What is a Real ID? There are only 6 more months until you need the travel document to fly

You might want to be sure all of your travel documents have the Real ID seal before you start to plan your next summer vacation.

All travelers interested in flying across the country have until May 7, 2025, to procure a state-issued identification card or driver’s license with a Real ID seal as ordered by the Department of Homeland Security. (Unless they have a passport.)

The “official” deadline might be six months away, but it's not too early to head over to make sure you are set to fly free and clear.

Any state-issued identification document without the seal fails to adhere to the "minimum security standards" set by The Real ID Act of 2005, which automatically prevents travelers from flying domestically and accessing a federal facility.

The requirement was originally set to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back until May 2025 over "backlogged transactions" at Motor Vehicle Division offices nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic, USA TODAY reported.

The mountains of paperwork, according to the department, impacted agencies' ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout. But this time, the deadline is really real.

That means federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will not be able to accept driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards that are not Real ID-compliant.

Here’s what to know about Real ID, including how and where to get one:

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

No. Any traveler who has an up-to-date passport, or any other TSA-approved form of identification does not need a real ID to travel domestically.

When does Real ID go into effect?

Any traveler over the age of 18 who does not have another TSA-approved form of identification to fly domestically must have a Real ID-compliant identification card or driver's license by May 7, 2025. If you already have another TSA-approved form of identification, then you probably don't need a Real ID.

Other TSA-approved alternatives include:

◾ State-issued enhanced driver’s license.

◾ DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).

◾ U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.

◾ Border crossing card.

◾ An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.

◾ HSPD-12 PIV card.

◾ Foreign government-issued passport.

◾ Canadian provincial driver\'s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.

◾ Transportation worker identification credential.

◾ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

◾ U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.

◾ Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

Where can I get a Real ID?

You can obtain a Real ID driver's license or identification card from your local motor vehicle department. It takes about two weeks, or 15 business days, to process the IDs.

All Real IDs will have a stamp on the right-hand corner to show that it is federally compliant. The symbol stamped on your Real ID card will vary, depending on the issuing state.

Enhanced IDs, which are only issued in a couple of states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, the department says.

What's needed for a Real ID?

You will have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out what documentation you will need to provide to obtain a REAL ID, according to DHS.

But, at a minimum, you need to provide documentation with:

◾ Full legal name.

◾ Date of birth.

◾ Social Security number.

◾ Proof of principal residence.

◾ Lawful status.

Individual states may impose additional requirements.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Real ID requirement deadline is just 6 months away. What to know.