REAL ID Deadline This Week: What You Need To Know To Get One In MA

MASSACHUSETTS — The deadline to get a Massachusetts REAL ID necessary to fly domestically or get into many government buildings is this week.

But for those who still need the "Gold Star" ID for imminent travel, the Massachusetts RMV is accepting walk-in transactions at all of its service centers.

If a customer who walks in for a REAL ID transaction cannot be helped immediately, a service center staff member will see if another time slot may be available later that same day or scheduled over the next few days, the RMV said.

Anyone who qualifies can still obtain a REAL ID past May 7.

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"As we get closer to May 7, we are very pleased to see more and more residents coming in for a REAL ID-compliant credential," Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said. "For those who haven't, there is no need to panic. Up to and beyond May 7, the Registry will continue to process REAL ID transactions.

"We are increasing our capacity at our service centers, and we are also accepting walk-ins for individuals who have imminent travel plans that require a REAL ID. Meanwhile, we urge everyone to become familiar with the required documentation, so they know what they need to bring with them when applying for the REAL ID."

The Department of Homeland Security 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 2025.

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.

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.

If your license has that star, it means you already have a REAL ID and do not have to do anything ahead of the May 7 deadline.

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, apply for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don't require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.