(NewsNation) — The deadline to get your REAL ID is approaching, but what is it — and what happens if you don’t have one by May 7?
The REAL ID is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 after recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It is meant to create minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards.
REAL IDs are meant to be used for flying domestically. These ID cards cannot be used to cross the Canadian or Mexican borders, or for any other international travel. This includes international cruises. For this, you will need a passport.
What happens if I don’t have a REAL ID by the deadline?
Once the May 7 deadline hits, travelers will need a REAL ID to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities. However, if you live in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York or Vermont, your enhanced driver’s license will be accepted instead of a REAL ID.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, most enhanced driver’s licenses don’t have the star marking that REAL IDs do, which is acceptable. However, if you don’t fly domestically or enter federal facilities often, you may be OK with waiting to receive your REAL ID.
Can I still fly domestically without a REAL ID?
If you don’t have a REAL ID or an enhanced driver’s license, in some states, it may be more difficult to fly within the U.S. To fly domestically, you will need one of the following:
- REAL ID
- Enhanced driver’s license
- Passport
- Passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards, like Global Entry
- Department of Defense ID
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- 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
- Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card
If you show up at the airport without one of these, you should expect to face delays, according to the DHS. The agency also said you could face additional screening and could be denied access at the security checkpoint.
The TSA does not require children to provide IDs when traveling with someone else. However, their companion must have an acceptable form of identification.
How can I get a REAL ID?
If you still need a REAL ID, visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to see what is required. Typically, you will need documentation that shows your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Proof of address (typically two pieces of accepted mail)
- Lawful status
Some states require additional documents, so it’s best to double-check before you go to your local DMV office. You can use the DHS website to find a local DMV office near you.