While the deadline to get a Real ID is still nearly a year away, failing to obtain one by then won’t entirely bar travelers from flying.
As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must become “Real ID compliant” by obtaining a Real ID driver’s license or identification card. But, for those who don’t meet the deadline, several alternatives are available.
An active passport, passport card or a Global Entry card will all allow travelers over 18 to fly domestically without a Real ID.
The deadline to obtain a Real ID was pushed several times before eventually landing in May 2025. Most recently, in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline by two years in hopes of giving states more time to rebound from the still lingering effects of lockdowns early in the COVID-19 pandemic, which created a steep backlog of work for licensing agencies.
Items needed to get a Real ID include a birth certificate or U.S. passport, social security card and proof of residency, such as a bill from the past 60 days.
The name on the documents must match your current name. If it doesn’t, a marriage certificate or divorce decree is needed.
Applying for a Real ID in Massachusetts can start online. For more information, click here.
