REAL ID Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Know by May 7, 2025
Will be required to board commercial flights and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport or other federally accepted form of identification.
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 28, 2025 — A significant deadline for North Carolinians planning to travel or access federal facilities is fast approaching. Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID will be required to board commercial flights and enter certain federal buildings unless you have a valid passport or other federally accepted form of identification.
What is the REAL ID?
The REAL ID is a federal security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, established by the REAL ID Act of 2005. It enhances verification procedures to make IDs more secure and reduce identity fraud. North Carolina began issuing REAL IDs in 2017.
Why Was the REAL ID Program Created?
The REAL ID Act was passed in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which exposed weaknesses in how IDs were issued and verified across the country. Several of the attackers had obtained state-issued driver licenses using fraudulent documents. The federal government created REAL ID to close those security gaps and create a more consistent, nationwide identification standard for critical functions like boarding aircraft and entering federal facilities.
Who Needs a REAL ID?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to:
Fly domestically using your license or ID as identification
Visit military bases
Enter federal facilities or nuclear power plants
If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can continue to use that instead, and you don’t necessarily need a REAL ID.
When is the Deadline?
The federal enforcement date is May 7, 2025. After that, standard driver's licenses or ID cards without the REAL ID star will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints or federal installations.
Where Can You Get One?
REAL IDs are issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). You can apply at any driver license office in the state, but due to demand, appointments are encouraged. Locations can be found on the NCDOT website.
Why Is It Important?
The federal government delayed enforcement several times, but the May 7, 2025, deadline appears final. Without a REAL ID (or alternative ID), travelers risk being turned away at airport security.
How to Get a REAL ID in North Carolina
To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring specific documents:
One document that proves identity and date of birth (e.g., certified birth certificate or valid passport)
One document with your Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2)
Two documents proving North Carolina residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)
Complete details and acceptable document lists are available at the NCDOT REAL ID Requirements page.
Still Not Sure if You Need One?
It depends on your travel and access needs. For example, your standard ID may be OK if you never fly and don't visit federal buildings. But if you're unsure, check eligibility and FAQs at:
Bottom line: If you plan to fly or visit federal facilities after May 7, 2025, now is the time to prepare. Don't wait until the last minute — DMV offices are expected to get busier as the deadline nears.