As of May 7, the federal government will begin enforcing the Real ID requirement for air travel. Without a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, residents will not be able to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.
Residents have until May 6 to ensure their IDs are Real ID compliant, or they will face travel restrictions starting May 7. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), U.S. travelers must meet Real ID standards in order to board domestic flights and gain access to federal facilities.
The process to request a Real ID is simple. You can either apply online through the BMV website or visit a local BMV office.
What Documents Do You Need for a Real ID in Ohio?
To apply for a Real ID, you’ll need to provide several important documents. These include:
- Proof of your full legal name
- Proof of your date of birth
- Proof of Social Security number (if applicable)
- Proof of your legal presence in the U.S.
- Proof of Ohio residency
A comprehensive list of acceptable documents is available on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.
Once you request or renew your Real ID, you will receive your new driver’s license or ID card by mail. Be aware that your card will arrive in a plain, white envelope. You can track your card for free via the U.S. Postal Service. If you do not receive your card after 28 days, you can check its status through the BMV website or by calling their support at 1-844-OHIO-BMV (1-844-644-6268).
Other Acceptable IDs for Air Travel in the U.S.
If you don’t plan to apply for a Real ID, other forms of identification can be used for air travel, such as:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- And several others, which are listed on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.
Do Children Need Real IDs?
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification for domestic flights. However, it’s a good idea to check with the airline regarding any specific requirements for young travelers.
The History Behind Real ID
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The goal was to create more secure forms of identification and set consistent standards for issuance. As a result, certain federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will only accept forms of identification with the Real ID seal starting May 7. This impacts things like:
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
- Accessing certain federal facilities
- Entering nuclear power plants
If your ID does not meet Real ID standards, you will not be able to enter these locations or board a flight after May 7.
For more information on how to apply for a Real ID, check the official Ohio BMV website.
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