What The Hell America!

With REAL ID enforcement set to kick in on May 7, some grassroots organizers worry that the requirement to obtain an upgraded ID card from a state’s driver’s licensing agency could have a disproportionate burden on some Black Americans.

Already, 21% of Black adults lack a valid driver’s license, compared with 8% of white adults. Economic hardship and limited access to public transportation are among the structural barriers that contribute to this disparity.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes higher security standards for procuring state-issued driver’s licenses and other ID cards. The law “prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes” documents that don’t adhere to these standards, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. REAL ID is needed for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities such as military bases.

The REAL ID requirement was supposed to take effect in 2008, but opposition from state governments over privacy concerns and, later, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the deadline being pushed to May 7, 2025.

Wanda Mosley, the deputy policy director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, fears that the process for getting a REAL ID-compliant card could be cumbersome for some Black Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities.

“We know that there will be long lines. That also means that there might not be enough appointments available,” she told Capital B, adding that the process involves gathering multiple documents, which can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for groups that historically have had to navigate economic precarity. “All of that is concerning.”

Mosley looks at everything in this country through the lens of equity, she explained.

“If we’re talking about these long lines that will surely exist, many people might not be able to leave work, because if they’re not working, they’re not getting paid,” she said. “Their priority would obviously be to keep the lights on and keep food on the table. And that intersects with issues regarding a lack of public transportation, especially in rural communities.”

Some states — including California, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania — have extended their DMV hours or hosted days to work exclusively with customers who need REAL ID-compliant cards. Still, there have been reports of hourslong waits and lines that stretch for blocks.

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the May 7 deadline.

Do I need REAL ID to fly in 2025?

If you’re flying domestically, you’ll need either a REAL ID-compliant card or some other document that has been deemed an acceptable alternative, such as a passport or passport card or a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (if you’re in New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, or Washington).

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a passport, which also is an acceptable REAL ID alternative for domestic travel.

How do I know if my card is already REAL ID-compliant?

REAL ID-compliant cards have some sort of star marking on the top. If you don’t see this marking, then your card isn’t REAL ID-compliant and you could run into delays or other obstacles while traveling domestically or attempting to enter certain federal facilities.

What are other acceptable forms of ID for flying?

The Transportation Security Administration also accepts passports, passport cards, permanent resident cards, photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations, and foreign government-issued passports, among other forms of ID. Look at the full list here.

What happens if I don’t have REAL ID?

Without REAL ID or a federally approved alternative, you can expect additional screening and identity verification and the possibility of being turned away from a security checkpoint.

Is REAL ID mandatory in all states?

Starting on May 7, every state and territory resident must present a REAL ID-compliant card or an acceptable alternative to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

How do I get REAL ID?

The process for obtaining REAL ID varies by state. Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website to figure out what your state’s driver’s licensing agency requires. Generally, you’ll need to provide documents to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your residency.

Do children traveling within the U.S. need REAL ID?

TSA doesn’t require children to provide ID when traveling within the U.S. But the agency does suggest that you contact the specific airline about any travel requirements for minors.

This process is confusing. Where can I get more help?

Organizations such as VoteRiders offer support to people facing ID-related challenges. The group provides information on state-specific ID requirements, assistance with obtaining necessary documents, and help with navigating the application process.