For real this time: Federal REAL ID law set to take effect in May. Are you ready?
If you’re one of more than four million North Carolinians who chose to get a REAL ID from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, that decision will finally become meaningful in May.
That’s when the federal government begins enforcing stricter identification standards for people boarding airplanes or visiting certain federal offices and facilities.
A REAL ID is a state driver’s license or identification card that satisfies those stricter standards. If you haven’t got a REAL ID, there’s still time before the new rules go into effect on May 7. You can also get one any time after May 7.
Congress adopted the tougher ID standards after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Lawmakers wanted to make it easier to verify the identity of a person holding a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
To get a REAL ID, you must provide additional documents that prove your date of birth and identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or any one of a half dozen other documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Citizenship and Immigration Service.
After years of preparation, North Carolina began issuing REAL IDs in 2017, more than three years before the new identification standards were to take effect in October 2020. That date has been pushed back three times, largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, nearly 4.1 million North Carolinians now carry a REAL ID, about 48% of the 8.5 million residents with a state driver’s license or ID card, said DMV spokesman Marty Homan. The DMV hopes to get that number to 50%, Homan said.
The state and federal governments don’t require someone to get a REAL ID. But for those flying or visiting federal facilities that require an ID to enter, it’s a matter of convenience. Those without a state-issued REAL ID will still be able to board a domestic flight, but they’ll need to present an alternate form of acceptable identification, such as a passport.
Here are answers to other questions about REAL ID in North Carolina.
Is May 7, 2025, the deadline to get a REAL ID?
No. You may hear the word “deadline” associated with the REAL ID, but the DMV will continue to issue them after that date. And keep in mind you won’t be asked to show one until you fly or visit a federal facility that requires an ID.
Where do I get a REAL ID?
The N.C. REAL ID is available at the 115 DMV driver’s license offices in the state. To find the office nearest you, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/locate-dmv-office.
Can I get a REAL ID online?
No, not the first time. You need to visit a DMV office to obtain a REAL ID. When you renew a REAL ID, you’ll be able to do that online.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID?
If you already have a state driver’s license, you may only need an additional document that proves your date of birth and identity. If your name is different than it appears on those documents, because of marriage or divorce, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
If you’re applying for your first license or ID card, you’ll need two more types of documents.
The first is a document that shows your Social Security number. This includes a Social Security card or one of the following: a 1099 tax form, W-2 form or pay stub, each with your name and full Social Security number.
Second, you’ll need two documents that prove your current North Carolina residency. This can include your current unexpired driver’s license, vehicle registration card, voter precinct card, a DD214 veteran’s form, utility bill, school records or North Carolina vehicle insurance policy. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide a document showing you are lawfully in the United States. Note that birth, marriage and divorce documents must be certified.
For a full list of documents that can be used to obtain a REAL ID, go to www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/requirements.aspx.
Will the DMV keep copies of these documents?
Yes, the federal government requires that DMV scan those documents and keep them as part of your DMV record. One reason it took years to develop the REAL ID system in North Carolina and other states is that each state DMV had to devise new systems to securely store electronic copies of these documents.
What if my name has changed?
If your name no longer matches the one on your birth certificate or other document used to establish your identity and date of birth, you will need to provide another document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a document from a court or register of deeds. If your passport has your current name, no additional documentation is needed.
Does a REAL ID cost extra?
If you’re renewing your driver’s license, a REAL ID costs the same as the license, $52, good for eight years. If it is not time to renew your license, the REAL ID costs the same as a duplicate license, $16.75.
Does a REAL ID look different from a driver’s license?
No, except a REAL ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner. A driver’s license that doesn’t meet the new federal identification standards will contain the words: “Not for Federal Identification.”
Can I make an appointment?
Yes, go to skiptheline.ncdot.gov/ or call 919-715-7000 to make an appointment up to 90 days in advance. Try early in the morning; if none are available at an office near you, try again the next morning. The DMV makes a new set of appointments available each day.
Will minors need a REAL ID to fly?
No. Anyone under age 18 can fly without ID when traveling with an adult companion, but the companion will need acceptable ID.
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "For real this time: Federal REAL ID law set to take effect in May. Are you ready?."
