What you should know about the REAL ID before it takes effect

Many residents in the United States, including those in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, will be required to obtain a REAL ID beginning May 7, 2025, in order to increase national security.

A REAL ID is essentially a new type of driver’s license that enables Americans to enter federal buildings or zones like Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, which mandated that the federal government create new requirements for issuance of identification, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission.

What is the purpose of the REAL ID?

A REAL ID will allow Americans to travel domestically in the United States, including by plane.

It will also give people access to certain nuclear power plants and federal facilities such as courthouses, laboratories, and more.

What if I don’t get a REAL ID?

Anyone who does not have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, will be denied boarding a commercial aircraft unless they hold a US passport. Other accepted forms can be found here.

They will not be permitted to enter federal buildings or nuclear power plants.

TSA and DHS only accept REAL IDs, not standard driver’s licenses.

Travelers do not need a REAL ID to travel internationally, but they will require a passport.

How do I know if I have a REAL ID or a standard driver’s license?

REAL ID cards bear one of the following star markings in the upper top corner.

How to get a REAL ID

Ohio’s Valid Documents

•  birth, legal presence, social security number and Ohio Street Address. Acceptable documents include:
  • U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, I-797 Case Type of N-565, foreign passport with Visa, employment authorization document, supplemental USCIS documents proving legal presence, Social Security card, W-2, 1099 Form, pay stub.
  • Ohio Driver’s License, Ohio BMV postcards, child support statement, financial institution statement, federal or Ohio income tax return, court order of probation, parole or mandatory release, a letter from a college or university in Ohio, Ohio Motor Vehicle Title or registration, school transcript, Ohio sales tax statement or business license, proof of home ownership, utility bill, TSA letter, Ohio concealed weapons permit, public assistance benefits statement, selective service registration acknowledgment card, professional license, credit card statement.

Indiana’s Valid Documents

• Proof of Identity/Lawful Status (1 document required): United States birth certificate, unexpired United States passport, foreign passport with a visa and I-94 form, Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Proof of Social Security (1 document required): Social Security card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, Non-SSA-1099 form, pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it, Social Security Administration documents establishing that you are ineligible for a Social Security number.
• Proof of Indiana Residency (2 documents required): Computer-generated bill from a utility company, credit card company, doctor, or hospital, issued within 60 days of the date you visit a BMV branch, and containing your name and address of residence, a bank statement, pre-printed pay stub, Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement.

Kentucky’s valid documents

• Proof of Identity (1 document required): U.S. Birth Certificate, court-ordered adoption papers, U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, Passport with I-551 Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident Card, Conditional Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Social Security (1 document required): Social Security card, SSNAP Replacement, W-2 Wage and Tax Statement, paycheck stub or statement.
• Proof of Residency (2 documents required):
  • Documents dated less than 1 year: Utility bill, telephone bill, bank statement, state or federal tax return, pay slip or salary statement, Kentucky voter registration card, U.S. Postal Service postmarked mail.
  • Most current documents: Kentucky Driver’s License, permit or personal ID card, property tax bill, Kentucky vehicle registration, IRS forms, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, record from an educational institution in Kentucky, Kentucky titles.

Source

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