WORCESTER, Mass. - Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a Real ID if you plan on flying within the U.S. The RMV has a checklist of required documents.

What You Need To Know

  • Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or other acceptable ID such as a valid passport to fly within the U.S., access certain federal facilities, or enter military bases

  • The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is reminding people about the deadline coming up in six months

  • The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 as a result of increased federal security measures after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

  • The cost to obtain a REAL or Standard driver's license/ID card is the same

“Preparation is key,” Colleen Ogilvie, registrar of motor vehicles, said.

Ogilvie said the process to obtain a Real ID is a little different than a regular license or ID card because it’s a federal form of identification. They’re indicated by a gold star in the upper right corner.

“You have to show your Social Security card, and you have to present two forms of proof of your residency in Massachusetts in addition to your lawful presence document," Ogilvie said, "for most people, which would be a U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport.”

The registrar said about 55% of eligible Massachusetts residents have already switched over to the Real ID. Congress passed the Real ID Act, a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, to set Federal Security Standard for IDs.

“The federal government issued the rules back in 2005," Ogilvie said. "So, this has been a long journey for motor vehicle departments to get ready and the government has extended it a few times. Right now, we're planning that May 7, 2025 will be the date, and that's what our call to action is.”

Ogilvie said the process has been going smoothly, but they’ve noticed one bump in the road comes for people who have changed their name.

“If you're somebody that got married, divorced or legally changed your name, we need to see proof of that," Ogilvie said. "Whether it's a divorce decree or marriage certificate or court documents that showed how you legally changed your name.”

And while standard licenses will continue to be an option, the cost for a Real ID is the same. Ogilvie said either way it’s all about planning ahead.  

“If you want a real I.D., we’ll be six months away next week, there is a mailing process to get your credential in the mail," Ogilvie said. "So, I encourage everyone to check your documents today, order a replacement Social Security card, get an updated birth certificate if you don't have one and apply by April 1 if you need it that first week in May that this goes live.”

Once the Real ID requirement goes into effect, if you plan on flying domestically, you’ll still be able to show a valid U.S. passport if you don’t have one.