What Is A REAL ID vs. Driver's License?

If you haven't heard, a lot of talk has been going around about the need for people to get a REAL ID. This may confuse some people, as they aren't really sure the difference between a REAL ID and your regular driver's license. We address that today, as we look at what is a REAL ID versus a drivers license.

The Federal REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and 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.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

What Is REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations.

Do I Have To Get A REAL ID?

No, you are not required to get a REAL ID, as it is optional. However, a REAL ID will be needed if:

1. You wish to continue to use your driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S.
2. Enter secure federal facilities.

If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.

Do Minors Need A REAL ID To Board A Domestic Flight?

No. The TSA does not require anyone under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. However, the companion will need acceptable identification, such as a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, DHS Trusted Traveler Card, etc. (see the TSA’s full list of acceptable identification).

When Will REAL ID Be Enforced?

Because of COVID-19, this date has been changed multiple times. However, the new date for enforcement is May 3, 2023.

Are All States Issuing REAL ID Compliant Cards?

DHS is working closely with all states and territories to provide assistance and guidance to achieve full compliance by the May 3, 2023 deadline. As of March 26, 2021, 55 states and territories are fully compliant with the REAL ID requirements, and all states are on track to begin issuing compliant licenses and IDs by the May 3, 2023 deadline.

Can I Get A REAL ID By Renewing My Current Driver's License Or Identification Card By Mail Or Online?

No. Since a REAL ID is a form of federal identification, you must visit a DMV office in person when applying for a REAL ID for the first time. You will need to show documentation proving your identity and state residency. Once you have a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, you may be eligible to renew by mail or online in the future.

What If I Don't Want Or Need A REAL ID? What Will The DMV Give Me Instead?

If you choose not to get a REAL ID, you will receive a driver’s license or identification card that reads “Federal Limits Apply.” This means you will not be able to use it to board flights within the U.S. or visit secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, or other federal buildings after the new May 3, 2023 deadline.

Be sure to check with the federal facility or military base you plan to visit to verify their identification requirements.

Which Card Is Right For Me?

You may be wondering which card is right for you and we compare the two for you here:

• REAL ID - This card is federal compliant; it can be used to board domestic flights after the new May 3, 2023 deadline; and it can be used to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 3, 2023 deadline.
• Regular Driver's License - This card is not federal compliant; it cannot be used to board domestic flights after the new May 3, 2023 deadline; and it cannot be used to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 3, 2023 deadline. However, it may be used as photo identification, but not as evidence of legal presence in U.S. Additional documentation may be required.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a website to verify if you are REAL ID ready, so you can use that tool here!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.