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Blue suitcase and black backpack next to a window at an airport with a plane in the background and an inset showing two passports on top of a United States flag
United States launches the fastest way to renew your license | Getty Images, Mehaniq
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Attention travelers: the United States launches the fastest way to renew your license

A new way to renew your license that will change the way you travel within the United States

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Since May 7, having a Real ID license stopped being an option and became a federal requirement. If you still don't have it, you won't be able to fly within the country or enter certain government buildings.

Although this law was passed in 2005, its final implementation had been postponed. Now it's official and all states are requiring the new format to meet security standards.

The Real ID is not just another license. It's an identification that verifies your information more rigorously, making it a key tool to prevent fraud or the misuse of fake documents.

How to know if you already have a Real ID?

There's a quick way to check:
Look for a star in the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID.

  • If it's there, you already have the Real ID and you don't need to do any additional paperwork.
  • If it doesn't appear, you must renew it as soon as possible, especially if you plan to fly or handle federal paperwork soon.
United States permanent resident card on a surface with the American flag in the background
It's necessary to have a Real ID to travel | Freepik

Don't wait until the last minute. DMV appointments can fill up quickly, especially now that many people are rushing to update their documents.

Renewing your license is now faster

To speed up the process, DMVs in several states are extending hours and offering additional dates for Real ID license renewals.

In California, for example, on May 10, 11 offices opened with special hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., only to handle Real ID cases.
Among the participating cities were San José, Glendale, Riverside, Oakland, and Fullerton.

Additionally, you can complete much of the process online. You only need to:

  • Go to your state's DMV website
  • Book your appointment
  • Upload some documents in advance (if the website allows it)

This saves you time and ensures that everything goes more smoothly on the day of your appointment.

Person holding a notebook with a United States permanent resident card and documents on a table
Renewing your license is now faster | Freepik

What you need for the appointment

To avoid losing your spot, make sure to bring these three essential documents:

  1. Official identification: such as your passport or birth certificate.
  2. Proof of address: a utility bill, rental agreement, or bank document with your current address.
  3. Social Security number: it can be the card or an official document that contains it.

Without these papers, you won't be able to complete the process.

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