If you’re a Meeting Planner with an upcoming travel schedule, you need to be prepared for REAL ID before its mandated effective date of May 7, 2025, especially if you expect to board any domestic flights after that date.

What is REAL ID and how will it impact me?

Congress enacted the REAL ID Act of 2005 from the 911 Commission’s recommendation as a way to define a new set of security standards country-wide for all individuals with state-issued driver’s licenses. 

If you have recently renewed your driver’s license, you may already have REAL ID.  It appears as a star on the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license. By May 7th it will be required by all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. (Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands). 

Understanding REAL ID, its Requirements, and Its Impact on Travelers

Some domestic travelers, business professionals and tourists may be unaware of REAL ID’s importance and why this federally-mandated ID is critical to boarding flights and accessing certain federal facilities. If you do not have your REAL ID card, you will be turned away by TSA and not allowed to board your flight.

REAL ID cards will not be accepted for crossing the border into Mexico or Canada, or for other international travel. If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport.

How Do I Get my REAL ID?

Since every state is required to provide any citizen with a driver’s license with a REAL ID marking, you need to visit your local driver’s license bureau. You will be required to show proof of your address, current lawful or legal status, Social Security number and date of birth. If your Social Security card is not available, a W-2 form that contains your Social Security number should be accepted.

Check the website of your local driver’s license bureau before paying them a visit. They should list all the requirements needed to secure your REAL ID.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDL’s do not contain the star marking.

What Date is the REAL ID Required?

By May 7, 2025 – all U.S. citizens wanting to access federal facilities or board domestic flights must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.

Stress-free Ground Transportation with Agenda: USA

If you have travel plans to Kansas City – regardless of whether or not REAL ID is in effect – Agenda: USA can assist you with hassle-free ground transportation in one of our immaculate, high-end vehicles. With our extensive fleet, we have a variety of vehicles for individual travelers or any size group. Contact us or give us a call today at 913.268.4466.