REAL ID Deadline Down To 7 Months: 5 Things To Know In CT

CONNECTICUT — This is the rare news article about REAL ID that is not detailing another push-back of the deadline.

That means there are less than seven months remaining before Connecticut residents will need to show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly within the United States, unless they have other approved identification.

The deadline to get a REAL ID is May 7, 2025. After that date, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will no longer accept identification that does not meet the new standards.

How Do I Know If I Have A REAL ID?

A REAL ID is distinguishable from a regular Connecticut driver’s license because it has a gold circle in the upper right corner, with a white star in the middle of the circle. That indicates that a person’s citizenship and legal residence status have been verified.

When Would I Need To Show A Real ID?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In addition to the stars, REAL ID cards are built with technology that makes them more difficult to forge, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other documentation, will be needed to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings.

Where Can I Get A REAL ID, And What Do I Need?

Schedule an appointment at any DMV office or partner office, like DMV Express. Not every office provides all or the same services, so click here to see what's offered where, and when the office is open. Select your appointment type after verifying the service is available at the desired location. Be advised that a valid email and/or mobile phone number is required to create an appointment.

A checklist of documents you will need to bring can be found online here. Once you have crossed all your t's and dotted the i's, your REAL ID should arrive in the mail within 20 business days. You can track the delivery of your new card online here.

If you aren’t due for a license renewal and would like a REAL ID, you can request your driver’s license or ID for a $30 duplicate fee.

What If I Don't Get A REAL ID?

Connecticut residents without a REAL ID will need a valid passport or other federally accepted document, such as a Global Entry Card, to board domestic flights or enter nuclear power plants and certain federal buildings. The Transportation Safety Administration has a list of federally accepted documents online here.

Those who don’t plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office don’t need to do anything. A REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won’t require children under 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel, and it also does not affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don’t require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.

Should I Just Wait Until 2025?

The state's schedule for appointments is pretty wide open now, in the middle of September. The smart money is betting against it staying that way past the New Year. The deadline falling right on the doorstep of the 2025 summer vacation season is only going to exacerbate matters, generating longer lines and more competition for appointments in places that require them.