Saturday, February 8, 2025
Ohio residents to obtain a REAL ID at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
Ohio resident to secure a REAL ID at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to comply with federal travel regulations.

If you are planning to travel within the U.S. by air, time is running out to update your ID! Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver’s license will no longer be enough for domestic flights. Ohio residents must obtain a REAL ID by May 6 to meet new federal travel regulations.

Why Does REAL ID Matter?

The federal government is tightening security measures, meaning your current driver’s license or ID card may not be valid for certain purposes after the deadline. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), all U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification to:

  • Board domestic flights
  • Access federal facilities
  • Enter nuclear power plants

How to Get a REAL ID in Ohio

Applying for a REAL ID is simple. You can visit a local BMV office or start the process online via the Ohio BMV website. Be sure to bring the required documents, including:

  • Proof of full legal name
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of Social Security number (if assigned)
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  • Proof of Ohio residency
  • A full list of accepted documents is available on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your REAL ID request is processed:

  • Your new ID will be mailed to you in a plain, white envelope.
  • You can track your ID for free via the U.S. Postal Service.
  • If you don’t receive your card within 28 days, contact the BMV at 1-844-OHIO-BMV (1-844-644-6268) or check your application status online.

Accepted Forms of ID for U.S. Travel

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, you’ll need one of these federally approved alternatives:

  • U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
  • DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Border Crossing Card
  • Federally recognized Tribal Nation ID
  • Foreign Government-Issued Passport
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

For a full list of acceptable IDs, visit the TSA website.

Do Children Need a REAL ID?

No! The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification for domestic flights. However, airlines may have their own requirements, so check with your carrier before traveling.

Why Was REAL ID Created?

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, was based on the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to enhance national security by standardizing ID requirements. As a result, federal agencies will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant for air travel, federal building access, and other purposes.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Ensure your ID is compliant before the May 6 deadline to avoid travel disruptions.

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