Do you have your REAL ID? There is still time to get one in Charlotte. Here’s how
North Carolinians have once again been given an extension to make sure they have the proper identification to get through airport security, enter a military base and more.
The federal Department of Homeland Security, the agency announced Monday, will not start enforcing regulations that adults must carry REAL IDs for certain things until May 7, 2025. The deadline, which has been postponed multiple times, had previously been May 3, 2023.
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, which meet federal security standards, have been around for years. But in some states, including North Carolina, REAL IDs are optional. That means even if you already have an ID, you might need a new one to meet REAL ID standards.
Here’s what to know about REAL IDs and how to get one in North Carolina:
What do you need a REAL ID for?
The most common thing you’ll want a REAL ID for by 2025 is airport security. Once the REAL ID deadline passes, the TSA will no longer accept traditional driver’s license or identification cards, even for just domestic travel.
If you don’t have a REAL ID by the deadline, you’ll need a passport or other form of acceptable ID to get through airport security.
Not having a REAL ID, Homeland Security adds, will also leave you in a similar situation when trying to get into military bases and some federal buildings.
How to tell if your NC driver’s license is a REAL ID
North Carolina driver’s licenses and identification cards that are REAL ID-compliant have a gold star in the top corner, the state Department of Transportation explains.
If your state ID doesn’t have a gold star, it’s not a REAL ID. Those IDs can still be used for driving, voting, participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations, NCDOT notes.
How to get a REAL ID in North Carolina
Whether you’re new to North Carolina or just looking to update a license or identification card, you’ll need to have specific documents to get a REAL ID.
You’ll need to visit a state Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office to get a REAL ID.
And you’ll need to bring with you:
“One document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth”
“One document (with full name and full Social Security Number) confirming Social Security number”
“Two documents (with current physical address) proving North Carolina residency”
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you also need to bring “one document (with full name) proving legal presence/lawful status.”
And if your name has changed during your life, you need to bring “one or more documents” verifying that name change.
You can find the full list of acceptable documents at ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/requirements.aspx.
