Another Real ID Change Could Be Coming: What To Know In MA

MASSACHUSETTS — Time is running out for Massachusetts travelers to make sure they have a REAL ID — although a proposed federal rule could push out the upcoming deadline once again.

Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, travelers will need an updated driver's license, ID card or provide
other documentation before they can board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants or access certain federal buildings.

The Department of Homeland Security has already extended the deadline for REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses multiple times, most recently in late 2022 when the agency moved the implementation date back two years to May 7, 2025.

Now, the Transportation Security Administration and DHS have proposed a federal rule that would allow for the REAL ID requirements to be implemented in phases — with another two years until they have to be fully enforced.

This proposed rule doesn't change the May 2025 deadline, but would give the TSA and other federal agencies some flexibility to decide whether or not they will require travelers to have their REAL IDs ready by next May.

So, those people who have been waiting to get their ID (and there are a number of them out there) might be able to hold off a little longer, depending on whether or not the TSA plans to use this phased approach.

But why are officials proposing this change now? The Department of Homeland Security said that as of January 2024, only about 56 percent of people in the U.S. had driver's licenses and ID cards that are REAL ID-compliant.

"Because of the history of extensions related to REAL ID enforcement, DHS believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a REAL ID," officials said.

So, the DHS is anticipating possible "last-minute surges in demand for REAL IDs leading up to the deadline" that could overwhelm state agencies, resulting in backlogs that could prevent people from getting their IDs in time.

Here is what Massachusetts residents need to know about getting a REAL ID:

How Do I Know If I Have A REAL ID?

A REAL ID is distinguishable from a regular Massachusetts driver's license because it has a star in the upper right-hand corner. That's a shorthand way of saying a person's citizenship and legal residence status have been verified.

How Do I Get A REAL ID?

REAL ID cards are issued at driver's licensing stations in Massachusetts. In general, those seeking them need to provide documentation showing their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or proof of lawful status to be in the United States, and two proofs of the address of
their principal residence.

Residents must provide a valid U.S. Passport, original or certified version of a birth certificate, and
proof of residence — which could include a current license, firearm carrying license, property tax bill, jury duty notice, excise tax bill, insurance bill, utility bill, mortgage statement within the past 60 days, rental contract, W-2 form, pay stub, bank statement, school record or transcript, or alternative residency affidavit for those under 18 years old.

Residents can start the application process online here and finish it in some cases.

Those who don't plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office don't need to do anything. A REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license.

Also, the TSA won't require children younger than 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel and it also does not affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don't require identification, obtain medical care or participate in police proceedings or investigations.