A significant change is approaching for millions of Americans: beginning May 7, the Real ID requirement will take effect nationwide, becoming essential for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. This initiative, rooted in post-9/11 legislation, aims to strengthen identity verification and security. Real IDs can be identified by a gold star in the upper left corner and must meet strict federal standards.
However, not all states will enforce the requirement in the same way. Five U.S. states—Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont—will accept an enhanced driver’s license as a substitute, sparing residents from obtaining a Real ID if they already have the enhanced version.
Which states accept an enhanced driver’s license?
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the following states have implemented enhanced driver’s licenses that are compliant with federal guidelines:
Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. These documents will be considered valid for domestic flights and federal facility access, offering an alternative path for compliance.
For residents in other states, a Real ID or other federally approved document will be mandatory. These include a valid passport, U.S. permanent resident card, border crossing card, U.S. merchant mariner credential, or a Canadian provincial driver’s license, among others approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
How to apply for a Real ID if required
If your state does not offer an enhanced license, or you prefer to apply for a Real ID, the process is straightforward. Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to start the application online and view the full list of required documents.
Generally, you will need to provide:
- Proof of full legal name and date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two documents verifying state residency
- Proof of lawful status in the U.S.
For additional help, the DHS website includes a Real ID lookup tool to find the nearest DMV and view state-specific requirements. Authorities recommend acting soon to avoid delays, especially for travelers planning summer flights.