Deadline: REAL ID enforcement goes into effect in one year

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts residents have one more year to obtain a REAL ID for domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings.

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be necessary for anyone using a license to board a flight traveling within the country. If you plan to get a REAL ID, you should consider applying now before any influx of applications.

“A year from the deadline might seem like plenty of time, but gathering the correct paperwork and completing an in-person appointment might take more time than you think,” said Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “Even if your traditional ID doesn’t expire before the deadline, if air travel is in your future, it’s worth upgrading to a REAL ID now.”

Massachusetts REAL ID Checklist

Applicants must provide proof of legal name, Social Security number, Massachusetts residency, and two forms of your address. All documents must be originals, photocopies and laminated documents will not be accepted. A document cannot be used to prove more than one requirement.

Acceptable documents for these cards include a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, valid permanent resident card, U.S. certificate of naturalization, unexpired employment authorization document or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For a full list of acceptable documents visit Mass.gov .

You’ll need to present these documents in person to get a REAL ID but, you may be able to start some of the process online .

Do I already have a REAL ID?

Acceptable ID for TSA Checkpoints

REAL ID will only be required on a flight if you are using a license to identify yourself but there are several types of identifications that can alternatively be used:

• REAL ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

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