Real ID Act: Birth Certificate requirements

The Real ID Act was formulated in the wake of September 11 and was passed by Congress in May 2005. It was an Act of Congress that modified the U.S. federal law that is in charge of the security, authentication and issuing of ID documents, such as driving licenses and birth certificates.

The Real ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to the federal government. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet the established standards.

States have been implementing the necessary changes to meeting the key recommendation made BY the 9/11 Commission. By May 7, 2025, all states must comply with this new regulation.

Real ID implementation

The following is implemented by the Real ID Act:

• Title II of the Act establishes new federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards
• Modifying visa limits for temporary workers, nurses, and Australian citizens
• Funding reports and pilot projects linked to border security
• Introducing new rules that cover “delivery bonds” (Similar to bail, but for aliens who have been released pending hearings)
• Updating and tightening the laws on application for asylum and deportation of aliens for terrorism
• Waiving the laws that interfere the construction of physical barriers at the borders

The goal of the act was to eliminate airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents that allow a person to take domestic flights.

Due to the Real ID Act, state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and a valid Social Security Number before they can issue a license or ID.

The cards themselves are built using new technology, making them more difficult to forge.

It has taken the federal government almost 15 years to fully implement the act. The process has been gradual as each state has a different status. However, all states must be in compliance with the act by May 7th, 2025. U.S. residents will need to meet the REAL ID requirements in order to get theirs.

Extension to the REAL ID deadline

In December 2022 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the deadline for citizens to swap their old ID for a REAL ID had been extended to May 7, 2025.

Originally the cut off date had been set for October 1, 2021, and then extended to May 2023 before being extended once more.

This change has been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited the ability for DMVs across the country to respond to the usual volumes of applications.

Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly in 2022?

You do not yet need a REAL ID to fly in 2022. If you’re a U.S. resident taking a domestic flight, you’ll be able to show one of TSA’s approved identification documents. For any international flights, you’ll need to show a passport.

However, beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 years or older will require a REAL ID-compliant identification to pass through TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.

This will cover all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S.territories. A passport will still be required to fly internationally, and a REAL ID will not be accepted as a substitute for your passport.

You can check if an identification document is REAL ID-compliant by looking if there’s a star at the top of the document. If you’re unsure, contact your state driver’s license office on how to get a REAL ID card.

How do I know if I need a Real ID?

The REAL ID ACT was established to prevent identity theft and increase national security. However, what does the REAL ID Act mean for travelers?

As of May 7th, 2053, anyone who is a resident in the United States will need to have a Real ID identification to pass through TSA security at airport checkpoints.

The easiest way to know if you really need a REAL ID is if you are planning to travel by airplane or visit federal facilities. It should be noted, however, that if you have one of the following documents, you do not need a REAL ID card:

• Valid passport
• Military ID
• Other federally approved document

If you plan on taking domestic flights, you will always need to carry a federally approved document.

Residents in the United States should note that a Federal Non-Compliant card:

• Cannot be used for boarding a plane starting May 7, 2025
• Cannot be used to enter a secure federal facility starting May 7, 2025
• May require showing further evidence of legal presence to purchase a firearm

The table below sums up the differences between a standard ID or driver's license and a real ID or driver's license.

Source: PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services

What does a Real ID look like?

To get a REAL ID card you will need to visit a DMV office with the required documents. You can complete your driver’s license application online.

A gold or black star in the top right corner will identify your document as a federal compliant REAL ID driver's license and identification card. If your ID does not have a star verify with your state to make sure you have a federal compliant ID.

It is possible that you may already have a REAL ID, as some states have been issuing them for a few years now.

Is a Birth Certificate REAL ID?

No, a birth certificate is not a form of REAL ID. This campaign aims to replace government photo ID with harder to forge copies and a birth certificate does not fit that criteria.

However, you can use your birth certificate as an official form of ID when replacing your current driver's license or photo ID with a REAL ID compliant replacement. This will need to be presented during the application process.

Requirements to get a Real ID by 2025

If you don’t already have a REAL ID, there are a few steps you can take to get it. Be sure to read about the Real ID requirements and how to proceed.

1. Make an appointment to visit a DMV field office
2. Bring the following:
   • Proof of identity: certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an approved form I-94
   • Proof of your Social Security Number: SSN card, W-2 or paystub with full SSN
   • Proof of residency document: rental or lease agreement, mortgage bill, utility bill or employment, medical or school document
   • If applicable, an original or certified copy of a name change document, such as marriage certificate or divorce decree
3. Pay the respective fee. The fee will vary depending on each state and whether you are getting a new license, renewal, or duplicate. If you only want to upgrade to a REAL ID and your current license is not expiring, then there will most likely be an additional cost. E.g. New Jersey charges an $11 extra change fee. However, if you have an expiring New Jersey license and upgrade to a REAL ID once it expires, you only have to pay a $24 renewal fee.Expect to pay between $10 to $80 to upgrade to a REAL ID, with most people usually paying $50 or less.

At this time, all states are either in compliance with the Real ID Act or have an extension. The alternative to a REAL ID are a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

If you apply for a REAL ID, note that you will still need to obtain a U.S. passport in order to travel abroad.

Read more: Real ID compliant states

How Do I Get a REAL ID if My Name Is Different on My Birth Certificate?

Getting a REAL ID can be more complicated if the name on your birth certificate does not match the name on your ID.

There are many reasons why the names may not match, including marriage and legal name changes.

If you have a different name on your birth certificate to the name on your driving license, passport, or other type of ID, then you have 2 options when applying for your REAL ID:

1. Change your birth certificate: your new certificate will match your ID
2. Bring proof of your name change: such as a marriage certificate

The protocol may vary depending on the state you’re in. If you’re unsure of your options, you can contact your local DMV office.

What if I changed my maiden name to my middle name?

When some women get married and take their partner’s surname, they change their maiden name to their middle name. Though a marriage certificate proves the change in surname, it does not explain the change in middle name.

This can cause problems when applying for a REAL ID, as the change may not have been officially recorded.

Due to many occurrences, many DMV offices now make allowances for this type of name change. However, you’re recommended to contact your local DMV to check their policy.

If you still need to get your REAL ID, but you do not have a copy of your birth certificate, you can easily request a birth certificate replacement online. The simple application process allows you to quickly request a government issued certified copy of your birth certificate in minutes.