REAL ID Deadline – This is What You Need to Fly Starting May 2025

Picture Credit City and County of Honolulu via Facebook

REAL ID Deadline – This is What You Need to Fly Starting May 2025

The REAL ID deadline is fast approaching.  If you’ve been putting off upgrading your driver’s license or state ID, now’s the time to act. Starting May 7, 2025, the long-anticipated REAL ID requirement goes into effect. That means you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what this means and how to get ready:

What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set federal standards for issuing sources of identification, like driver’s licenses. The goal? To improve security and reduce fraud. States have been gradually rolling out REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are marked with a star on the top right corner.

Why It Matters

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will no longer accept standard state-issued IDs for domestic flights for those 18 years old and older. If you show up to the airport with a regular driver’s license that isn’t REAL ID-compliant, you won’t be allowed through security—unless you have another accepted ID, such as:

A U.S. passport or passport card
A DHS trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry)
A military ID
A federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID

How to Get a REAL ID

Getting a REAL ID isn’t automatic and you must go in person to your local DMV and bring documents that prove:

Identity (like a birth certificate or valid passport)
Social Security Number (Social Security card or a W-2 with full SSN)
Residency (usually two pieces of mail with your current address)
Requirements can vary slightly by state, so check your state DMV’s website for specifics and make an appointment if possible.

Don’t Wait Too Long

As the deadline approaches, DMV offices may get busier with people trying to upgrade their IDs. Getting ahead of the rush now can save you time and stress later—especially if you have travel plans in 2025.

Travel Tip

Have a passport? You don’t necessarily need a REAL ID to fly—but it’s still smart to have one for convenience, especially if you don’t always travel with your passport.

Bottom Line: Starting May 7, 2025, your regular driver’s license might not be enough to fly. If you do not already have your REAL ID compliant driver’s license, take a few minutes to check your ID, gather your documents, and plan to get REAL ID-ready.

Click here for more information.- Honolulu DMV

(Picture Credit to City and County of Honolulu.)

Day-Trip to Lāna‘i

A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor.  You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the added time saving convenience of not having to book the ferry and call the shuttle yourself. Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.

Have you visited Lānaʻi or have questions about a day-trip?  Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!