If you plan on traveling by airline, a REAL ID will be required to board beginning May 7, 2025.
The Transportation Security Administration is reminding the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
To determine if a Nevada credential is REAL ID-compliant and it was issued after July 2021, look for a white star in the middle of an icon shaped like the state of Nevada in the top right corner.
For credentials issued prior to July 2021, a REAL ID will have a gold circle with a white star in the middle of it. The presence of either image issued in Nevada will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified.
For travelers who want to use their driver’s license or state ID card to board commercial aircraft on domestic flights, they will need the Real ID in order to board. Secure federal facilities, such as military bases, already require licenses/IDs to be Real ID compliant.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification.
Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
Nationally, TSA estimates 81% of travelers have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable form of identification.
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found here.
Visiting Nevada DMV
Nevada DMV has been preparing for the onslaught of travelers who must visit a DMV office in person in order to get the required identification.
In order to become REAL ID-compliant, people will need to present proof of identity, name change(s), your Social Security number and two residency documents at a DMV office one time only.
These are generally the same documents people use to obtain their Nevada license or ID the first time. This time for the Real ID, people must show them again, plus two documents that show your Nevada residential address.
You must present all of the following:
— Proof of Identity (one document) AND
— If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
— Proof of Social Security number (one document) AND
— Proof of your Nevada residential address (two documents)
All information can be found on the Nevada DMV Real ID webpage here. The fee for a Real ID only (Change of Information) is $8.50 for a driver license, $7.50 for an ID card or $12.50 for a commercial license. Other driver license/ID changes of information, such as an address change or name change, may be included with no additional fee.
There is no additional charge for a Real ID if you are completing another license/ID transaction such as a renewal or adding an endorsement.
The Change of Information fee will apply if you are completing a vehicle registration or other transaction and the Real ID is the only change to your license or ID card.
