARP. Published September 16, 2021. ➡️[*** Updated May 01, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Real ID law on May 7, 2025. As of that date, you can no longer use a regular driver’s license to board a domestic flight.

Conceived in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Real ID law requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases. This requirement led to the Real ID, which is an enhanced driver’s license or state ID card. Sometimes called the Star Card, because most states mark Real ID cards with a gold or black star in the top right corner, it must include an encoded “machine readable zone,” like a passport’s, with a person’s scannable information.

USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/transportation/real-id-guide/

[SpringIsHereVA]

[Wednesday 5/14/25]

(1) Have YOU obtained one or still have YOUR regular Driver's License?  🤔

(2) What "challenges" did YOU face when obtaining one for 1st time?  🤔

Take care,

Nicole  ✈  (Travel Forum)

[GailL1]

from the article:

the Real ID law requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities

—————————-

I have had mine forever and a day - think since about 2015 or so - thru one complete drivers license cycle - whatever that is - think it is (8) years here.  Mine also has my thumb print on it to add further identification needs + all the other stuff like blood type, organ donation.  

Personally, I think there should be more - like one’s living will choices just in the event that you are unable to relay this to them if an emergency occurs and the medical providers have to make a decision on these personal choices without the person’s awareness.  I guess this info could be put on one’s smart phone, which I do have, but it is the person’s ID that emergency personnel look for 1st.  

If this is an ID, we should use it as far as technology allows and for an extended use than just making sure we are who we say we are on a plan or entering some federal buildings. 

Since special compliant ID’s to those who don’t have a drivers license are also issued, I wonder what would happen if they started checking this ID status for entry into a local Social Security office?     HAVOC?  Probably - 

I have a friend that has been married and divorced 5X - she really had a stack of paperwork to get her REAL ID.  

[SpringIsHereVA]

[Wednesday 5/7/25]

My regular driver's license expires this September 2025. When I had "renewed" the LAST time at the Driver's License Office (hate online), I had noticed the announcement. Had thought about it, but didnot have the REQUIRED documents on me. At home & was NOT repeating waiting to be serviced. GRATEFUL I had an appointment. Will "try" to get one this time too.

I NO longer fly, but SOME buildings here do REQUIRE the new license. I am thinking I might as well go ahead and get it just in case I have to visit one of these buildings.

Take care,

Nicole  👵  (Travel Forum)