La Real ID entrará en vigor a partir del 7 de mayo en Estados Unidos.
Estados Unidos

Confirmed: this is everything you won't be able to do if you don't have your Real ID before May 7 in the United States

The Real ID consists of a badge that does not replace other identifications but will be essential to carry out various actions within the United States.

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Starting on May 7, 2025, every American citizen or legal resident in the North American country must carry an identification that includes the Real ID badge in order to continue performing various actions, such as taking domestic flights.

This measure, originated after the approval of the REAL ID Act in 2005, aims to implement a series of security standards for driver's licenses and other identification cards issued by the states that make up the United States. Its purpose is to reinforce national security and make the issuance of official identifications more strict.

Having an identification with Real ID will allow the bearer to perform various actions, such as:

  • Boarding commercial flights within the United States.
  • Entering Federal Government buildings.
  • Entering military facilities.

What happens if you don't have a Real ID before May 7?

According to government authorities, not having an identification that includes Real ID before May 7 will not prevent a person from being able to carry out various actions, such as driving, voting, or accessing hospitals.

Likewise, not having this badge will not affect the possibility of receiving federal benefits, such as subsidies or support from various government agencies, such as those provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after filing taxes.

Even so, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these will be the documents that will also be accepted for traveling within the United States:

  • US passports.
  • Passport cards.
  • Enhanced driver's licenses issued by various states.
  • Permanent resident cards.
  • Transportation worker identification credentials.
  • Trusted traveler program cards, such as Global Entry.
  • Identification cards issued by government agencies.
  • Documents issued by the Department of Defense.

However, and despite these alternatives, the United States government has informed that individuals who do not have any of these identifications or one that contains the Real ID badge and wish to take a national flight or enter federal facilities may be detained by airport or facility security.

How to process the Real ID?

To carry out the process of obtaining the Real ID, these are the steps:

  1. Verify that you meet the eligibility requirements, such as being a resident of the United States and being over 18 years old.
  2. Gather the required documents: proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residence.
  3. Go to a DMV office (Department of Motor Vehicles) available to carry out the process. Appointments can also be made online, according to the provisions of each state.
  4. Complete the application to obtain the badge.
  5. Pay the corresponding fee, which may vary depending on the state or the type of identification.
  6. Take the photo at the DMV.
  7. Wait for the confirmation mail.

*This article has been translated automatically using artificial intelligence