Ohio’s REAL ID deadline is here. Will your license still work without it?
Federal agencies in Ohio, including the TSA, will strictly enforce the REAL ID requirements, beginning Wednesday, May 7.
Following this date, only REAL ID-compliant Ohio driver’s licenses or approved substitutes will be valid for boarding domestic flights and entering specific federal buildings.
How to know if you already have a Real ID in Ohio
About 56.5% of Ohio IDs are already Real ID compliant, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, so many residents are covered.
However, to make sure:
- Look at the upper right corner of your Ohio driver’s license or ID card.
- If there is a white star in a black circle, your ID is Real ID-compliant.
- If there is no star or it says “Not for Federal Identification,” your ID is not Real ID-compliant and will not be accepted for federal purposes like air travel.
What happens if you don’t have a Real ID by the deadline?
You will not be allowed to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Additionally, you could face:
Additional screening
Delays
Denied access at TSA checkpoints
In Ohio, you can still use other accepted forms of ID such as a valid U.S. passport, and your current license remains valid for everyday activities like driving, voting, or receiving state or federal services.
Besides a REAL ID, acceptable forms of identification for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings in Ohio include:
- A valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- U.S. military ID card or military dependent ID card
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Foreign passport with appropriate authorization
- Employment authorization document with a photo
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (if compliant)
How to get a Real ID in Ohio
Visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person.Bring the following documents:
Proof of your full legal name, date of birth, and legal presence (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Social Security number
Two proofs of Ohio residency (such as utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements)
Name change documents if applicable (e.g., marriage license)
Standard Ohio driver licenses or ID cards issued before July 2, 2018, will not be accepted by TSA after May 7, 2025, unless accompanied by one of the above federally accepted IDs
There is no additional cost to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license or ID card. After applying, you will receive a temporary document and your permanent Real ID will be mailed within 7-10 business days.
If you don’t have a Real ID yet, now is the time to get one to avoid travel disruptions or access issues to federal sites.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Ohio BMV website.
Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.