The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set new standards for identification cards issued by state governments. These cards are designed to enhance national security by ensuring that identification is more difficult to counterfeit and that individuals’ identities are properly verified before being issued an ID. The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is fast approaching, and Ohio residents need to be aware of the changes to ensure they’re prepared in time.
As of May 2025, all Ohioans who wish to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. If you don’t have a REAL ID, you won’t be able to use your regular Ohio driver’s license to board a flight, enter federal buildings, or visit military bases. Instead, you’ll need to use alternative identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the REAL ID process, from what documents you need to gather to how to apply for your REAL ID in Ohio. Let’s get started!
What Is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state-issued ID card that meets enhanced security standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These enhanced standards ensure that the identity of the individual applying for the ID is verified using proper documentation and safeguards against fraud.
REAL IDs are distinct from regular driver’s licenses and state IDs because they feature a gold star in the upper-right corner of the card. This star indicates that the ID has been verified to meet federal requirements. Starting in May 2025, this star will be necessary for several key activities, including:
- Boarding domestic flights: You will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification (such as a U.S. passport) to board commercial flights within the United States.
- Entering federal buildings and military bases: Certain federal facilities and military bases will require a REAL ID for entry.
- Accessing other secure locations: Locations that require government-issued identification for access may also require a REAL ID.
If your Ohio driver’s license or state ID does not feature the star, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted for federal purposes after May 2025.
Is Your Ohio ID REAL ID-Compliant?
To find out if your Ohio ID is already REAL ID-compliant, simply check the upper-right corner of your card. If you see a gold star in the corner, your ID meets federal requirements and will be valid for air travel and access to federal buildings after May 2025.
If your Ohio ID doesn’t have the star, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID before the deadline. Fortunately, getting a REAL ID in Ohio is a relatively simple process, and we’ve outlined the steps below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a REAL ID in Ohio
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To apply for a REAL ID in Ohio, you’ll need to bring several original documents to prove your identity, legal presence in the U.S., Social Security number, and Ohio residency. These documents will help the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) verify your information.
Here’s a list of the required documents:
- Proof of Identity:
- U.S. birth certificate (certified or original)
- U.S. passport (valid or expired within the last 5 years)
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN):
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- Pay stub with your SSN listed
- 1099 tax form
- Proof of Legal Presence (if applicable):
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Immigration documents (visa, I-94, employment authorization card)
- Proof of Ohio Residency (Two Documents Required):
- Utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.)
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Bank statements or credit card statements
- Ohio vehicle registration or title
- Paycheck stub or tax return
The documents must be original or certified copies—photocopies will not be accepted.
Step 2: Visit Your Local Ohio BMV Office
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, you’ll need to visit an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person to apply for your REAL ID. It’s recommended that you schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times. Appointments can be scheduled online through the Ohio BMV website.
When you visit the BMV, a clerk will verify your documents, take a new photograph for your REAL ID, and process your application. During the process, you’ll be asked to complete a form with your personal information and confirm the documents you’ve provided. The BMV will also collect a fee for the REAL ID.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
There is a fee associated with applying for a REAL ID in Ohio. As of 2024, the fee for a REAL ID driver’s license is typically around $25. The fee may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, such as whether you’re applying for a new driver’s license or updating an existing one. For Ohio state IDs, the fee is typically around $10 for adults.
You can pay the fee with cash, credit card, or debit card at the BMV.
Step 4: Receive Your REAL ID
Once your application is processed, you will receive your new REAL ID card by mail. In most cases, you should expect to receive your REAL ID within 10 to 15 business days. While you wait for your new card, you can continue using your existing Ohio driver’s license or ID.
Please note that you cannot receive a REAL ID immediately at the BMV office—it will be mailed to you. If your application is incomplete or the documents are not verified, the BMV may request additional documentation before processing your REAL ID.
Step 5: Keep Your REAL ID Safe
After receiving your REAL ID, be sure to keep it in a safe place. Your REAL ID will be required for various activities, so it’s important to keep it protected and avoid losing it. If your REAL ID is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement from the Ohio BMV.
What Happens After May 2025?
After May 2025, you will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID Ohio driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or visit military bases. If you do not obtain a REAL ID, you will need to carry an alternative form of identification, such as:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- Military ID
- Other federally accepted forms of identification
What if You Don’t Want a REAL ID?
If you do not wish to obtain a REAL ID, you will still be able to use your Ohio driver’s license or state ID for other purposes, such as driving, voting, and other state-related activities. However, after May 2025, you won’t be able to use it for federal purposes like boarding flights or accessing federal buildings.
You can continue to use your existing Ohio ID for non-federal purposes, or you can choose to obtain a U.S. passport or another federally accepted ID for air travel and federal access.
Final Thoughts
The REAL ID deadline of May 2025 is fast approaching, and Ohio residents must take action to ensure they have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. The process is straightforward, but it requires gathering the right documents, scheduling an appointment at the BMV, and paying the fee. Don’t wait until the last minute—take care of your REAL ID application now to avoid any disruptions when you need it most.
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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