If you’re a high school senior headed out of state for college this year, right now you’re probably busy planning your schedule, applying for scholarships, and dreaming up your dorm layout. However, you may never get to that dorm if you don’t have a REAL ID.
As of May 7th of this year, all adults will need to provide a REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. This ID can either be an individual card or simply an “enhanced” version of your driver’s license. If you do not have one already, don’t worry, the process is simple. All you have to do is make an appointment with a local RMV or your AAA branch, where you will provide four documents. One of these should prove you are a legal U.S. resident such as a U.S. birth certificate, a green card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Another should verify your social security number like your social security card or a W-2 tax form. Two other documents should prove you are a resident of Massachusetts; you can use a bank statement, a voter registration card, or your original Massachusetts driver’s license.
If you are currently unable to make an appointment or gather these documents in time, you can use a passport instead. That being said, the application process for passports is far more strenuous, making REAL ID the more efficient option between the two. Appointments are filling up fast as we come up on the May 7th deadline, so if you’re looking to fly soon, make sure you get a REAL ID.
For more information, go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements
