Real ID Deadline Is Here

The clock is ticking for travelers. Today marks the deadline to get your Real ID if you plan to fly within the U.S. While a valid passport can still be used to board domestic flights, you’ll need a Real ID to enter federal courthouses and military bases. You won’t need it to drive, vote, go to the post office, or buy alcohol. To get a Real ID, bring proof of identity—like a birth certificate or passport—your Social Security card, and two pieces of mail that show your name and address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. According to Toni Smith with the Iowa DOT there is still time to get your real ID. You can get a Real ID at any time. So you can still get one after today.  And if you are not traveling until later in the year, they suggest you make your appointment later in the year. Get it at least two months in advance and that way you can avoid some of that business right now. Some DOT offices are offering extended weekday hours, but they’ll remain closed on weekends. Once you’ve got the gold star on your license, you won’t need to reapply when renewing in the future. But expect it to take up to 30 days to arrive by mail. And a warning from the TSA: without a Real ID—or a passport—you may face long delays, or be turned away at airport security altogether. For more on what you’ll need to bring and how to make an appointment, visit the Iowa DOT website.