With the deadline approaching on May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will soon need a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or another federally approved ID to board commercial flights and access certain federal facilities.
What is N.C REAL ID?
- Purpose: The N.C. REAL ID is a REAL ID Act-compliant driver license that is just like a traditional license or ID but has a star at the top. Driver licenses and IDs without a star are noted “Not for Federal Purposes.”
- Optional in NC: North Carolina residents can still fly and access these facilities with additional identification if they don’t have a REAL ID.
How to Get a N.C. REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID in North Carolina, visit a NC DMV office with the following documents:
Required Documents
A screenshot of the documentation that is required for North Carolina residents to get a N.C. REAL ID.Photo byscreenshot
Renewing a REAL ID
- Initial Application: Must be done in person at an NCDMV driver license office.
- Renewal: Can be done online after the initial REAL ID is issued.
Driving Without a REAL ID
- Not Required: You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits, or enter federal facilities that do not require an ID (e.g., post offices).
Federal Facilities Requiring a REAL ID
- Military Bases
- Federal Courthouses
- Nuclear Power Plants
For more information, visit dhs.gov/real-id and ncdot.gov.