RVers travel. Usually, we take to the open road, but there are times when situations call for air travel. Enter REAL ID and, yes, there’s a real deadline to get yours! It’s May 7, 2025.
Just what is REAL ID? Do RVers even need one? Let’s see…
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a set of federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The REAL ID Act of 2005 established these standards. REAL ID standards help bolster security because they ensure that the documents you carry are authentic and issued under strict verification guidelines.
Starting from the upcoming deadline on May 5, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant IDs or other accepted forms of identification (like passports) will be permitted for boarding commercial flights, entering certain federal facilities, and more.
Why RVers should care
Even though most of our current travel means RVing on our nation’s highways, RVers do occasionally plan a trip that involves air travel. There are also times when we choose to visit federal sites where REAL ID may soon be required. Here’s why RVers should get a REAL ID:
• Streamlined security: With a REAL ID in your wallet, you can breeze through TSA checkpoints if your journey takes you to a nearby airport for a quicker connection.
• Access to federal facilities: Whether it’s entering a federal government facility or military installation, having the proper ID means you won’t be left out.
• Future-readiness: Regulations won’t wait for anyone. Be prepared with your REAL ID now and you’re prepared for any travel plans, whether scheduled in advance or spontaneous.
How to get your REAL ID
Getting your REAL ID is a straightforward process. The exact documents required can vary slightly from state to state, but in general, you’ll need to:
• Gather necessary documents: Typically, you’ll need to prove your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and residence. Check your state’s requirements online for a complete list of acceptable documents.
• Visit your local DMV: Schedule an appointment, if possible. The process is often similar to getting or renewing your driver’s license, though there might be an extra fee.
• Submit your application: Present your documents, fill out the application form, and have your photo taken. The DMV will verify your information and issue a REAL ID–compliant license.
• Stay on top of deadlines: The federal deadline for using a REAL ID for air travel and other specific situations is approaching fast. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline to avoid travel disruptions.
Planning ahead is especially crucial for RVers with busy travel schedules. Research your local DMV office’s requirements well in advance. Consider scheduling your appointment during an off-peak time to avoid long waits.
Preparing for the deadline
If you haven’t updated your driver’s license or identification card yet, now is the time. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth process:
• Plan ahead: Don’t wait! Now is the time to get your REAL ID, especially if you’ll be traveling by air soon. (Processing may take a week or longer.)
• Check your state’s website: Each state administers its own REAL ID process, so the requirements may differ. Double-check the details on your state DMV website.
• Keep alternative IDs handy: If you still have a non-compliant ID, remember that other forms of identification, such as a passport, might suffice for certain travels. However, having a REAL ID simplifies things. (REAL ID cards feature a star in the upper right corner.)
• Inform yourself: Stay up-to-date on any last-minute changes by checking reliable news sources and official government pages regularly.
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RVT1206
This is just a scam to extort money from us Americans. It doesn’t cost what they want to verify we were born in this country than put a star on your drivers licenses. Plus why do you need proof of social security number?
Well unfortunately we’re in a country where you can now be sent to prison in a foreign country So I’m gonna comply gladly.
Are you high, or just that completely uninformed? Deportation is Only if you’re here illegally. You know,…. by illegal I mean breaking the law, broke the law. No citizen of the USA has been or will be sent to a foreign country, EVER. The argument is beyond hyperbole, it is just plain dumb.
Maybe this can be the first step to a Voter ID as well.
Ah guess again.
Name the American citizen deported to another country in the last 50 years.
Can’t huh? I figured…., no one can.
1-800-TDS-CURE.
Identity theft literally started at the state level because several states merely required you to recite a name and address to obtain a drivers license. No chance anyone would lie about that, right?
As institutions started requiring people to use their state issued ID’s to “prove” their identification for bank withdrawals, apply for Social Security, buy drugs and board airplanes, things got even sketchier.
A little event on September 11, 2001 demonstrated how pathetic things were and as a result Real ID Act was enacted in 2005 giving folks up to 20 years to get their Real ID when they were “extorted” to renew their drivers license.
TLDR: To make Identity theft harder
1. The ID is free. I got mine last week for high cost of zero dollars and zero cents.
2. SS#…… you need it work. To get a job. To receive a paycheck. If you can’t work in America legally, you shouldn’t be here other than travel. My best guess is this new ID may make deportation easier…. soon.
Over the past four years 20 million people waltzed into this country without ANY ID and now they are telling the US Citizens that we need a REAL ID. rotflmfaso
2005 is when this passed Congress. States were slow to get on board till about 2019. Agree with the first part but we the people have had plenty of time to get er done.
I had to renew my driver’s license last month before leaving Florida for the summer as it was due to expire in August. I also had to take an eye exam as I am over 80, Florida law. Got it done at the local DMV with no extra cost and took the normal amount of time. The point I was trying to make is that they have now put a deadline on getting your REAL ID for US Citizen’s but chose to break an existing law for 20 million people. What a bunch of hypocrites!
Thank you for the reminder that the deadline is near, Gail! How full-timers will go about demonstrating a permanent address? Our address changed after the county made our driveway a private road. Thus, some bills acceptable for proof of address had a service address that was the original address and a billing address that was the revised address. Eventually Tennessee was satisfied and issued DW and me real ID driver licenses. Our unexpected difficulty leads me to warn others that getting a real ID may take more time and effort than anticipated. Have a great week and safe travels!
I tried to get my real ID. I wrote a humorous blog post about my efforts. https://chambersontheroad.com/2023/04/07/get-real-missouri/
I got my “real ID” as part of renewing my driver’s licence during the height of Covid. Took a month the get an “appointment” in a small, near-by town which was faster than the “big city”. Now we have talk about voter ID. I agree non-citizens should not be allowed to vote; however, I am sick and tired of proving that I am entitled to the rights I have being a US citizen since birth.
I agree, Primo. I can’t think of any other way to prevent non-citiizens from voting though. It seems that a voter ID will be nessesary. >20 million illegals in the USA and >10 million in the last 4 years alone makes a Voter ID the only answer I’m afraid.
I got my real ID last week. It took less than 20 minutes start to finish at the NEVADA DMV, with an appointment.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
I’d like to note that an “enhanced” drivers license is also acceptable, because the person has had a much more thorough background check.
Believe it or not, an enhanced DL isn’t always going to be acceptable due to bureaucratic misses. For example, to get on a US payroll, certain documentation is required. In 2014, the IRS accepted a “Passport or Passport Card”. I had an enhanced DL, which so far as US border crossings in North America was concerned was the same as a Passport Card. But as the IRS did not specifically include this document in its list, I had to jump all sorts of hoops to get other documents overnighted to me to start my new job.
A valid United States passport is the only form of ID that you can have that will be valid other than the REAL ID for boarding commercial flights. In my opinion if the government wants you to have this new ID then it should be issued to each person getting a new or renewing your drivers license or ID. You will not need a REAL ID for driving, voting, applying for federal benefits, entering non-secure federal facilities like a post office. While it is needed for certain purposes it’s ultimately “optional.” You don’t need it for normal daily activities like banking, going to the doctor. It is required to enter military facilities and other secure federal buildings.
REAL ID IS issued If you have renewed or obtained a driver’s license in the past 15 years…your driver’s license IS a REAL ID…there is a star in the upper right-hand corner.
This might make things clearer:
https://www.uponarriving.com/real-id/
I’m not confused on what it is and I’m not sure what made you think that I was. I know what it is and what it looks like and my current license is not a REAL ID. I got my Nevada license when we moved here ten years ago and renewed it last August so the fifteen years you mentioned isn’t accurate, at least in Nevada. The REAL ID is optional as in not required unless you’re going to use commercial airlines, go into secure federal buildings or military installations and a few other federal type buildings. A valid US passpart will get you into any of these locations.
I understand now…you could have gotten a REAL ID but chose not to because you have a passport. I was simply trying to explain that many of us already have a REAL ID so there is no need to ponder it. My bad for poor wording. 😕
We just got ours. Took about 20 minutes from start to finish. Of course we were one of the first in line.
Amazing how many others did not have the proper documents and then argued with the DMV personnel. One had a Virginia driver license and had just moved to PA.
We had our current driver’s license, passports and SS cards along with a couple of utility bills.
Before long a form of gestapo will have us up against the wall telling us our papers are not in order.
J B the “gestapo” is only in your mind…set yourself free…you will be so much happier…I promise! 😃
Absolutely. You get this charade.
Ay, caramba.
😂🤣😂
Please explain
It angers me that there is such a “push” for this extra ID, and extra $$ for it when all one has to do is use their existing passport! We have always used our passport and carry it with us on all our travels (we have a fireproof safe box). Thus, no need for one more ID!
We got the passport ‘card’ along with our regular passport. I don’t like carrying the card all the time though. If we plan on going to Canada, the card goes with us. The book stays at home, locked up.
Since I “have” to carry my driver’s license, it serves both purposes as long as we’re in the states.
This isn’t an “extra ID”…if you have renewed or obtained your driver’s license in the past 15 years…you already have a “REAL ID”…look for the star in the upper right-hand corner.
It’s absolutely absurd. It’s just another example of our country going down the wrong path. And getting one is an absolute hassle.
Passed onto law 20 years ago with a bipartisan vote in both chambers. 20 years is sooooo unreasonable, very rushed. Now that everyone who is a citizen will have this ID, perhaps it is all we will need to vote soon…. or maybe a passport will suffice, just like travel? I am all for using it as a Voter ID as well. No one, not a single honest person can give a good reason why an ID should not be required to vote. Only one reason exists to not require a Voter ID.
Yep! 🇺🇸
Other than it’s not required!
Not a reason, Tom. Simply citing what currently is the law, is not providing a reason why the law should not change. 83% of voters think an ID should required to vote in federal elections. Can you provide a reason why it should not be required to vote? 1 single legitimate reason? Just 1? Uno?
Only 1 reason exists.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
You will need to define “happy” for Mia
Fake News Mia
I agree, something else to make more money. I got a new driver license two years ago, renew, and nothing was said about this nonsense. The passport card will do if needed.
Have to say this “deadline” was news to me! Do I need to do something? However, after looking into it, I realized I do have a “REAL ID” and you probably do to! According to TSA 81% of us already have a “REAL ID”…If there is a star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license…you’re good to go!…literally 😃
I knew there was a reason I stopped reading comments where people expressed what they think as fact.
For the life of me, I can’t understand the big boil over about the Real ID. It’s been coming for 20 years and for myself and family, we’ve had ours for about 5 years. I hate it, when people want You to Bend Over Backwards to accommodate them when they’re late. My sympathy is out the window for them.
We will NOT be getting a ‘Real ID’. We have valid passports AND passport cards. Either will do everything a Real ID will do and was less hassle to obtain.