REAL ID Deadline Moved To May 2023 In Massachusetts

BOSTON — Massachusetts travelers were granted yet another reprieve when it comes to airline travel: the federal government decided to once again push back the REAL ID deadline from October of this year to May 2023, due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

REAL ID-compliant IDs will now be required to fly domestically or access federal buildings starting May 2, 2023. The decision to delay the deadline was made by the federal Department of Homeland Security due to concerns over states' abilities to issue the IDs before the deadlines. Many states are still only offering limited capacity at their motor vehicle registries, making it hard for residents who want a REAL ID to get one.

“Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.”

So what does that mean for Massachusetts residents?

The process to get a REAL ID is the same, the new deadline just means you have more time to get one if you haven't yet signed up. To upgrade a standard state ID or driver's license to a REAL ID, you'll need to visit the RMV in person and provide certain documentation to prove your identity. AAA members can complete the process at their local branch.

In Massachusetts, it costs $50 to get a REAL ID, the same cost as a standard license.

Besides a REAL-ID driver's license or state ID, several other forms of ID qualify. These include U.S. and foreign passports, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards and more. A full list is available on the TSA's website.

REAL ID Process

You'll need to bring certain documents to your appointment to prove your identity: one proof of identity, one proof of a social security number and two documents proving Massachusetts residency. Options for each category are listed below.

Proof of Identity (choose one)

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• Certified copy of a birth certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad
• Permanent resident card
• Employment authorization document
• Unexpired foreign passport, with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed to it
• Certificate of naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Note: if your name is different from that of your primary identity document, you'll need a government-issued document showing the change.

Proof of social security number (choose one)

• Official social security card (laminated is acceptable)
• Letter from the Social Security Administration explaining the person is not eligible for a social security number
• W-2 form showing the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)
• 1099 form with the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)
• Paystub with the person's full name and social security number (must have been issued within 5 years)

Proof of Residency (choose two)

• Utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, oil, water, sewer, satellite, heat, cell phone) dated within 60 days that clearly states the person's name, or a member of their immediate family, and address
• Personal check or bank statement with the person's name and address, dated within 60 days
• Payroll check with the person's name and address, dated within 60 days
• Lease agreement that is currently in effect that shows the name and address (handwritten not acceptable)
• Letter issued by a Massachusetts or federal agency showing receipt of benefits from an entitlement program, dated within 60 days
• Valid homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
• Valid automobile insurance policy
• Property tax bill from the immediately preceding year
• Letter from a Massachusetts shelter or halfway house stating the person lives there (must be on letterhead, have administrator contact info and be dated within 30 days)
• Jury summons dated within 60 days
• W-2 with name and address from the preceding year
• Loan contract (student, automobile) that is currently in effect
• Current Social Security Administration statement with name and address listed
• Current pension or retirement account statement with name and address
• Minors only: school record from the current school year (report card, diploma, transcript, ID card) or the Massachusetts driver's license or ID card of the adult signing the minor's application

Read more about REAL IDs in Massachusetts on the RMV's website.