Stay Secure: REAL ID Deadline Looms For Americans

REAL ID's are coming to everyone in 2025 and no matter where you live, even here in Texas, you're going to need them if you want to get on a flight again. The deadline for these new REAL IDs is May 7, 2025. Will you be ready?

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What The Heck Is A 'REAL ID?'

Okay so just because your ID isn't a REAL ID, doesn't mean its not actually real. You might even have one already! The main difference between the REAL ID and your old ID is the golden circle with a star on it at the right hand corner. Even though the REAL ID may not look much different however, it does come with a new set of rules.

The DHS site had this to say about the new REAL IDs.

"REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity, accuracy, and security of the driver license and identification card issuance process. The REAL ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and the Tsunami Relief Act and was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005."

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What Does It Mean??

So basically, the new REAL ID cards were issued to help combat terrorism here in the US. Why did that happen though? Well DHS has this to say about why the cards were issued in the first place!

"The United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The REAL ID Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards in an effort to reduce identity fraud and terrorism."

What If I Don't Have A REAL ID?

If you don't have a REAL ID yet, which most people should, that's okay!! All you have to do is renew your ID before May 7, 2025. If your ID expires AFTER May 7, 2025, it may stop you from entering federal buildings or even boarding domestic flights. So we recommend you search your ID for that little gold circle with the star inside and if you don't have it, go get it!!

Texas became REAL ID compliant in 2016 so most of the state probably has their REAL IDs already. Regardless, its always good to double check!! Make sure you have that Gold circle with the star in it and if you don't, it may be time to head to the DMV!

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