REAL ID Now Required: What You Need to Know

As union members, you’re always on the move, whether it’s traveling for work, visiting family, or taking that well-deserved vacation. You’ve likely heard about the REAL ID, but with the deadline fast approaching, it’s important to know exactly what it is, why it matters to working families like ours, and how to make sure you’re ready.

Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID, passport, or another approved document to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal buildings. That includes places like immigration offices, federal courthouses, and those often-busy TSA checkpoints at airports.

If you’re not ready, you may get turned away. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to any of us. Here’s how to stay one step ahead and ensure your travel plans remain on track.

What Is a REAL ID? It’s About Keeping Things Secure.

Think of the REAL ID as a more secure upgrade to your current driver’s license or state ID. It might look almost the same as what you carry now, but it has a small but significant star symbol in the upper corner. That star signifies that your ID meets strict federal security rules designed to make identification more reliable.

While a REAL ID isn’t required for everyday things like driving to work or picking up the kids, it’s definitely easier to have one, especially if you ever:

• Travel by plane, even for those short hops within the U.S. for union business or a quick getaway.
• Need to visit a government office for immigration matters, to access benefits our unions fight for, or for any legal issues.
• Want to avoid carrying your valuable passport for everyday identification, keeping it safe at home instead.

What Other Forms of ID Are Accepted? Know Your Options.

The good news is that the REAL ID isn’t the only ticket to the skies or entry into federal buildings. It’s about having secure identification, and there are other ways to prove who you are.

Here are acceptable alternatives you can use:

✔️ U.S. Passport or Passport Card (always a reliable option)

✔️ Foreign Passport (with valid U.S. visa or other required documentation)

✔️ Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

✔️ Employment Authorization Card (EAD)

✔️ DHS Trusted Traveler Card (like Global Entry or SENTRI, which many frequent travelers find useful)

✔️ Tribal-issued photo ID

✔️ U.S. Military ID (for our brothers and sisters in uniform)

How to Get a REAL ID

To apply for a REAL ID, you’ll need to do it the old-fashioned way – a visit to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can take care of online.

Here’s what most states will ask you to bring:

1. Proof of Identity and Legal Status: This confirms who you are and that you are legally present in the U.S. You’ll need original documents like your U.S. passport, green card, work permit (EAD), or birth certificate.
   
2. Proof of Social Security Number: They need to verify your SSN. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub that clearly shows your full Social Security number.
   
3. Proof of Residency (Two Documents): These documents prove where you currently live. Acceptable items usually include:
   1. Utility bills (gas, electric, water, etc.)
   2. Your lease agreement
   3. Bank statements
   4. Official mail from a government agency

All showing your current name and address. Make sure to bring two different types of documents from this list.

Check your specific state’s DMV website for a complete list of required documents. Requirements can sometimes vary slightly from state to state. Also, remember that they will want to see original documents, not photocopies, and ensure that the name and address on all your documents match.

What If Your Name Has Changed? Bring the Paperwork

If the name on your current ID is different from the name on your required documents, you’ll need to bring proof of the change. This could be your marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change. Make sure these documents are also originals or certified copies.

What If You Don’t Currently Have Legal Status?

It’s important to know that the REAL ID is currently only available to individuals who have legal immigration status in the U.S. However, if you are undocumented, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a driver’s license in some states.

Many states – including New York and New Jersey – still offer standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s licenses for undocumented drivers. These licenses allow you to drive legally and safely within the state, but they won’t be accepted for boarding flights or entering federal buildings that require REAL ID.

Stay One Step Ahead

With the May 2025 deadline getting closer, now is the time to act. Gather your documents, make an appointment at your local DMV, and take the steps to get your REAL ID sorted out.