One-year countdown to REAL ID begins
May 7—State and federal authorities are reminding New Hampshire residents that new federal rules regarding driver's licenses or identification cards — known as REAL ID — will kick in a year from now.
REAL ID is voluntary in New Hampshire, officials noted, and current licenses and ID cards will be accepted for travel until May 7, 2025. After that, however, federal agencies, including the TSA, will be prohibited from accepting non-compliant ID cards, officials said.
Effective that date, travelers will have to present a "federally compliant" driver's license or non-driver ID card, or a passport, in order to board domestic flights. That's also the case for someone to enter a secure federal facility, such as a federal courthouse or military base.
On Tuesday, the state Division of Motor Vehicles, in coordination with Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and the Transportation Security Administration, announced a year-long campaign to encourage Granite Staters to get REAL ID-compliant licenses or identification cards.
Drivers whose licenses will expire prior to that 2025 date can wait until their renewal if they want to switch to REAL ID, John Marasco, DMV director, said in a statement. But if their renewal falls after that date, they should make an appointment to make the change before then, he said.
Applicants for REAL ID will have to visit a DMV branch in person, and present the required documentation, which includes proof of identity such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization or citizenship; proof of Social Security number; and proof of residency.
For a list of required documents, and more information about REAL ID, visit: dmv.nh.gov.
