Starting next year, American adults will need a Real ID to board a commercial flight or enter certain federal buildings. The deadline to apply for a Real ID is May 7, 2025, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. A standard ID is not enough for federal purposes, as the Real ID is a federally compliant standard that was established in 2005 for increased security measures post-9/11.
To obtain a Real ID, applicants must provide several documents in person at their local RMV office, with some parts of the process able to be started online. Required documents include proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., proof of Social Security number, and proof of state residency. Applicants must ensure that their current name matches the name on their documents, or provide additional documentation such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Acceptable documents for proving citizenship or lawful presence include a U.S. passport, original birth certificate, or permanent resident card. For proving Social Security number, options include a Social Security card, W-2 form, or paystub. State residency can be proven with documents like a current driver’s license, a bill from the past 60 days, or an official school transcript.
The Real ID will feature a gold star at the top right corner to indicate its federal compliance. It is important for individuals to begin the process of obtaining a Real ID to ensure they can travel and access federal buildings without any issues. More information on acceptable documents can be found on the RMV’s website.
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