The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Vermonters that the REAL ID requirement takes effect on May 7, 2025. This means that people aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant Driver’s License or Identification Card, or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities.
The DMV began preparing Vermonters for the change in 2014, and approximately 92% of all current valid Vermont driver’s licenses are REAL ID.
“Most Vermonters already have REAL ID, though some may not be aware. If your driver’s license has a star in the upper right corner, then it is REAL ID-compliant,” said DMV Commissioner Andrew Collier.
Vermonters may choose between a Driver’s Privilege Card (DPC) or a REAL ID Driver’s License. The cost to obtain a REAL ID or DPC is the same. An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is also REAL ID compliant but has an additional fee.
You do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, or you do not use airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation, or you do not visit military bases, or you do not visit secure federal facilities.
You need a REAL ID if you do not have a valid U.S. passport or passport card AND you travel by airplanes as a mode of domestic transportation, or you visit military bases, or you visit secure federal facilities.
For more information, visit: dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/types-of-licenses-ids/real-id.
