YOUR MILITARY ID WILL NOW COUNT AS A REAL ID: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As of May 7th, 2025, all individuals will need to have a REAL ID, or a REAL ID compliant alternative to fly commercially. Extensions for travelers to get a REAL ID have been in place since May 2008. With continual delays, it seemed like it would never become the standard for air travel. But, earlier this month, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially enacted the rule requiring a REAL ID for domestic air travel.
Even with the delay, some travelers are still finding themselves unprepared for the new change. Now, with summer on the horizon, many are worried about being able to get the necessary ID required for domestic trips.
There is a caveat for Veterans with the new requirement. If you are a Veteran without a REAL ID or a passport, you can alternatively use your Veteran Health Identification Card to ensure that your travel plans are not disrupted. Keep reading to learn more about the steps you need to take to ensure that you are travel ready.
What Is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state issued drivers license or identification card that meets security standards put in place by the REAL ID Act of 2005.
It requires additional documentation and an in person visit to your local DMV. It is designed to be more secure and verifiable than a traditional drivers license.
It is required to fly domestically, enter secured government facilities, such as military bases, and federal courthouses. You can check your drivers license and see if you have a REAL ID by looking for the star in the top right corner.
Do Veterans Need a Real ID?
Veterans may not need a REAL ID, as it is dependent upon their travel needs. A REAL ID, or a passport, is needed for domestic flights and to access military bases.
However, Veterans can use their Veteran Health Identification Card or other military IDs as acceptable forms of identification in place of a REAL ID in certain instances.
Veterans, You're in Luck! You Can Alternatively Use Your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHID)
Veterans who are registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for Health Care can use their Veteran Health Identification Card (VHID) in replacement for a Real ID.
Veterans receive a VHID after their VA Health Care Application is approved. The primary purpose of a VHID is to check in to appointments at VA hospitals or clinics. If a Veteran is registered for VA Health Care, and does not have a VHID, you can either go to a VA hospital to get a VHID in person, or Veterans can use ID.me and request their VHID online.
If you have not registered for VA Health Care you can learn if you qualify here. Veterans can also go to a VA hospital to complete their application and upon approval receive their VHID.
Veterans can also apply for VA Health Care by phone or online.
Can I Still Get a REAL ID?
Yes, if you don’t have your Real ID yet it can be obtained at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Many states request that you schedule an appointment to make the REAL ID application processes faster. Besides going in person to the DMV in your state, a REAL ID also requires additional documentation.
This additional documentation varies by State so make sure to go to your DMV website for a complete list but in general it requires includes:
- Proof of identity - To prove your identity, you can bring a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
- Proof of a Social Security number - You can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, which shows your earnings for tax purposes, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job.
- Proof of residency - Your state department of motor vehicles may ask you for a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement to prove you are a state resident.
You can use ID.me to help ensure that you have the correct documentation for a REAL ID by creating an account on their website
4 Steps Veterans Need to Take to Ensure That You Can Fly Domestically
Now that a REAL ID is required to fly you need to either have a REAL ID or approved alternative.
- Check to see if your drivers license is a REAL ID or approved alternate ID (passport, VHID, etc.)
- If you do not have the required identification, figure out what is the easiest route to get the new identification that meets TSA’s requirements.
- Get required documentation for your State collected, check at ID.me to ensure you have the correct documents
- Make an appointment with your state DMV to get a REAL ID
The Bottom Line
If you don’t have a REAL ID yet and are planning to fly domestically this summer, and you are registered for VA Health Care, you can use your VIDC. If you are not registered for VA Health Care and don’t have one of the REAL ID alternatives, then you need to get your documentation collected together and make an appointment to get your REAL ID before your next flight.
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