As of May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 to enhance security measures and establish federal standards for state-issued identification. If you are a New Hampshire resident, you may be wondering whether your current ID will be accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints and other federal facilities after the deadline.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets the federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These IDs have additional security features, require specific documentation to obtain, and are marked with a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner.
Does New Hampshire Issue REAL IDs?
Yes. New Hampshire offers REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing REAL IDs in 2017, allowing residents to choose between a REAL ID-compliant license and a standard driver’s license (which is NOT valid for federal identification purposes).
How to Check If Your New Hampshire ID is REAL ID-Compliant
If you are unsure whether your current New Hampshire driver’s license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.
- If your ID has a gold star: It is REAL ID-compliant and will be accepted at TSA security checkpoints and federal facilities.
- If your ID does not have a gold star: It is not REAL ID-compliant, and you will need to provide an alternate form of identification, such as a passport, to fly domestically or enter federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
How to Get a REAL ID in New Hampshire
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can apply for one at the New Hampshire DMV. Here’s what you need to do:
- Schedule an appointment at your local DMV office.
- Gather the required documents, including:
- Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2 form)
- Two proofs of New Hampshire residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Proof of any name change (if applicable, such as a marriage certificate or court order)
- Visit the DMV in person to submit your application, provide fingerprints, and have your photo taken.
- Pay the required fee (typically the same as a standard license fee).
- Wait for your new REAL ID-compliant license to arrive by mail.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a REAL ID?
If you choose not to get a REAL ID, you can still use other forms of federally accepted identification to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, such as:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military ID
However, without a REAL ID, a standard New Hampshire driver’s license will not be accepted for air travel or federal facility access after May 7, 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you frequently travel within the U.S. or need access to federal facilities, obtaining a REAL ID is a smart choice. While it is not mandatory, it provides convenience and compliance with federal regulations. To avoid last-minute issues at the airport, apply for your REAL ID well before the May 2025 deadline.
For more details, visit the New Hampshire DMV website: https://www.dmv.nh.gov.
