The documentation required to travel throughout the United States will change as of May 2025. From that time on we will need to have a REAL ID to be able to board a plane and fly between states. Luckily, we still have time to apply for a REAL ID and get the necessary documentation.
Until now, our driver’s license was enough to be able to travel by plane, as well as our passport. From this year we will have the opportunity to travel without a passport, but in that case we will have to use the REAL ID. The idea behind all this is to need only one document at all times, which would make life easier for Americans in the long run.
Why is it a good idea to get a REAL ID for travel?
In a very short time we are going to need the REAL ID to be able to do things like board commercial flights within the United States, as well as enter federal government buildings or military installations. It is also required to enter nuclear power plants.
So, if we don’t have the REAL ID we won’t be able to do these kinds of things comfortably. So the best idea is to get this documentation as soon as possible and forget about the problems that not having it can bring.
How can I get the REAL ID to travel?
When we renew our driver’s license or state identification card we can apply for REAL ID. If we don’t, we will have to renew the documents again. That’s why it’s a good idea to do it as soon as possible.
To find out if our card is REAL ID we have to check that it has a star mark in the upper right corner. This is the only way to confirm that it is a REAL ID.
If we do not have the REAL ID before May 7, 2025 we will not be able to travel by plane on commercial flights, so we must apply for the documentation as soon as possible and thus have the card at our disposal to use it.
