REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
Your license or state ID will show a star on the upper portion of the card if it meets REAL ID standards.
Some states issue only licenses and ID cards that meet REAL ID standards. Other states allow you to get a license or state ID card that is not a REAL ID.
The REAL ID “deadline” is May 7, 2025.
After this date, you won’t be able to board a US commercial flight using a driver’s license or state ID card that is not a REAL ID. REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal facilities.
A REAL ID is not required to vote in any state.
Note that the states below only issue REAL ID-compliant IDs. That means voters must go through the REAL ID process to get a driver’s license or state ID card.
But each of these states also accepts other forms of ID to cast a ballot. Select your state to check your options:
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person and provide a variety of documents to prove your identity.
To apply for your REAL ID:
The specific documents you need to get a REAL ID depend on what state you live in. Each state requires a combination of documents to prove your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and legal status.
You have to appear in person to apply for your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card. High demand ahead of the 2025 “deadline” is causing delays and confusion.
VoteRiders is here to help! Contact our team if you have questions about REAL ID.
If you don’t have the ID you need to vote in your state, VoteRiders can help:
