CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts residents have less than six months to obtain a REAL ID for domestic flights or entry to certain federal buildings.

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for anyone using a license to board an aircraft traveling domestically. If you are planning to obtain a REAL ID, you should consider applying now, ahead of any application influx.

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“Don’t wait. We are six months away from the REAL ID federal requirement going into effect, and we strongly encourage Massachusetts residents who want to switch to a REAL ID-compliant ID to take action as soon as possible,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. For interested clients, we recommend scheduling your appointment at least three weeks before your birthday so you can receive your credentials in the mail before they expire. “The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and its partner, AAA Northeast, have been successfully issuing REAL ID credentials since 2018 and are being prepared for interested residents ahead of the May 2025 deadline.”

Massachusetts REAL ID Checklist

Applicants must provide proof of their legal name, Social Security number, Massachusetts residence, and two forms of your address. All documents must be original, photocopies and laminated documents will not be accepted. One document cannot be used to prove more than one requirement.

Acceptable documents for these cards include a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, valid permanent resident card, U.S. naturalization certificate, unexpired work permit, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For a full list of acceptable documents, visit: mass.gov.

You will need to present these documents in person to obtain a REAL ID, but you can start part of the process. online.

How much does a REAL ID cost?

• The fee to renew a non-commercial standard or REAL ID driver’s license is $50.

• Bulk ID renewal fee is $25.

• The change fee for upgrading to a standard or REAL ID credential before an existing credential expires is $25.

• Customers who have been in the US for less than five years pay a prorated fee.

Do I already have a REAL ID?

Acceptable ID for TSA Checkpoints

REAL ID will only be required if you are using a license to identify yourself on the flight, but there are various types of ID that can be used as an alternative:

• DHS trusted travel cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to your dependents

• An acceptable photo ID issued by federally recognizedTribal Nation/Native American Tribe

• Passport issued by a foreign government

• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

• Transport worker identification information

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• US Merchant Mariner Certificate of Authorization

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

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