Get REAL

As we can put the first quarter of 2025 behind us, and the elongated winter weather is finally breaking into spring, you may say to yourself, “I need a vacation.” What to do and where to go can always be a fun exercise when planning your next adventure, but one very important legal matter should be a part of your travel plan checklist. It is REALly important. I am talking about REAL ID.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every person traveling on domestic flights will be required to produce a REAL ID at pre-boarding security checkpoints. This ID will also be required to enter any federal buildings (including courthouses) and military bases. This is important to know because individuals may be flying out prior to May 7 but have a return flight after May 7 and this new requirement could cause issues.

What is it? A REAL ID is a state-issued identification card (usually a driver’s license) that meets federal security standards, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of state-issued IDs and reducing the possibility of identity fraud.

A REAL ID can be obtained by visiting a Secretary of State office and showing at least two pieces of identification from the list provided on the Michigan Secretary of State’s website. This process must be completed in person as the agent at the office needs to verify each applicant’s documentation.

If an individual is not able to obtain a REAL ID prior to the May 7 deadline, passports or other pieces of identification may be provided in lieu of a REAL ID at the airport or federal facilities. See the TSA Guidelines for details.

So, remember to pack your museum guidebook, sunscreen, and your REAL ID for your next vacation. Safe travels!