At long last (after nearly 20 years of delays), the federal REAL ID Act requirements take effect today. You’ll need to have a state licence that meets minimum federal security standards to avoid delays when traveling through a US airport. But I’m resisting getting a REAL ID…for a mix of vanity and nostalgia.
REAL ID Enforcement Has Begun
As of today, May 7, 2025, you’ll theoretically need a “REAL ID” to fly, even domestically, in the United States. Compliant IDs are generally marked with a star in the upper right corner (designs may vary by state) and meet federal security standards, which, in some cases, are higher than the standards necessary to receive a state driver’s licence or ID.
I say “theoretically” because Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated yesterday that passengers without REAL IDs “will be allowed to fly.”
“They may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step…But people will be allowed to fly. We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
To obtain a REAL ID, you need to take the following to a DMV:
- valid ID, passport, or birth certificate
- social security card (real or copy)
- two items that show residence
Other forms of valid ID include passports, military ID, permanent residence cards, and Global Entry cards.
TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez stated:
“The good news is that 81% of passengers already use their REAL ID or other acceptable forms so we do not expect there to be any inconveniences or wait times at all.”
Initial reports today suggest that this is the case.
Why I Don’t Have A California REAL ID
Despite REAL ID being available in California since 2018, my driver’s license is still not REAL ID compliant.
The honest reason? I like my picture and getting a REAL ID requires a fresh picture. Thanks to the pandemic, I was able to renew by mail for a third time, which not only saved me a trip to the DMV, but spared me from having to take a new picture.
And you may recall, I have a horrible passport picture…that even caused me to be detained in Qatar and delayed in Algeria. I do have a Global Entry card that I’ll start traveling with…I suppose that will have to do for now (though that picture isn’t great either).
Is this all foolish vanity? I suppose. But I look back at that 20-year-old Matthew and there’s so much today I’d say to him. So many warnings. So many admonitions. It has been a turbulent decade and a half with high peaks but also deep valleys.
Regrets are part of life, and as I look back on where I was at age 20 (college degree, White House and military under my belt, the world ahead of me) and where I am now, there are many different roads I wish I had taken.
I never wanted to drive in the first place…I used to use public transport, even in LA. My father would drive me to work in Pasadena each morning and pick me up in the afternoon. Eventually, as with all Angelenos, a license became inevitable.
Back in that time, I wore a suit most days…you may remember I used to wear a coat and tie for all my conference appearances. It seems like ages ago.
And of course, there are immense positive things that have happened since that photo was taken. Firstly, I had only been to Mexico when that picture was taken…now I’ve been to nearly 150 countries. I’ve married a beautiful, smart, and strong woman and have two wonderful children. I’ve practiced law and run a successful independent travel blog for 16 years. My consulting service has done very well.
Hindsight may be 20-20, and it does me little good to dwell on my mistakes rather than look forward toward the future. But there’s something about that picture that makes me very reluctant to change it. It’s foolish to be vain, and it’s foolish to look back and wish that we had done certain things differently when time marches on.
But that’s the human condition, isn’t it?
And I’m not changing my photo ID until California forces me to…
you can fly without one
You just get a full on grope down by the TSA as a reward
@ Matthew — I had to ditch my 20’s drivers license picture about 8 years ago. No big deal. You really should have an ID that looks like you today. Otherwise, you might end up in an El Salvadoran prison,
Lucky You!
I got my Real ID 9+ years ago. I had to coach the girl at the DMV thru the process. As a professional, I had a stack of paper to back me up in case she threw me a curve ball just to get rid of me. I even provided my original dog eared and creased SS card from 1976. She ended the interview requesting I leave my copy of the printed regulations which she would use for future reference. Took 90 minutes from start to finish.
A buddy of went earlier this year and it took him 9 minutes. He flashed his passport and a bank statement as the treasurer of his volunteer band which has his name and full address, and his property tax bill.
Go figure.
Yeah. This is a pretty dumb reason but you’ll have to give it up sooner or later.
I will, but if I can renew by mail again next August, I’m going to do so!
Have had Real ID (actually Enhanced DL) for over 8 years now. In MN you have to go in person every 4 years to renew your DL and you have to get a new picture. You have no choice. Funny we share the same exact height, weight and eye color. Not sure I agree your hair is blond on that picture but…. LOL
In Washington state, the state government wanted illegal aliens to feel good so they did not insist on showing proof of citizenship. In fact, while Austrian, UK, Australian, and other countries ID is not good enough, Honduran, Guatemalan, Salvadorean, and Mexican ID is good enough to get a Washington drivers license. As a result, Washington driver’s licenses are not Real ID compliant. Washington refused to issue Real ID compliant DL. Finally, the federal government was going to act against Washington state but agreed that the more expensive Enhanced DL, which is designed for use to cross the Canadian border by land would allow Washington state to comply with the law. This has resulted in Washington state being the only or one of the few states where it is more expensive to get Real ID. All to make a stand in principle for illegal aliens.
NY and MI have the more expensive Enhanced DL as well as no-extra cost Real ID DL and non-Real ID DL.
This is an example of Washington state following extreme leftist behavior that helps nobody and harms regular people.
In MN, the cost for a REAL ID is the same as a standard driver’s license or ID card. You pay an extra $15 if you want the Enhanced Driver’s License.
You’re very handsome and still look like you’re in your 20’s ;). don’t worry about updating your ID pic.
He is dreamy! His wife is so lucky.
I do not have one because it means having to go in to the DMV, whereas I can renew my current license online.
I will use my Global entry card
I just turned 40 a few weeks ago; in the 20 years that have passed since I was 20, I’ve held DLs in 7 states and 2 other countries. As worldly as you are, it’s interesting to me that you’ve more or less always called California home.
You’re still a fine looking man.
Yes, he is. It’s the primary reason I read his posts! Waiting for the next thirst trap photo.
I once saw a commercial that really inspired me to live life as I should where a guy got a tattoo that said No Regerts.
And the passport is what?
What do you mean?
You have always been able to fly without ID, did anyone ever say that was going to be different when the Real ID law went into effect?
You look like you grew up on Newps in that photo.
What is Newps?
Newport Beach, CA
That I knew, but I thought you were referring to something else when you said “on” versus “in” but I get it now.
Isn’t global entry a valid for, of real id
It is a very handsome photo.
Hearing lots of reports that, mostly due to poor training, TSA agents are not accepting Global Entry cards or passport cards as valid ID. Some questionable formatting in the RealID job aids issued to agents makes them think that these are only valid alongside a non-compliant drivers license.