How Often Do Massachusetts Real IDs Have To Be Renewed?

After several delays, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will enforce the REAL ID requirements beginning May 7, 2025.

RMV says as of that date:

Every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities.

"TSA publishes a list of its acceptable identification documents on its website, " the RMV notes.

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We've heard all the deadlines before only for the implementation to be delayed again and again. Because of the pandemic, DHS extended the deadline several times.

I got my REAL ID driver's license. My license was about to expire, and rather than obtaining another standard operating license, it made sense to upgrade to the REAL ID. After all, I fly a lot.

It is not as difficult as it may seem to upgrade to the REAL ID license. Some documents are required, but what you need is generally easy to come by, if not already in your possession.

The Registry has a complete list of what you need.

RMV says: "The fee for renewing a non-commercial standard or REAL ID license is $50, while the fee for upgrading to a standard or REAL ID card is $25."

Whether you have a standard driver's license or a REAL ID driver's license, the renewal fee is the same, $50, and like a standard license, renewal of a REAL ID license is required every five years.

It makes sense to upgrade to a REAL ID when you renew since you never know when you might want to fly and you'll wish you had.