With the US federal government’s requirement of a REAL ID or “other acceptable ID” now in place, many retirees like myself are asking: Should I really bother getting one?
The answer is: not always. It seems rather unnecessary if you have alternatives. Here are a few reasons you might skip it:
- You don’t fly often (or at all). If you mostly stick to road trips, cruises, or train travel, you may never need a REAL ID.
- You already have a passport book or passport card. Both are accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights as well as international.
- You have other federal IDs. Military ID, veteran ID cards, or trusted traveler program cards like Global Entry are also valid.
- It’s more hassle than benefit. Especially if you’ve changed your name, the paperwork trail can be frustrating. For many seniors, sticking with a passport is simpler.
I am one of those who have been contemplating the need for a REAL ID. When the deadline rolled around and appointments were scarce, I really didn’t see the need. My driver’s license was going to be expiring in a few months, I had both a valid US passport and a valid Global Entry card, so really, why put myself through the hassle. I had also had a very unpleasant experience trying to get the REAL ID for my 85 year old mother but more about that later.
What Exactly Is a REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set minimum standards for state driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted for “official” federal purposes: boarding federally regulated commercial flights, entering certain federal facilities, etc.
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA required a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or another acceptable alternative, for domestic air travel. If you don’t have one (or an alternative), you may be delayed, denied entry through security, or forced to go through additional screening.
So the burning question is: do you really need it? If you fly domestically sometimes (or plan to), then maybe, sooner or later, having it becomes essential to avoid hassles. If you almost never fly, or access federal buildings requiring ID, you might get by with other forms—but still good to have options.
The Process and Paperwork for a REAL ID
For seniors used to paper-light DMV visits, the REAL ID process can feel like stepping back in time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of identity – usually a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or certificate of naturalization.
- Proof of Social Security number – Social Security card, tax form, or benefits statement.
- Two proofs of residency – like utility bills, lease, or mortgage documents.
- Proof of name change, if applicable – marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This one can be a pain in the you know what if you are of a certain age.
And yes, it all has to be original certified documents or certified copies—no photocopies allowed. After gathering your stack, you’ll need to visit your state’s DMV in person, pay a fee, and wait for the card to arrive in the mail (often 2–4 weeks). For more on getting a Real ID.
The Name Change Hurdle
For seniors who’ve married, divorced, or changed names at some point in their lives, the process gets stickier. The DMV may require a complete paper trail showing each name change over the years. They also require each document to be certified by a state or federal agency.
For example, if your birth certificate is in your maiden name but your Social Security card reflects your married name, you’ll need a certified marriage certificate to connect the dots. If you’ve remarried or divorced, you may need multiple documents.
Common sense does not play a role here. For example, my mother has had her married name longer (67 years) than her birth name (18 years). She has been issued passports, driver’s licenses and all sorts of IDs in her married name over those 67 years. HOWEVER, when presenting this to the DMV, the clerk was not impressed.
Even with my mom’s original birth certificate and marriage certificate, because her passport and driver’s license had recently expired, her birth certificate had a variation of the spelling of her first name and her marriage certificate was only certified by the minister, the DMV clerk refused to accept the paperwork we provided.
It’s not unusual for retirees to spend weeks tracking down old court papers or certified copies from vital records offices. Older documents you might have in your files often do not satisfy the requirements of today. You might be lucky and come across a sympathetic DMV clerk but more than likely you’ll find one that delights in making 85 year-olds cry.
TSA-Approved Alternatives: Easier Options
The irony in all of this is that it is sometimes easier to get a different form of federally issued ID. In my mom’s case, we were able to mail in a passport renewal form and we received the updated passport in 3 weeks. No additional paperwork or documents needed. In the end, you don’t have to get a REAL ID. TSA accepts several other forms of identification at airport security checkpoints and often those other forms are much easier to obtain:
- U.S. Passport Book – Gold standard. Accepted everywhere, domestic and international. Processing usually takes 4–6 weeks (expedited in 2–3). The paperwork needed is much less cumbersome: application, proof of citizenship, photo ID and a passport photo. For new passports, you must go in person but renewals can be done by mail.
- U.S. Passport Card – A cheaper, wallet-sized version. Perfect for domestic flights and land/sea crossings to Canada or Mexico. Not valid for international air travel.
- Military ID or Veteran ID – Already accepted if you qualify.
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) – Great if you travel frequently or have one.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Border Crossing Card – For non-citizen seniors, these are accepted too.
- Tribal or Enhanced Tribal ID Cards – Valid if issued by a federally recognized tribe.
If you already have any of these forms of ID, there’s no real benefit in spending time and effort at the DMV for a REAL ID.
The Bottom Line
For retirees and seniors, the REAL ID decision comes down to how you travel. If you’re planning domestic flights but don’t have another form of federal ID, getting one now may save you stress next spring.
But if you already carry a valid passport or another TSA-approved ID, you can skip the long DMV lines, hassle of all the required paperwork and stick with what works.
Think of it this way: a REAL ID is helpful, but not essential—especially when time, paperwork, and hassle are precious commodities in retirement.
