The Real ID deadline is looming next year and is required for most travelers. What is it?

Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·3 min read

If you’re a travel lover, this information may be important to you.

As the Cincinnati Enquirer previously reported, you have until May 7, 2025, to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant. It is required to be up to date for domestic travel.

But what is it? Here's what you need to know.

What is Real ID?

Passed by Congress in 2005, the Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.”

This means that certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or DHS, won’t be able to accept state-issued forms of identification without the Real ID seal. This includes:

  • Accessing certain federal facilities

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft

  • Entering nuclear power plants

You cannot enter these if your identification is not Real ID compliant.

Real ID is coming: When will I need a Real ID and how do you get a Real ID?

Do I need Real ID right now?

Not for now — you have about a year to use your usual forms of identification. These are the acceptable forms of identification up until Real ID is required, according to the Transportation Security Administration:

  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

  • U.S. passport

  • U.S. passport card

  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

  • Permanent resident card

  • Border crossing card

  • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

  • HSPD-12 PIV card

  • Foreign government-issued passport

  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

  • Transportation worker identification credential

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you plan to travel next year, especially air travel, consider obtaining a Real ID.

What are Ohio’s Real ID requirements?

According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, U.S. travelers must be Real ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities starting May 7, 2024. Ohio BMV said to consider renewing early if you want to have a driver's license or identification card that is federally compliant. Requesting or renewing a Real ID can be done on their website.

After requesting or renewing a Real ID:

  • You will receive your new driver's license or identification card in the mail.

  • Your new card will arrive in a plain, white envelope.

  • You can track your card for free through the U.S. Postal Service.

  • If you have not received your new card after 28 days, contact the BMV through its website or call 1-844-OHIO-BMV (1-844-644-6268) to check the status of your card.

Get a Real ID in NKY: Northern Kentucky now has a Real ID licensing office

Have people been experiencing issues?

Even with a Real ID, people have been stopped at TSA.

In Kentucky, Kelli Godwin had issues verifying her Real ID at two different airports when TSA authentication technology failed to match the photo on her ID with her face, according to Fox19.

Godwin posted about her Real ID issues on Facebook, and several people commented saying they experienced similar problems.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is Real ID? What it is, why you need one, how to get one in Ohio