Every state has its own regulations when it comes to REAL ID requirements. Please be sure to reference DHS.gov/realid for state-specific details. AAA Northeast is providing general information about the REAL ID Act and what to expect.
Beginning on May 7, 2025, a REAL ID (or other form of identification such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID) will be required to fly domestically, enter a federal building or visit a military base.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 on a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission, is a federal law applicable to all states and all adults 18 and over.
REAL ID is a driver’s license or other form of state-issued identification card that meets the minimum security standards set forth by the federal government. It carries with it all the privileges of a standard license/identification.
A REAL ID will look almost exactly like your current driver’s license; however, it is marked with a star in the upper corner of the card.
How do I get one?
You can apply for a REAL ID at any time. License/ID holders must apply in person (with required documentation) at an RMV/DMV office.
AAA REAL ID service is available to members in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Those who are renewing their current standard license or ID card can apply for a REAL ID in person (with required documentation) at a local AAA branch. REAL ID services are also available at all downstate New York branch locations in Queens (Whitestone), Brooklyn, Manhattan (Lincoln Center), Garden City, Farmingdale, Smithtown, East Meadow, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights and Nanuet locations. Three Connecticut branches, Norwalk, Fairfield and Danbury, now offer license renewals and upgrades, such as changing to a REAL ID; securing a duplicate license and driving records for employment
In Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, DMV/RMV services are free for all AAA members. In Connecticut, AAA members from outside AAA Northeast territory pay $6 for DMV services and non-members pay $8.
Your REAL ID card will be mailed to you several weeks after you have completed the application.
102 National Park Attractions
See the most beautiful sights in America with help from this Your AAA guide to national parks.
Download Now!What are the REAL ID requirements?
All customers need documents showing United States citizenship or lawful presence, in addition to other identification documents, as required by federal and state law – even if you already have a state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
Each state has set its own requirements for what documents are accepted, so make sure you check with your state’s RMV/DMV office and have all the proper paperwork ahead of time. All documents need to be originals – photocopies will not be accepted.
Please note Massachusetts does not accept laminated Social Security cards or any type of document.
The following categories of documents are all required:
Proof of identity
This can be in the form of a U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card or foreign passport with an approved form I-94. If your current name doesn’t match the one that appears on your lawful presence document(s), you must prove your legal name change in order to qualify for a REAL ID driver’s license/ID card. If there are multiple name changes, documentation for each name change must be provided.
Proof of Social Security number
Social Security card, W-2 or pay-stub showing the full nine-digit Social Security number are all acceptable. Your Social Security number will be verified with the Social Security Administration. Massachusetts does not accept laminated SSN cards, but Rhode Island does.
Proof of residency
You will need to show two documents proving your residency. Examples include a mortgage bill, utility bill, property tax bill, rental or lease agreement or an employment/school document. Massachusetts also accepts medical documents.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island both require that these documents be dated within the previous 60 days.
This list of documents is not inclusive. Documents other than the ones listed above may be accepted as proof of Social Security number and residency. For additional types of documents, visit your state’s RMV/DMV website.
Is REAL ID mandatory?
No, you are not required to own a REAL ID. It is not required to drive any motor vehicle or to vote. It is only required for domestic air travel, to enter federal buildings and military sites that require identification.
In fact, you can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings without it as long as you have another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, permanent resident card or U.S. Department of Defense ID.
AAA Real ID
AAA encourages everyone who wants a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible. Start gathering your documents now and avoid the last-minute rush. You can apply for a new driver license or ID card up to one year before expiration.
AAA members in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York can apply at certain local branch offices. Reserve your spot online ahead of time at AAA.com/Reservations.
Learn more about REAL ID requirements and applications.
Information subject to change without notice. Refer to State Real ID websites for the most up-to-date information.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Related Articles
Trending Articles
NEWEST ARTICLES
90 Thoughts on “What Is Real ID? Everything You Need to Know”
Leave A Comment
Comments are subject to moderation and may or may not be published at the editor’s discretion. Only comments that are relevant to the article and add value to the Your AAA community will be considered. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.
You spelt the nys town of Yorktown incorrectly. In the article its spelt yorkstown.
Good eye! We made the correction.
I have obtained my Real ID from NJ where I used to reside. Move to NY , do I need to apply again in NY.?
Thanks
Hi Imelda, that is a good question! Unfortunately, Real ID can’t be transferred to another state. Each state must review the required documentation to issue a Real ID in that state.
The good news is Real ID endorsements for a NY Driver’s License or NY Non-Driver ID Card can be processed at select AAA branch locations for AAA members, but you will need to present certain physical documents to prove your identity. Please refer to the New York DMV website for complete information, download the application, and see a list of acceptable documents that must be physically presented during your transaction.
My Wife’s Real ID obtained from AAA does not work when going through TSA. I continued to get stopped and delayed. All TSA locations say it is pinponted to AAA Pictures not being of the highest quality. How do I fix this? Thanks Paul
Good afternoon Paul. We apologize for this inconvenience. Would you please email us at socialmediateam@aaane.onmicrosoft.com so we may reach out securely. Thank you – Aleshi
My license is not up for renewal until 2027, if I apply for a real ID prior to that, will it say duplicate or will they issue a clean new license
Hello Theresa, if you apply for a Real ID you will be issued a new license, not a duplicate. However, your REAL ID will arrive in the mail several weeks after you apply in person. During your appointment, you will receive a temporary paper driver’s license or identification that indicates you applied for a REAL ID-compliant credential.
I am renewing my drivers license in Mass, and Real ID and have a Form SSA-1099 showing social security benefits. Can I assume this will suffice for proof of SSN requirement?
Hello Peter, the MA RMV Identification Documents Checklist lists the SSA-1099 as acceptable proof of Social Security Number for Real ID. Thank you
This is true PROVIDED that the 1099 shows your FULL Social Security number. For better protection against identity theft, many people have their official statements redacted to “***-**-1234”. If this is the case, you will have to see if the reporting agency will issue a duplicate 1099 with the whole number displayed; some will, but it may require a lot of paperwork.
I made an appointment at a local AAA location to RENEW my Real ID. Is the application the only completed form I need to bring to the appointment?
Hello Cindy, thank you for reaching out. Would you please email me the city and state of your local branch. I will have them email you directly to make sure you have everything you need for your appointment. The email address is socialmediateam@aaane.onmicrosoft.com. Thank you – Aleshi
I have an appointment coming up for my first time Real ID. Do I bring in photographs? (or) Will my photo be taken at the W. Spfld, MA AAA Office where my appointment is?
Hello June! We’ll take all your photos for DMV services. Thank you!
To renew my license with Real ID, is an eye test required too
Hello Donnie, in New York you will need a vision test. I have attached the link to show you the specific requirements. DMV.NY.GOV/vision-requirements
Thank you – Aleshi
Hi, I have made an appointment for my Real ID at a AAA office. I have all documents ready. What do I do about a new photo? Are photos taken at the AAA office? Thank you!
Hi Amy! At your appointment, a Real ID photo will be taken. Thank you!
Can you renew a real license at a AAA branch in MA
Hi Patricia, you can renew your license and apply for a Real ID at all AAA branches in Mass. Reservations are required for RMV services, which you can do here.
How .uch does it cost if your license is still good
Thanks for your comment! There is no additional cost for a REAL ID. If not at renewal, only the standard duplicate license fees would apply.
Good useful information.
I like to cancel Toyota camry 2007 plate please
Hi Rosie, AAA provides license cancellation services at select branches in New York and Rhode Island. Please visit AAA.com/DMV or stop into a AAA branch location to find out if this DMV service is offered in your state/branch.
Why don’t you say anything about Enhanced Licenses? They are offered by New York State, and I believe they are available at the same downstate NY offices that offer Real ID licenses. As far as I know, Enhanced Licenses are available only in New York and Michigan, but they are one step up from Real ID because you can use them to drive or take a train into Canada and back (and possibly Mexico, although I’m not sure) without having to carry a passport. Most of my friends and I have them for just this reason (and we are people who live in NYC–a long way from the border). You do still need a passport to fly.
Hi Sara. Thanks for the info. A handful of states, including New York, offer enhanced driver’s licenses in addition to Real ID. And our downstate branches processes those transactions as well.
Can I get an updated perm. Handicap card at the AAA office on Old Saybrook C t.
Hi Barbara, thanks for the question. Unfortunately we cannot issue handicap cards at this time.
i lost my Social Security card with we’ve covered my local social security office was closed at the time lost it i do think i have the paperwork to get a new one but i want to do that it person i do not travel overseas and do not go on and have not been on a plane since the eighties so i do not if get a real id at this is good for me and love to know if aaa can help me get my new Social Security card
Hi Steven, thanks for the question. AAA does not distribute Social Security cards. You will have to contact a Social Security office. You can find the one closest to you here: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
If I make an appointment to upgrade to a REAL ID, can the REAL ID be forwarded in the mail to another address if I will be away for an extended time and not checking mail regularly?
Hi Lisa, thanks for the question. For the State of NY transactions only; yes. We can put a onetime mail to address for a license. Other states, we cannot.
My spouse and I are both attempting to get our Real ID’s at AAA in southern CA. He renewed his license last year, so it’s just an upgrade. I am due for a renewal and am choosing the Real ID upgrade. We are both US Citizens (born here) with the same address for 5+ years in CA. BUT, neither of us is being the option to choose a AAA location for our Real ID ANYWHERE in Southern CA! And we are only hearing “AAA will only be offered on the “schedule appointment” section of the DMV site IF you are eligible for AAA Real ID services”. Well, if WE are not eligible with one of us renewing and the other just ‘upgrading’, then who the heck IS eligible?! And the maddening “may not be eligible for varying reasons’ nonsense truly does not cut it! I’ve spent HOURS trying to get our appointments at the AAA office as we are both high risk for Delta and want to minimize ANY time spent in public. We feel much safer in a AAA office than a DMV. But we are being forced to put our health at risk because for some reason we are not eligible for AAA? I’m furious. Oh – i should add: no license violations for either of us; no lawsuits; no criminal activities. Nothing that might be a red flag. And seriously – have you seen the people hired at DMV’s? I’d trust a national security check to someone working at AAA MUCH faster than I would to someone working at a DMV. This is ridiculous
Just one step closer government is encroaching our personal lives.
You don’t live in a bubble. The other people around you “living their lives” may be bad actors, and I frankly would rather know the person sitting next to me on a plane has been at least properly identified. Seriously – what is so important about you (or me) that the Gov’t is going to waste resources on tailing your every move? If you’re doing illegal crap, then yeah, you deserve to be tracked. If not, then even if they DO watch you for a half a second (which is all 99.9% of us really would warrant in terms of effort because there are always much bigger fish to fry), if you’re not doing anything that would justify a closer (i.e. MORE COSTLY) look into your life and affairs, then the person who might be watching you for that half a second is going to click NEXT and move on to look for someone that can justify being “of interest”. Play stupid/illegal games, get stupid prizes. Live like a normal person and do the absolute minimum expected of you in a civilized society, and they will click NEXT on you faster than you’ll click next on watching an unwanted commercial. COULD they encroach on our personal lives? Sure. But are any of us THAT flipping high on the “of interest” scale? Not a chance. Lord, the elevated sense of importance people have about themselves when it comes to this subject is truly baffling.
Please consider rolling out the option to obtain Real IDs in NJ offices. The DMV is not a viable option for this service as, even with an appointment, the wait is generally two hours. Thank you.
In Queens new York, the DMV offered a choice of either a REAL ID that allowed for the air travel but NO ACCESS to federal buildings. The other is an ENHANCED ID that allows for all. I chose the Enhanced ID with NO STAR in the upper right corner but there is the American flag in the lower right corner. Does any other state offer the two types?? Also, one DOES COST MORE than the other. Is there a concern here???
Proof of Social Security number
Social Security card, W-2, or pay-stub showing the full 9-digit Social Security number are all acceptable. Your social security number will be verified with the Social Security Administration. Does this mean I can use my income tax form, showing my Social Security number, instead? I ask because I have no idea where my card is, having moved so many times and it was a long, long time ago that I received it.
A passport card is also a form of real ID. It costs the same $30 as the real ID
I applied for a Real ID and even though I had a certificate of marriage from the church I was married in 58 years ago….I was told I needed to get a copy of my marriage lic. from Providence City Hall to prove my maiden name was changed at that time to my married name now. Is this true for women taking their husbands name?????
I walked into the Worcester AAA office on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 expecting to get my REAL I.D.
Had all the supporting documents.
Was NOT issued an I.D. Said my “legal presence” was being challenged.
Now Aug. 24 and still don’t have either a REAL I.D. or a new driver’s license. My current license expires this Saturday, Aug. 28.
I am a 73-year-old Navy veteran (1970-75) who served at the Underground Nuclear Test Site in Mercury, NV; has voted in every election since I turned 18 in 1966; and have worked as a volunteer in at least 10 elections.
Government insanity.
It seems all of these questions and answers are for NY, NJ, Ma, RI. Are any of these questions and answers for the state of CT or is CT not doing this or making appts for the Real ID’S until Oct 1 2021. I have a TSA # and will I be able to travel domestically after Oct. 1st 2021 without a Real ID? I also have a passport. I mean I am confused about this Real ID business. Please reply
Hi Linda, thanks for reaching out. The Real ID Act applies to all states, including Connecticut. However, local AAA branch offices in Connecticut are not able to provide DMV services at this time, so you would have to go to the DMV to apply. The Real ID deadline has been pushed back to May 3, 2023. At that time you will need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically. You can find more info here: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Select-CT-ID/Select-CT-ID/Real-ID-Overview
I just saw your emails and had a question. My regular MA ID doesn’t expire until 2023. But I just made an appointment, because my daughter who was turning 21 at the time was told that they would be up grading her to a Real ID’s for free, because of the covid restrictions, so I booked us together on the same day. My question, is it too soon for me to get a Real ID. If I get one now, will I still have to come in later to renew my MA ID in 2023 again?
Hi Fran, if you get your Real ID now, you will not have to apply again in 2023. You would simply renew your ID as you normally would. You can find more info here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-massachusetts-id-mass-id
Thanks for the question!
When I went to get a Real ID in MA I was told that a social security card cannot be used as proof of legal name. Since my marriage license from another state (30 years ago) does not indicate my married name (with birth last name for a middle name instead of birth middle name), I need to go before a judge to have my named changed legally in the eyes of Massachusetts. Correct? How much does that cost?
Hi Jane, thanks for the question. Unfortunately a SS card cannot be used towards a name change. It may have been accepted 30 years ago when you were married, but after the Real ID act was passed, it cannot be used. In order of preference:
Do you have a valid US Passport in your married name that matches your driving record on file with RMV? If you do, use that in lieu of your Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate requirements.
If you do not have a valid US Passport, you’ll need your original, raised seal birth certificate and Marriage Certificate that proves the name change from your birth name to current name. You indicated your current marriage certificate does not show the full name of taking your birth last name as your middle name: in SOME instances this maybe acceptable, but the documents must be reviewed in person.
In this scenario we would need the original birth and marriage certificates and social security card all at one time. Your social security card must match your current name on your drivers license record. If we can see the correlation between all names, it’s possible that it can be used for Real ID. It’s important to note that we need all originals and may need the RMV Business Support’s approval.
We can have one of our MA branch managers review this with you over the phone, and in some instances if we have access to zoom and can view your documents ahead of time, we can determine if it’s acceptable or not.
Please note that information provided in this email is to assist you but is in no way a guarantee that the documents would be acceptable. They need to be screened in person and validate electronically to qualify for a Real ID
In regards to cost to change a name, that we cannot answer, but here are links that may assist.
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/legally-change-your-name-as-an-adult
https://courtforms.jud.state.ma.us/publicforms/PFC0005
Can I come into local aaa office in New Jersey to upgrade my license to
A real Id?
Hi Deborah, unfortunately our NJ branch offices do not offer DMV/MVC services at this time.
My wife’s driver’s license, along with almost all of the identification she has [e.g., bank accounts, credit cards] show the first name she has been using all her life. Her passport shows her “official” first name [probably the one on her birth certificate, if we had any idea where that is]. There is no formal “legal” name change involved.
Someone on a New York State website said this would be a problem, but they never gave a hint as to what we’re supposed to do about it. I guess she’s going to have to carry her passport on domestic trips and remember to reserve flights using the name she dislikes intensely.
If anyone wonders why voter ID can sometimes be a major obstacle, I imagine this is an example of what some people have to put up with.
Your town office will have copies or an original birth certificate. You may have to go there for a copy. Expect to pay for it. I did.
I renewed my license,it was issued to me 01/14/2021
It doesn’t expire until 2029. My license does have a Star in a circle in the upper right top side of my license,however, the star is not gold. Please reply regarding the star not being gold.
Hi Sabra, the star does not need to be gold. Different state licenses have different designs. Thanks for reaching out!
Do you need a real ID if you have a passport?
Hi Tim, you can use a passport instead of a Real ID to fly within the United States or enter federal buildings.
I was able to easily renew my MA drivers license with Real ID at my local AAA office (appointment needed). It was quick and efficient. I would suggest people fill out the form online before showing up to save time. My husband, who is also an AAA member was not able to renew at the AAA office. He had to go to a DMV site because he is a veteran (information that is included on his MA license). He made an appointment on line and it was reasonably efficient there also.
Tell that to NJ – there are absolutely no Real ID appointments available and haven’t been for months.
Things are a mess in NJ when it comes to the DMV. Even if you have an appointment, that office might close if there has been any covid there.
I visited my local AAA office on 8/6 for my RealID – just wanted to say thanks, it was smooth, fast, efficient, and I got my new RealID in the mail in just under a week. The checklist you provided for requirements made it so that I had everything ready, and I was very happy to find that they had extended the no-fee period for the upgrade. Thanks!
I have a MA drivers Licence that expires one year from now. But my passport has expired and we plan to travel by land to Canada in one week. Canada allows Americans to cross the border with an enhanced ID. Is there any way to expedite getting an enhanced drivers Licence (eg within a few days)?
Hi Anni, thanks for your question. Unfortunately, only select states offer the Enhanced License for border crossings and Massachusetts does not. These states are normally ones that have a land border crossing with Canada. In your situation, if travel is necessary, you may have to pay to have your passport renewal expedited. See: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html for additional information. Pay particular attention to the response time to see if it meets your schedule.
You are probably aware, but there are new border crossing information for Canada that can be found here: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/border in regards to Covid and vaccination requirements. These regulations change often so it’s suggested that you check them frequently right up until the time you are scheduled to cross the border.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to your local AAA branch location. You can find the closest one here
If you already have your Real ID card and hate your picture on it, and just want to come in and get another picture taken, do you have to bring in again all of your documents that you had to the first time or just come in, show your card and go straight and get your picture taken?
I Upgraded to a real ID a few years ago. I am assuming I don’t have to do it again when my license expires. Is that correct?
Hi Arlene, correct — you will not have to apply for a Real ID again, simply renew your license as you normally would. Thanks for the question!
As an aide for some during COVID and getting a new picture taken – I took a deep enough breath then took off my mask in the AAA office, smiled for the picture (no teeth showing and had my lips closed, then immediately put my mask back on and started to breath again. I didn’t care how my picture turned out (wasn’t bad on the preview screen) – the picture is simply a requirement and nobody is going to care how I look on it.
Can I visit AAA to upgrade to REAL ID now from a regular ID? I renewed my regular ID in July 2020 under the RMV’s renew now, get REAL ID later COVID procedure. All the news said to go back to RMW after Feb. 2021 to upgrade to REAL ID. However when I made an appointment and went to RMV in March, I was told that because REAL ID is not needed for TSA purpose until Oct. 1, 2021, RMV is not giving out REAL ID until after Oct. 1st. Can a AAA member visit AAA to upgrade to REAL ID before Oct. 1, 2021?
Hi Kevin, yes you can upgrade your license at a AAA branch now. Click here to make an appointment: AAA.com
I have AAA, does my husband have to be on the card also in order to get the RealID license?
Hi Paula, thanks for the question. Your husband would have to have a AAA membership in his name in order to get a REAL ID at a AAA branch. He can always sign up for a membership at a branch and then go through the license upgrade process. Otherwise, he can always go to the local DMV to apply for a REAL ID.
My license expires on 3/19/2021 when should I come in to renew and can I have an appt.
Hi Roberta, you can renew your license at any time. You can make an appointment to visit one of our branch locations here: https://branches.northeast.aaa.com/?meetwithanagent&dl=reservations
Thanks!
i have a CDL Class B License can i my RealID done at my local AAA
For the real ID, is a new picture required to be taken or can it be my current license picture?
Hi Veronica, thanks for the question. Yes, a new picture is required for Real ID. You cannot use your old license photo when upgrading.
I believe CDL requires an in person visit to an RMV branch.
My MA Drivers License expires 3/14/2022. can I get a Real ID now?
If I go to get my Real ID with all the necessary documents… yet my licenses does not expire for 2 more years. Do I have to take another picture or will they just use my current picture and print a Real ID.?
My drivers license expires in Oct. 2020. When can I apply for a real ID license in NY?
My drivers license expires October 31, 2020. I’m planning to fly on October 3, 2020. Can I get the Real ID license in September 2020? If I do will it be good for 4 years?
Hi Christopher, you can get a REAL ID at any time. The length of validity varies by state but generally it is the same length of time as a regular driver’s license. According to the DHS, “the appropriate validity period of the driver’s license or identification card will be consistent with the state’s regular expiration period.”
I applied and paid for one feb 2020 still haven’t received. Got an email 6 months ago that they are processing
Does a New York State Enhanced Driver’s license meet the requirement for “Real ID” if it does not have the Gold Star?
Hi Robert, both Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and REAL IDs can be used for domestic flights, to enter a federal building or get onto a military base. REAL ID is available at DMV offices and costs the same as a standard license, but the Enhanced License costs $30 more. The biggest difference is that Enhanced ID allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport, but not by plane.
What do you mean to Caribbean countries but not by plane. Does that mean you can only go to certain Caribbean countries by boat?
Thanks for unusual ,unbelievable, funny TSA gate stories and very reliable,important, information on Real ID. Do they plan to increase fee for real ID?
Hi, no fee increases are known to us at this time. However, if someone wants to transfer to a REAL ID but before their state allows you to renew your license, there may be additional charges. For example, you can renew a MA driver’s license within one year of expiration with no fee. That includes moving to a REAL ID within that year. But, Rhode Island only allows you to renew within 90 days of the expiration.
Hi,
My daughter currently is out of state in college. How can she apply for her REAL ID if she is not in Mass currently? Could she just do it online? Please advise.
Hi Kimmi, you must apply for a Real ID in person, so your daughter would have to wait until she is back in Massachusetts. Thanks for the question!