{"id":351517,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/what-is-a-real-id-and-do-i-need-it-to-vote.html"},"modified":"2024-02-14T11:04:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T16:04:56","slug":"what-is-a-real-id-and-do-i-need-it-to-vote","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/what-is-a-real-id-and-do-i-need-it-to-vote.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a REAL ID, and Do I Need It to vote?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a REAL ID, and Do I Need It to vote?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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A REAL ID is a stronger driver’s license or state ID that you will need to board an airplane. But do you need it to vote? <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In 2005, the federal government passed a law requiring all U.S. citizens to secure a REAL ID to travel. Congress passed the REAL ID Act<\/a> as a result of 9\/11. The purpose was to set higher standards for issuing legal forms of identification.<\/p>\n

The law requires people to get a REAL ID before air travel, among other things. You have until 2025 to get your new ID. The good news is that you don’t need a REAL ID to vote in the United States. Of course, the law could change. For now, traditional forms of identification will suffice for voting.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll explain REAL ID and how you can get one. We’ll also briefly discuss the identification cards voters can use at the polling center.<\/p>\n

What is the REAL ID Act?<\/h2>\n

Congress passed the REAL ID Act<\/a> in 2005, four years after Sept. 11, 2001. The act establishes standards for photo identification cards (like a driver’s license). The new law calls for stricter rules for issuing photo IDs. It also requires people to provide more concrete and unique documentation to secure a new ID.<\/p>\n

Most people associate REAL IDs with flying on a commercial flight, but you also need them for:<\/p>\n