🚨 REAL ID Deadline: What Retired Travelers Need to Know Before May 7, 2025! 🚨
 

If you're planning to fly within the U.S. after May 7, 2025, make sure your driver’s license or ID is REAL ID-compliant! Without it, you’ll need a valid passport or TSA-approved document to board domestic flights.

✅ Check your ID: If there’s a star in the upper-right corner, you’re good to go! If not, you’ll need to visit the DMV with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and residency to upgrade.

✈ Don’t worry if you have a passport—it can be used for domestic travel, too! Minors traveling with an adult do not need a REAL ID.

⏳ Plan ahead! The DMV will get busier as the deadline nears, so schedule your appointment early to avoid long lines.

👉 More details in our blog post: Understanding the REAL ID: What It Means for Travelers — Insurance Consultants International

📺 Watch our quick video on REAL ID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXWwf6wNsQ

🛡 And while you're getting ready for your next adventure, don’t forget travel insurance! A missed flight, medical emergency, or cancellation can quickly disrupt your plans. We’re here to help you find the best coverage for peace of mind!

Let us know—do you already have a REAL ID, or will you need to upgrade? 💬👇

Real ID became effective nationwide in 2008, after being enacted by Congress in 2005 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attack on our country. Florida started issuing them in 2010. If you haven't already been compliant all this time, then you a) haven't been paying attention for at least a decade, b) intentionally resisted as some sort of silly protest against the government, c) were incapacitated all this time either with memory or physically or both, or d) not very bright.

We had the option of getting a normal license renewal, or a REAL ID license, when I lived in Connecticut some time around 2013-2014. After that point, all licenses, new or renewal, would require the REAL ID documentation. So I've had mine since then, since I opted in when it was still optional.

@OrangeBlossomBaby – You’re absolutely right that REAL ID has been in the works for many years! Some states rolled it out earlier than others, and many travelers may have already updated their licenses without even realizing it.

We love sharing travel tips and reminders to help ensure everyone stays informed—especially as key deadlines approach. Since May 7, 2025, is the firm cutoff for using a REAL ID (or an alternative like a passport) for domestic flights, we just wanted to give folks a heads-up so they can avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport! ✈

Thanks for sharing your experience—it's always great to hear from well-prepared travelers! 😊

Thanks for the clarification.

And if you are traveling to the UK an Electronic Travel Autohorzation will be required in addition to your passport. That was effective January 8, 2025.

All Florida Licenses are Compliant
 

All Florida Drivers Licenses are Real ID compliant. Since 2010 they have been issued that way and they expire every 8 years.

Last year I scheduled my appointment with New Jersey DMV for my real ID, had to wait three months for my appointment. I followed their checklist for necessary documents and sailed through the process. At the end, I was told Governor Murphy is paying for all cost for drivers license renewals. However, I had to pay $11 for my real ID portion.
Such a deal - the $24 savings on the license didn’t put even the smallest dent in my $1100 increase of property taxes.
P.S. - my pic looks great though!

You may be one in million who likes their license pic! HAHA I was hoping I would have to re-do mine to get a new pic! :) - Kristen with Trip Insurance Pros

Good to know for Florida! So it shouldn't really be an issue for most. :thumbup: We like share tips on travel and trip insurance education as we can. Enjoy your day! -Kristen with Trip Insurance Consultants

Great point! The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an important new requirement for travelers. As of January 8, 2025, many visitors, including those from the U.S., will need an ETA in addition to a valid passport when traveling to the UK.

Just like the REAL ID deadline for domestic flights, this is another key travel update that travelers should be aware of to avoid any last-minute issues. Thanks for sharing this info! We love helping people stay informed so they can enjoy stress-free travels. ✈️🌍 - Kristen

Enhanced Drivers Licenses are also accepted as real ID.

It says what “retired” travelers need to know. Doesn’t the Real ID apply to anyone - whether they are retired or employed?

Real ID - The facts
 

Real ID doesn’t apply to retired people only as the title of the thread from the OP implied. Also if you have a U.S. passport, military ID, or other accepted federal ID, you don’t have to worry about having a Real ID compliant drivers license.

Nope. Was issued one in 2013 that was not compliant. Got a new one in 2021 that was.

Slipped through the cracks last decade
 

Perhaps you were at a station that didn’t have the technology upgrade way back then? To make certain ONLY real IDs have a star symbol in the upper right hand corner if you see it you are golden. I think California is the only one who uses a bear with its star.
Here are the 5 different star types you would have. Of course any one of the 5 is an indicator. Florida’s is a gold circle with a white star. There would be no excuse for a Floridian driver to not have a real ID today. As stated, 8 years is the maximum for a driver’s license term.