Headline: Skipping the Real ID: Why Some Americans Aren't Rushing Ahead of May 7 Domestic Flight Deadline
American Resistance Towards REAL ID Could Be Influenced by a Single Unanticipated Element
Getting the Real ID might not be everyone's priority as we approach the May 7 domestic flight deadline. Many travelers are opting out, choosing instead to use their valid passports or wait until their current driver's licenses expire. Here's why some Americans are taking a pass on the Real ID.
In the bustling Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., we asked travelers why they aren't getting the new Real ID. Lisa, a woman from Oregon, explained that it's a financial decision for her. She doesn't have a Real ID yet because it's an extra cost, and she'd rather put that money toward her passport. She might get a Real ID later when she's traveling.
Other alternatives to the Real ID for domestic flights include a valid U.S. passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry, Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and border crossing cards. The costs of obtaining the identification vary from state to state. Some states like California offer a reduced price for the Real ID in certain circumstances.
Kelsey, a traveler from Bloomington, Illinois, said she doesn't have a Real ID yet because she hasn't made it to the DMV, and her trip ends before May 7th, so she didn't feel an urgency to do so. Since she already has a passport, she feels it makes more financial sense to use it at this time. She plans on getting a Real ID when her ID expires in November.
With the deadline looming, our website Digital spoke with travelers and asked those who do not have or do not plan to get a Real ID any time soon why they made that decision. While some travelers are skipping the Real ID right now, existing passport holders can avoid DMV visits entirely by using their passport book/card. Those needing faster access should consider expedited passport services for an additional fee.
In some states, DMVs are adding special Saturday hours or extended weekday hours to accommodate Real ID requests, but many motor vehicle bureaus are not open on weekends. With the Real ID deadline just around the corner, it's important to plan ahead and choose the identification that best fits your needs and budget.
[Source: Digital][Image source: Ashley J. DiMella/Digital]
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Enrichment Data:
Overall:Here's a breakdown of Real ID alternatives for domestic flights and cost comparisons:
Accepted Alternatives- U.S. passport/passport card: Valid for domestic flights, even if expired ≤12 months[2][3].- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Available in MI, MN, NY, VT, WA (typically $30-$50 more than standard licenses)[1].- Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry ($100), NEXUS ($50), SENTRI ($122.50) – include TSA PreCheck eligibility[3].- Military ID/Permanent Resident Card: No additional cost for existing holders[1][5].
Cost Comparisons| Option | Cost | Processing Time ||----------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------|| REAL ID (state) | $30-$89 (varies by state) | Same-day to weeks[^state] || Passport Book | $130-$190 (first-time) | 4-6 weeks standard[3][4] || Passport Card | $30-$65 (add-on to book) | 4-6 weeks[4] || Global Entry | $100 (5-year validity) | 4-6 months approval[3] || Enhanced License | +$30-$50 over standard license[^edl] | Varies by state |
Key Considerations- Passport cards ($30 renewal add-on) provide wallet-sized convenience for domestic flights but lack international air travel validity[4].- Trusted Traveler programs offer dual-purpose utility (expedited customs + REAL ID alternative) but require background checks[3].- State variability: REAL ID costs range from $30 (TX) to $89 (HI), with appointment delays reported in WA, NJ, and IL[1][5].
[^state]: Some states charge separate fees for license renewal and REAL ID upgrades.[^edl]: Only 5 states currently issue EDLs, requiring additional documentation compared to standard licenses[1].
- Lisa from Oregon decided against getting the Real ID due to financial reasons, preferring to allocate the extra cost towards her passport instead.
- Kelsey, a traveler from Bloomington, Illinois, is not rushing to get a Real ID as her trip ends before May 7th, and she already has a passport which she plans to use until her current ID expires in November.
- Alongside the Real ID, valid U.S. passports, passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and border crossing cards are accepted for domestic flights.
- With a variety of identification options available and costs varying from state to state, it's essential to plan ahead and choose the identification that best fits individual needs and budget.
