You’ve probably heard all about REAL ID recently, with the start date of enforcing the REAL ID Act beginning May 7, 2025. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know about REAL ID, how it came about, and how it will impact you. 

What is REAL ID, anyways?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 came in the wake of the 9/11 attacks as a way to quickly identify American citizens at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

In short, the REAL ID is a federally-mandated, state-issued identification card that signals that the card holder is an American citizen. Under this law, REAL ID is required for anyone that plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities.

To get a REAL ID, you need documentation that shows your date of birth and your full legal name, like a passport or birth certificate.

What is it supposed to do?

The stated goal of the REAL ID Act was to strengthen our national security by establishing standards for license issuance and production, and controlling what kind of identification qualifies for domestic air travel and some other federal actions. The implementation of this law has taken 20 years, with several deadline pushbacks. 

How are the REAL ID Act’s requirements going to impact me? What will happen if I don’t have one?

The REAL ID Act is the law of the land. While your day-to-day life probably won’t be affected, you will need to have a REAL ID or a passport to fly. It is not illegal to NOT have a REAL ID, but if you don’t get it, taking that trip home or vacation with friends is going to be difficult.

If you don’t intend to travel by plane, you might not need a REAL ID. While only American citizens can get a REAL ID, it won’t replace your passport. 

How does it impact voting? Why is this ID only useful in specific situations?

REAL ID, while legally required, shows how gathering this additional documentation is more difficult and more expensive for everyone. If someone had a hard time figuring out what REAL ID was or gathering the necessary documents, they would also struggle to comply with dangerous proof of citizenship laws, like the proposed SAVE Act. Yet, if the SAVE Act passes, the REAL ID would not be a good enough form of identification needed in order to cast a ballot.

Take 69-year-old veteran Jane Schleppenbach of Florida, who was denied a REAL ID because she didn’t have a copy of a 50-year-old marriage license showing her name change. Despite having tons of the proper documentation proving her identity, she is still left out of this program, just like she would be barred from voting under the SAVE Act.

Unnecessary red tape like the REAL ID makes it harder for everyday people to go about their lives. It others groups of people without making our government safer or run better. It only complicates the process, which is exactly why measures like the SAVE Act would be a disaster for free and fair elections. 

How do I get a REAL ID?

If you plan to fly, you need a REAL ID. You can find out more about the REAL ID and how to get it by clicking here.