Columbus Airport's Real Id Requirements: What You Need To Know

As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to access federal facilities, including boarding commercial aircraft. This applies to both John Glenn International (CMH) and Rickenbacker (LCK) airports in Columbus, Ohio. The REAL ID Act sets federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, requiring them for air travel and entry into federal facilities. While a REAL ID is not mandatory to fly, travelers without one will need to present an alternative, TSA-approved form of identification.

What is the REAL ID deadline?

The REAL ID deadline is fast approaching and it's important to be prepared if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the United States. Here's everything you need to know about the REAL ID deadline:

The REAL ID Act:

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation. It establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. These security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person's identity.

Deadline Extension:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced an extension of the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. This extension gives states more time to ensure their residents can obtain the necessary identification that meets the security standards set by the REAL ID Act.

Impact on Domestic Air Travel:

As of the new deadline, May 7, 2025, every traveler aged 18 or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States. This means that a standard driver's license or ID card will no longer be sufficient for domestic air travel.

How to Obtain a REAL ID:

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must typically provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in their state. It is recommended to check with your state's department of motor vehicles for the specific requirements and acceptable forms of documentation.

It's important to note that the REAL ID is not mandatory, and there are alternative forms of acceptable identification for air travel, such as a passport or military ID. However, for those who plan to use their state-issued ID or driver's license, ensuring it is REAL ID-compliant before the deadline is crucial to avoid any disruptions to travel plans.

With the deadline approaching, it is advisable for individuals to start the process of obtaining a REAL ID as soon as possible to ensure they have the necessary identification for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

What documents are required to obtain a REAL ID?

From May 7, 2025, all US state and territory residents will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board commercial aircraft, access federal facilities, or enter nuclear power plants. This is per the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

States may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for their specific requirements. All documents must be valid, current, and in hard copy (no digital copies).

What happens if you don't have a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is a federally compliant identification that establishes minimum security standards for license issuance. While it is not a national identification card, it is required for air travel within the United States. This means that, after the deadline of May 7, 2025, individuals without a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative will not be permitted through airport security checkpoints and will be unable to board their flight.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to board a plane. It is important to note that a standard driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel after the deadline. However, you do not need a REAL ID to drive; it is only required for air travel within the US.

If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. However, if you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process or your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must bring specific documents to your state's registry of motor vehicles, such as proof of your age, identity, Social Security number, and address. These documents may include your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or tax form, two documents that show your address, and a marriage certificate if you changed your name when you got married. The cost of a REAL ID varies by state and may range from $10 to $80.

What other forms of ID are accepted?

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens planning to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the country will need to ensure it is REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.

REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:

• State-issued driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you do not have any of the above forms of ID, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening.

What is the REAL ID Act?

The REAL ID Act is a law passed by the US Congress in 2005. It sets requirements for identification documents, such as driver's licenses and ID cards, to be accepted for certain official purposes. These purposes include:

• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Entering nuclear power plants

The Act was passed in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of identification documents. It establishes minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for the official purposes outlined above.

The REAL ID Act also made changes to US immigration law regarding asylum, border security, deportation, and specific work visas. For example, it increased the burden of proof for individuals applying for asylum and expanded the grounds for inadmissibility and deportation of foreign nationals due to terrorist activities.

The enforcement date for the REAL ID Act is May 7, 2025. After this date, anyone 18 years or older who plans to fly within the US or visit certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. It's important to note that this requirement only applies to domestic flights within the US and not international travel.

Frequently asked questions