What is REAL ID and Why Does It Matter For North Dakotans?

As North Dakota approaches the May 7, 2025, deadline for residents to switch to REAL ID, many are seeking to understand what REAL ID is and why it was implemented.

REAL ID is a federal identification standard established by the Real ID Act of 2005, passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The legislation aimed to enhance security by setting stricter requirements for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses, ensuring they meet federal security standards. These measures are designed to reduce identity fraud and improve the safety of federal facilities, commercial air travel, and nuclear power plants.

The REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs feature a star in the upper corner, distinguishing them from standard identification. To obtain one, applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, lawful status in the U.S., and two proofs of North Dakota residency, such as utility bills or bank statements. The process ensures that these IDs are issued only to individuals with verified identities, adding an extra layer of security.

If individuals do not have a REAL ID after the May 7, 2025, federal deadline, they may face certain limitations in accessing specific services and facilities. Here’s what it could mean:

1. Air Travel

Without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, individuals will not be able to board domestic commercial flights within the United States. However, they can use alternative federally approved forms of identification, such as:

A valid U.S. passport or passport card
A Department of Defense ID
A trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry or TSA PreCheck cards)

Travelers without these documents will not be permitted to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports.

2. Access to Federal Facilities

REAL ID compliance is required for entry into certain secure federal facilities, such as:

Military bases
Federal courthouses
Federal offices requiring identification for entry

Without a REAL ID or an alternative form of federally accepted ID, access to these locations will be denied.

3. Day-to-Day Driving

In states like North Dakota, a standard driver’s license will still be valid for driving, voting, and general identification purposes. However, it will no longer be accepted for activities requiring REAL ID compliance.

Options for Those Without a REAL ID

For individuals who do not frequently travel by air or require access to federal facilities, a REAL ID may not be immediately necessary. However, having one ensures flexibility and convenience.

North Dakota residents are encouraged to consider their needs well before the deadline to avoid potential disruptions. For those needing more time, obtaining a U.S. passport or passport card offers an alternative form of compliant identification that may be used for domestic travel and federal access.

For more details about REAL ID and application procedures, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.

With the deadline looming, North Dakota officials encourage residents to act early to avoid last-minute rushes at Department of Transportation offices. Information about documentation requirements and application procedures is available on the North Dakota Department of Transportation's website.