The rules regarding driver’s licenses and identification cards in the United States are undergoing major changes in 2025. These changes will affect not only American citizens but also foreign residents, international students, working individuals, and new immigrants who plan to live, travel, or obtain a driver’s license in the United States. Importantly, some important procedures will come into effect on November 3, 2025, while the deadline for REAL ID is already set for May 7, 2025. A lot of misinformation and rumors are circulating on social media regarding these two changes, further confusing people.
In this article, we will explain all these changes in simple terms so you can clearly understand the actual rules, which changes are necessary, and which ones should be completely ignored.
Table of Contents
What is REAL ID and why is it needed?
The REAL ID Act was approved by the US Congress in 2005. The goal was to ensure that driver’s licenses and ID cards issued by all states had a standardized, secure, and counterfeit-resistant design. Security agencies in the United States had discovered over the years that older license formats were easily copied or counterfeited. Therefore, it became necessary to implement a unified system that would provide more rigorous and reliable identity verification.
The uniqueness of REAL ID is that it is mandatory for boarding domestic flights, entry into federal buildings and military bases, and, in some cases, access to federal records. If a driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, the TSA will not allow them to enter the airport, even if their license is active.
When will REAL ID be implemented? New deadline
TSA has confirmed that:
✅ Beginning May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant licenses, passports, or approved alternative identification will be valid for domestic travel.
This means that if your current license:
- It’s valid but…
- It doesn’t have a ⭐ (star) on it…
You can use it to drive, but you won’t be able to fly domestically.
What are the states saying?
- Texas DPS: Every license issued after May 7, 2025, will include a REAL ID.
- Ohio BMV: Older non-REAL ID licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic travel after May 7.
- California DMV: The number of people applying for REAL ID is increasing rapidly, so people should apply as soon as possible.
What are the new rules that will take effect on November 3, 2025?
Many states will implement administrative changes related to license verification, document verification, and record updates starting November 3, 2025. These include:
✅ Document verification will be more stringent.
- The DMV will now match your identity and address proof with digital records to prevent the use of fraudulent documents.
✅ Additional digital security checks for license applications
- Some states will implement a clearinghouse data-checking system that will show if you have a license in another state or if it is suspended/revoked.
✅ More options for online renewal
- Digital renewal options will be expanded in many states, but for the first time, you will still need to submit documents to a DMV to create a REAL ID.
✅ Card printing and delivery standards will change.
- ID cards will now be made from more robust materials and may include microprinting, UV marking, and chip-based security features.
The Impact of REAL ID on Domestic Travel
With the implementation of REAL ID, millions of people will need to obtain new cards, as many people in every state still possess older, non-REAL ID compliant cards. If you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need to present:
- A REAL ID card
- OR
- A passport
- OR
- A DHS-approved alternative document
If you are of Indian origin and your parents or relatives are visiting the US from India, remember that a foreign passport is valid for domestic flights. They do not need a REAL ID.
New Rules for Drivers Over 70? The Truth Behind Social Media Rumors
For the past few months, a rumor has been circulating rapidly that new, stricter rules would be implemented nationwide for drivers aged 70 and older starting in July or August 2025, including:
- Mandatory eye exams
- Cognitive testing
- Road tests
- Shorter validity periods for license renewals
But this has proven to be completely false.
- ✅ Snopes has labeled it a “false claim.“
- ✅ The US federal government has not announced any such rules.
- ✅ No new national rules are coming for those aged 70+.
Yes, some states may have different policies at the state level, such as:
- Arizona requires testing every 5 years for those 65+.
- Illinois requiring a road test for those 75+
- California requiring in-person renewal for those 70+
But these are state rules, not national rules.
What Should Senior Drivers Do?
If you have any drivers aged 70 or older in your family, they should keep the following in mind:
- Check your state’s DMV website regularly for updates.
- Get an eye exam every year.
- Learn about new driving technologies and safety features.
- Do not rely on unverified information circulating on social media.
What documents are required to obtain a REAL ID or a regular driver’s license?
The list of documents required for a REAL ID is generally as follows:
✅ Proof of Identity
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
✅ Proof of Social Security Number
- SSN Card
- W-2 Form
✅ Proof of Residency
- Bank Statement
- Utility Bill (electricity/water)
- Rental Agreement
The DMV scans all these documents and creates a digital record, so the paper documents must be original and valid.
Rules for Foreign Nationals and Immigrant Drivers
If you are an Indian citizen or planning to reside in the US from India, keep these points in mind:
- Each state has different DMV policies.
- Some states may issue a license even without an SSN.
- A REAL ID will only be issued if you have a valid immigration status.
- Always carry your passport, especially when traveling on domestic flights.
Why were these changes necessary?
The US is implementing these changes for three main reasons:
✅ 1. National Security
- Older identification cards were easy to counterfeit. REAL ID will make it more difficult to create fake identities.
✅ 2. Technological Security
- The DMV can now share data between states, helping to prevent duplicate licenses.
✅ 3. Senior Citizen Safety
- Eyesight and reaction time change with age, so many states are increasing safety measures for senior drivers.
Conclusion: What should you do in 2025?
2025 is going to be a big year for driving licenses and identification cards. You should definitely keep these points in mind:
- Check for a ⭐ star on your driver’s license.
- If you don’t have one, apply for a REAL ID soon.
- Stay away from social media rumors.
- No new national rules are being implemented for drivers over 70.
- May 7, 2025, is a very important date for domestic flights.
- Many DMV procedures will begin to change from November 3, 2025.
The purpose of these changes is to secure identities, make administration more transparent, and improve safety standards for travelers and drivers. If you live in the US or plan to go there, understanding these rules and taking the necessary steps in time will be beneficial for you.
FAQs
Q. When will REAL ID be required for domestic flights in the U.S.?
A. REAL ID will be mandatory for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
Q. How do I know if my driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant?
A. Check for a star (★) on the top of your license. If there is no star, it is not REAL ID-compliant.
Q. Are new rules being introduced for drivers aged 70 and above?
A. No. Claims about nationwide new rules for senior drivers are false. Any age-related requirements depend on individual state laws.
Q. What documents are needed to get a REAL ID?
A. You will need proof of identity, Social Security Number, and residency, such as a passport, SSN card, or utility bill.
Q. Do foreign nationals or immigrants need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S.?
A. No. Foreign nationals can use their valid passport for domestic flights if they don’t have a REAL ID.
