Min. Dale Edwards Executive Director Call and Post
COLUMBUS, OH — With the federal REAL ID deadline fast approaching, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is urging residents to prepare now to ensure they meet the May 7, 2025, requirement for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings.
Under the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to heightened national security concerns, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding commercial flights or entering certain federal facilities starting next year. Ohioans will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card—or an accepted alternative such as a U.S. passport or military ID—to gain access.
What You Need to Know
To obtain a REAL ID, residents must visit an Ohio BMV office and present documentation that includes:
Proof of identity and legal presence (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or tax documents)
Two documents proving Ohio residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)
As the deadline nears, the Ohio BMV has announced extended hours at select locations to accommodate the expected surge in applications. In addition, the BMV has launched an online document checklist and REAL ID status checker to streamline the process and reduce wait times.
“There’s no need to panic, but now is the time to act,” said Charles Norman, spokesperson for the Ohio BMV. “We’re seeing increased demand, and we want to make sure every Ohioan who needs a REAL ID has time to get one before the federal deadline.”
The REAL ID will cost the same as a standard license renewal. While there is no extra fee, the process cannot be completed online and requires an in-person visit. Officials are encouraging residents to plan ahead and check their current license expiration dates, as many may choose to upgrade to a REAL ID during their next renewal.
For those who do not plan to travel by air or visit federal buildings, there’s no immediate need to obtain a REAL ID. Additionally, children under 18 traveling with a parent or guardian do not need one.
By May 7, 2025, every Ohioan planning to fly domestically or enter federal buildings must have a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative.
“We want to avoid long lines and confusion next spring,” said Norman. “Our message is simple: check your ID now, and if you need a REAL ID, come see us before the rush.”
For More Information visit www.bmv.ohio.gov for a list of acceptable documents, a REAL ID FAQ, and to locate the nearest participating BMV office.
