DMV urges residents to check REAL ID compliance ahead of May 7 deadline

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding residents to ensure their driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID compliant ahead of a federal enforcement deadline set for May 7.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the deadline will not be extended.

After that date, only REAL ID-compliant identification or other federally accepted forms, like a U.S. passport, will be accepted for boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing certain secure facilities.

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REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs are marked with a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.

According to the DMV, no further action is required for individuals who already have this gold star on their card.

Those without a compliant ID can visit any Delaware DMV location—no appointment necessary—to upgrade.

Required documentation includes proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of Delaware residency, and proof of any legal name changes.

A complete list is available here and here.

“With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deadline of May 7, 2025, quickly approaching, now is the time to update your driver license if you plan on flying or need to enter a federal building. We encourage Delawareans to make an informed decision on whether a REAL ID is right for them and visit our website to learn more and make sure you have your required REAL ID documents before visiting a DMV location,” shared DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings.

DMV Director Amy Anthony noted that Delaware began issuing REAL ID cards in 2009 and estimates that approximately 85% of Delawareans are already compliant as of March 2025.

“Delaware was one of the first states to begin issuing REAL ID compliant DL/ID cards in 2009, resulting in approximately 85% of our residents being federally compliant as of March 2025. And remember, if you have the gold star on your license, you have your REAL ID,” Anthony said.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was designed to enhance national security by setting minimum standards for license issuance and production. Once fully enforced, federal agencies will not accept IDs that are not REAL ID compliant for official purposes.

Those without compliant identification could face delays, additional screening procedures, or be denied access to flights and federal facilities.