As we move closer to May 2025, the date when the REAL ID Act will become fully enforced across the United States, it’s crucial for North Carolina residents to understand the changes regarding identification for air travel and federal access. Starting in 2025, if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings, your North Carolina driver’s license or state-issued ID will need to be REAL ID-compliant. If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant by this time, you will face additional hurdles when traveling and accessing federal spaces. This article will walk you through what a REAL ID is, why it’s important, how to get one in North Carolina, and what to do if you don’t want to get a REAL ID.
What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set new security standards for state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses. The main purpose of the Act is to make it harder to counterfeit IDs and ensure that state-issued documents are used for their intended purpose of proving identity, age, and legal presence in the U.S.
A REAL ID-compliant card is marked by a gold star in the upper-right corner. After May 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to:
- Board domestic flights: Your regular North Carolina driver’s license will no longer be sufficient to board a plane.
- Access federal buildings: This includes places such as federal courthouses, military bases, and nuclear power plants.
If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 2025, you will not be able to use your North Carolina driver’s license or state ID for these purposes. Instead, you will need another form of federally accepted ID, such as a U.S. passport or U.S. military ID.
Is Your North Carolina ID REAL ID-Compliant?
To determine if your North Carolina ID or driver’s license is already REAL ID-compliant, simply check the upper-right corner of your current card. If it has a gold star, your ID meets the REAL ID standards and is good to use for air travel and federal access.
However, if there is no star on your ID, it is not REAL ID-compliant, and you will need to upgrade it before the May 2025 deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a REAL ID in North Carolina
If you’re ready to get your REAL ID, follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you meet all the requirements and have everything in order before visiting the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
When applying for a REAL ID, you will need to bring several original documents to the DMV to verify your identity, Social Security number, and state residency. The documents you bring must prove the following:
- Identity
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Legal presence in the U.S.
- North Carolina residency
Here is a list of documents you will need:
- Proof of Identity:
- U.S. birth certificate (certified or original)
- U.S. passport (valid or expired within the last five years)
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN):
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Pay stub with SSN listed
- 1099 form
- Proof of Legal Presence:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Permanent resident card (Green card)
- Employment authorization document (EAD)
- Proof of North Carolina Residency (Two Documents Required):
- Utility bill (electricity, water, etc.)
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Bank statement
- Paycheck stub
- Insurance documents
- Vehicle registration or title
Ensure that all of your documents are originals—photocopies are not acceptable.
Step 2: Visit Your Local North Carolina DMV Office
Once you’ve gathered all of the required documents, visit your local North Carolina DMV office to apply for your REAL ID. The DMV offers online appointments to help you save time, but walk-ins are also welcome (though you may experience longer wait times).
At the DMV, you’ll complete the necessary forms with your personal information, and a staff member will review your documents. They will take a photo for your new REAL ID and verify your data.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
There is a fee for obtaining a REAL ID in North Carolina. As of 2024, the fee for a REAL ID driver’s license is $40 for a five-year license and $80 for a ten-year license. The fee for a REAL ID state ID is $20.
Payments are accepted via cash, credit card, or debit card at the DMV office.
Step 4: Wait for Your REAL ID
Once your REAL ID application has been processed, you will typically receive your new driver’s license or state ID in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During the processing period, your non-REAL ID driver’s license or state ID remains valid.
If you’re in a hurry, you can request a temporary paper license as proof of your identity until your REAL ID arrives.
What if You Don’t Want a REAL ID?
If you choose not to apply for a REAL ID, your North Carolina driver’s license will still be valid for all non-federal purposes, including driving, voting, and accessing state services. However, starting in May 2025, your regular driver’s license will no longer be accepted for:
- Boarding domestic flights
- Entering federal buildings like courthouses, military bases, or nuclear facilities
If you don’t get a REAL ID, you will need to rely on an alternative form of federally accepted ID for air travel and federal access, such as:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- Military ID
- Other accepted forms of identification
Why Should You Apply for a REAL ID Now?
The May 2025 deadline is just around the corner, and many people wait until the last minute to apply for their REAL ID. Don’t fall into this trap! There are several reasons to apply early:
- Avoid delays: The closer it gets to the deadline, the busier the DMV will be. By applying early, you can skip the rush and ensure you have your REAL ID on time.
- Up-to-date information: If you’ve recently changed your name or address, the REAL ID process provides an opportunity to update your information.
- Peace of mind: With a REAL ID, you’ll be ready for travel, access to federal facilities, and other necessary services when the 2025 deadline arrives.
What Happens After May 2025?
Starting in May 2025, if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, you won’t be able to use it for the following purposes:
- Boarding domestic flights
- Entering federal buildings like federal courthouses and military bases
However, your regular North Carolina driver’s license will still be valid for other state-related activities such as driving and voting. If you don’t have a REAL ID, you will need an alternative form of identification for air travel and federal access.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a North Carolina resident, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a REAL ID. With the May 2025 deadline quickly approaching, it’s best to gather your documents and head to your local DMV now. The process is simple once you have everything in order, and it will ensure that you’re ready for all the travel and federal access you’ll need in the future.
Remember, the REAL ID is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. By getting your REAL ID today, you’ll avoid potential delays, stay ahead of the deadline, and ensure your ID is compliant with federal standards.
So, start preparing now—get your REAL ID before May 2025 and be ready for whatever lies ahead!
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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