Will You Be Able to Travel Without a REAL ID in Iowa After May?

Why Your Iowa Driver’s License Might Not Get You Home After May 2025

The other day my mother called me in a panic.

As soon as I answered the phone, she told me that she had something important she had to talk to me about.

I don't care how old you are, when a parent calls to tell you something "serious" it's never a good thing.

Immediately my thoughts began racing with so many possible scenarios.

Who died?

Are my parents getting divorced?

Do I have a secret twin ala 'Parent Trap?'

No, it turns out that my mom was checking to make sure I still had my passport.

Iowa Residents Need to Be Aware: REAL ID Requirements for Travel

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I'm flying out to Philadelphia for my sister's graduation this May, and there's a decent chance that my current Iowa driver's license might not be able to get me back home.

The REAL ID Act Takes Effect in Iowa on May 7, 2025—What You Need to Know

Starting on May 7th, 2025 people within the United States will need some sort of REAL ID verification to enter federal buildings or to fly commercially.

The REAL ID Act will go into effect on this Wednesday in May and will prohibit "federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and ID cards for certain purposes from states that don't meet the Act’s minimum standards," according to the official Iowa DOT website.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID in Iowa by May 7th, 2025?

You will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights within the U.S., access specific federal buildings, and to enter nuclear facilities.

What Does An Iowa REAL ID Look Like?

If you aren't sure what exactly a REAL ID looks like, just look in the upper right hand corner of your driver's license. The Iowa REAL ID will have a gold star in the corner.

How the REAL ID Act Affects Iowa Travelers: Key Information You Shouldn't Miss

Non-compliant Iowa IDs will be blank or have “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES” in the top right hand corner, according to the Iowa DOT. These "non-compliant IDs are still considered a valid form of identification in multiple cases.

However, there are certain things you'll still be able to do if you don't have the star in the corner or if you miss the deadline.

You can still do the following without a REAL ID: drive, vote, buy alcohol or cigarettes, visit the post office, go to a hospital, access federal courts, and you can still apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits.

How to Apply for a REAL ID Before the May 2025 Deadline

If you want to get a REAL ID here in the Hawkeye State, you've still got some time!

You'll just need to bring three things with you to the DMV in person to get yourself sorted for the REAL ID.

• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of social security number (social security card)
• Proof of residency (piece of mail)

Friendly reminder that it will most likely take up to thirty days to receive your REAL ID in the mail.

How Much Does a REAL ID Cost in IA?

If your license is expiring right around the time of the deadline, then you will not have to pay a fee to get the REAL ID. However, if you want to update your license before your expiration, it will cost you $10, according to the Iowa DOT.

If you don't have your new form of identification by the time of the May 7th deadline here in Iowa, things like travel could get a bit more complicated.

Iowa REAL ID: What Happens If You Don’t Get Yours Before the May Deadline?

According to Iowa's Department of Transportation website, if you plan to fly within the United States after the deadline and you don't have the REAL ID TSA will, "determine whether to permit access/entrance or subject you to additional screening as prescribed by that agency."

Can I Still Fly If I Don't Get My REAL ID in Iowa?

Without the REAL ID, you will most likely have to go through an identify verification process.

You will be taken out of line and asked a series of questions like your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed by TSA, you will then enter a screening checkpoint where you might have to go through more security questions or screening.

It is recommended that if you are aware that you will be flying without a REAL ID after the deadline, that you arrive to the airport three hours before your flight, according to the official TSA website.

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