Are you Real ID ready? If not, you have around one year to upgrade your driver's license to Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight next year.
While airline travelers in the U.S. won't have to worry about having a "Real ID" this Thanksgiving travel season, anyone planning to fly in 2025 should be sure to check their travel documents before heading to the airport.
A federal law that will go into effect next year requires Real ID compatible identification when flying domestically.
Here's what to know about the Real ID deadline and how you can ensure you're compliant.
What is Real ID?
Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that is federally approved for travel security.
Where do you need Real ID?
Real ID will be required for domestic flights and access to some federal facilities.
What does a Real ID look like?
Michigan's Real ID recently got a redesign, though the old version remains valid.
Initially, Real ID-compliant Michigan driver's licenses or state ID cards had an image of the Mackinac Bridge and a star in a gold circle in the upper right-hand corner. Under the new design, the upper right-hand corner of IDs feature a star in a gold map of the state of Michigan.
The old design will be valid until the ID expires, with the state phasing the old design out by January 2029, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. All new IDs will be issued with the new Real ID-compliant design.
What if my ID doesn't have a star?
If your ID is missing the star in the upper right-hand corner, it is not Real ID-compliant and you'll need to update your identification in order to fly. The license remains valid for driving in the U.S.
You can do so by visiting your local Michigan Secretary of State office. You'll need to bring the following documents:
How much does Real ID cost in Michigan?
To update your driver's license or state ID card to Real ID while renewing or replacing your driver's license or state ID, there's no additional cost, the Secretary of State's Office said.
If you choose to update your driver's license or state ID card to Real ID outside of your renewal or replacement, there is a $9 fee for a driver's license and a $10 fee for a state ID card, per the Secretary of State's Office.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
If you don't have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you can carry other documents, including a U.S. passport or passport card. A full list of TSA acceptable documents is available online.
When is the Real ID deadline?
The deadline to have a Real ID-compliant identification is May 7, 2025.