Michigan’s REAL ID deadline: What you need to know before May 7

Beginning May 7, residents are required to have a REAL ID to fly domestically
A REAL ID is a driver’s license, state ID or an enhanced license with a gold star, or a valid US passport or passport card
There’s no cost to convert your current ID to a REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewal. Otherwise, it’s $9 for a license or $10 for a state ID

A word of warning to Michigan residents making summer travel plans: Starting May 7, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight unless you’re carrying a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card — and more than a quarter of us don’t yet have one — or have a valid passport or passport card.

As of Feb 27, 73.5% of Michigan driver’s license and state ID holders were REAL ID compliant, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a REAL ID?

REAL ID grew out of an act passed by Congress in 2005 following a recommendation from the 9/11 commission. The idea was to establish nationwide security standards for state-issued identification documents.

In Michigan, driver’s licenses, state IDs and enhanced licenses with a gold star in the top right corner are considered “REAL IDs.”

Related:

Beginning January 2029 the state will phase out the current design and replace it with a new design that will have a gold star in a silhouette of the state’s unique mitten shape.

A valid US passport or passport card is also considered a REAL ID.

Where is it required?

Michiganders are required to have a REAL ID to fly domestically and enter some federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants.

Is an enhanced ID the same as a REAL ID?

An enhanced ID allows US citizens to travel by land and sea to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean without a traditional passport. Enhanced licenses are automatically REAL ID compliant, whether they have the gold star or not.

How can I get a REAL ID?

To convert your current driver’s license or state ID you’ll need to schedule a visit with the Secretary of State’s office and bring the following documents:

Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID
Either a valid, unexpired US passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a proof of legal presence document
A certified legal name-change document if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate

How much does it cost?

There’s no additional fee to convert your current ID to a REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewal. But if you decide to convert it before then there’s a $9 fee to convert your license and $10 fee to convert your state ID.