The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has issued a heads-up to air travelers: Come next month, they must present a federally approved form of identification, such as a REAL ID driver’s license, a REAL ID card, or a valid U.S. passport when proceeding through airport security for domestic flights.
More than 65% — 3.67 million — of Massachusetts residents already have obtained a REAL ID. It’s something you can obtain without waiting for your current license or ID to expire, and renewals can be done up to a year before the current expiration date.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began rolling out the new identification requirements on May 27, 2025, following years of delays.
The Real ID Act, which aimed to standardize and increase security for domestic air travel and entrance to certain federal facilities, was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Over the past seven months, travelers without Real ID compliant identification have still been able to travel without fees, but have faced additional scrutiny at airports.
TSA has announced that beginning Feb. 1, passengers arriving at the airport without a federally approved ID will be required to enroll in the TSA’s Confirm ID program. To enroll, you’ll need to provide information for identity verification. The process takes from 10 to 30 minutes and costs $45, covering 10 days of travel.
To learn more about the Confirm ID program, visit TSA.gov.
“We want everyone to be able to get through airport security as quickly and smoothly as possible. For that reason, we are encouraging residents to check that they have a REAL ID available for future travel, including school vacations or spring and summer travel,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
“Residents can visit the Mass.Gov/REALID website to learn what documents are required and plan ahead to gather their documents before their in-person appointment.”
In-person appointments can be scheduled through the RMV’s Online Service Center at Mass.Gov/myRMV, or at Northeast.aaa.com for AAA members.
The REAL ID typically arrives by mail within 10-14 business days.
The following includes more information on the fees, required documents, and renewal options:
The following license fees apply;
Driver’s license renewal (standard or REAL ID): $50;
Mass ID renewal: $25;
REAL ID upgrade prior to expiration: $25;
Customers with a stay in the U.S. of less than five years pay a prorated fee.
Required original or certified documents:
Proof of lawful presence;
Two proofs of Massachusetts residency;
Proof of a full Social Security number.
Applicants who have changed their name since the issuance of their lawful presence document must also bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Twenty years in the making, the Real ID requirement will finally be enforced.
Sentinel and Enterprise
