Destination Wedding? Don’t Forget a REAL ID as Deadline Approaches

You’ll Need a REAL ID for Your 2025 Destination Wedding! 

 

The REAL ID deadline is just around the corner on May 7th, 2025. This means that you have less than a month to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license if you’re having or attending a destination wedding in the US this season. If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to board your domestic flight without another TSA-acceptable ID (listed below). 

 

If this comes as a surprise, don’t worry – there’s still time to get a REAL ID, but you need to act fast. Depending on where you live, it can take up to two weeks to receive a new REAL ID. The process will take even longer if you don’t have the required paperwork to apply (listed below).

 

If you wait until the last minute, some DMV locations may be able to issue you a temporary, paper REAL ID, but we strongly recommend you call ahead of time to confirm this option. 

 

Better yet, don’t wait. If you do, you might find yourself missing your own wedding! Or the celebration of someone you love.

 

To help you make this important destination wedding deadline, we’ve gathered some common questions and answers below about the new REAL ID. 

 

• Can't fly? Consider this instead: A Road Trip Wedding is a Destination Wedding on the GO!

 

Apply for your REAL ID compliant license before the May 7th deadline to avoid unnecessary delays to your destination wedding plans. (Photo by Lawrence Lam / Pexels)

 

Destination Wedding Deadline: REAL ID Compliant License FAQs

 

1. Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2025?

 

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents will need a REAL ID-compliant license (or another TSA-acceptable ID, listed below) to board a commercial flight anywhere within the U.S. 

 

 

2. Do minors / children need a REAL ID? 

 

Children under the age of 18 will not need a REAL ID to fly, but their adult companion will need an acceptable ID. 

 

 

3. What happens if I show up for my flight without a REAL ID? 

 

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will not be able to pass through the TSA security checkpoint and will be turned away if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative. You will not be allowed to fly.

 

 

4. What can I use if I don’t have a REAL ID? Are there TSA-acceptable ID alternatives to REAL ID? 

 

There are several alternatives for REAL ID-compliant licenses if you miss the deadline. If you have one of these acceptable alternatives, you should be able to pass through the TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID and board your flight. These alternatives include: 

 

• U.S. passport or passport card 
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID (including dependents’ IDs)
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

 

Verify the details above before you fly by visiting tsa.gov: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

 

 

5. What do you need to apply for a REAL ID? 

 

You’ll need to present specific documents when you apply for a REAL ID compliant license. The type of documents you’ll need depend on your state of residence, and your citizenship and resident status. 

 

To find out exactly which documents to bring with you, you’ll need to visit your state or territory’s driver’s licensing agency website (or office). At minimum, U.S. citizens will need proof of your full legal name, your date of birth, your social security number, two proofs of address, and proof of lawful status.

 

If you don’t have these documents and need to request new copies, you might miss the deadline – so check the list and start soon! If you are a non-citizen, visit The Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions page to see what’s required in your unique situation.

 

 

The takeaway? 

 

Don’t let your destination wedding plans get derailed – get a REAL ID compliant license before the May 7, 2025 deadline! Beginning May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative to fly on all domestic commercial flights. 

 

Your local DMV might be able to issue you a temporary, paper REAL ID to use if you wait until the last minute – but don’t bet on it. Instead, head to your local DMV now to ensure you aren’t left behind at a TSA checkpoint while the rest of the wedding party takes off. 

 

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7th, you won’t be able to board your flight unless you have an acceptable alternative. TSA-acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport or passport card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). (EDLs are currently issued only in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.) To see a full list of acceptable alternatives, visit tsa.gov.  

 

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Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Destination Wedding with Online Ordination through AMM 

 

Bring a close friend or relative along for the trip of a lifetime! Having a friend officiate your destination wedding is the perfect way to ensure that every moment of your ceremony is intimate, personal, and meaningful -- no matter how far away from home you are. 

 

Friends and relatives can get ordained online free with American Marriage Ministries (AMM) to officate your wedding. Just click the button below to get started!

Become a minister today!

Ordination with AMM is free and it only takes a few seconds to complete the online application. And our ordinations are recognized in every US state and territory (except VA, where we're currently exploring our options). 

 

What are you waiting for! Ask your friend to be your wedding officiant for an unforgettable destination wedding, with a little help from AMM! 

 

Get ordained online free to officiate a wedding for friends and family members! (Photo: ATHVisions / iStock)

 

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