Real ID Deadline: MA Registry Urges Residents To Get The New License

MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts residents who have not yet gotten their REAL ID-compliant license or registration now have only a few months left to do so before it becomes a requirement to fly domestically or to enter certain federal facilities unless you are carrying a valid passport.

The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is May 7.

"Do not wait," Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said. "We are six months away from the REAL ID federal requirement going into effect and strongly urge Massachusetts residents who wish to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant credential to act as soon as possible.

"For customers who qualify for a REAL ID and want to renew and upgrade, we recommend you schedule your appointment at least three weeks before your birthday so that you can receive your credential in the mail ahead of your expiration."

The Massachusetts RMV and AAA Northeast began issuing the REAL ID in 2018 but the federal deadline for travel or to enter public buildings has been delayed several times through the COVID-19 health crisis.

• Another Real ID Change Could Be Coming: What To Know In MA

Residents who have yet to get one can go online here to learn what documents are needed for a required in-person appointment.

Appointments are available right now. Customers who already have a compliant credential may renew online as long as they have not had a name change.

The fee to obtain or renew a REAL ID-compliant credential is the same as obtaining or renewing the equivalent non-compliant credential:

• The fee for renewing a non-commercial standard or a REAL ID driver’s license is $50.
• The fee for renewing a Mass ID is $25.
• The amendment fee for upgrading to a standard or REAL ID credential before an existing credential’s expiration is $25.
• Customers with a less than five-year stay in the U.S. pay a pro-rated fee.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting the RMV’s Online Service Center or if you are a AAA member here.

As part of its aggressive effort to educate residents on REAL ID, the RMV is collaborating with Massport in a campaign that is already underway and which uses public messaging on road
billboards, in public transit facilities and at Boston Logan International Airport.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)