Michaela Bigaouette, Marion County Treasurer, pointed out how important it is to obtain a Real ID, which shows up on your driver’s license. A Real ID proves your identity to Homeland Security.

It is not required so there is no deadline to obtain one. Originally, you needed a Real ID after May 3, 2023, if you fly domestically or want to gain access to a federal facility or a military base. The Real ID will show up on your driver’s license with a gold star in the upper right hand corner.

The United States Government has extended the Real ID deadline.

Bigaouette tells KNIA/KRLS News,”But they have actually extended that. The new compliance date for the Real ID if you need it is May 7 of 2025.”

Once the Real ID is required, if you travel and don’t have one you would need to travel with a passport, even if you were flying in the United States.