North Carolina REAL ID: What You Need to Know
As of May 3, 2023, the U.S. federal government requires that all North Carolina driver’s licenses be REAL ID-compliant to board a domestic flight.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Effective May 3, 2023, anyone looking to board a domestic flight using a North Carolina driver’s license, permit, or ID card will be required to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Your driver's license signifies that you’ve passed your tests and are able to legally drive a car. But what most people don’t know is that your license may actually be one of your most important forms of identification. As of May 2023, that may no longer be the case—unless you upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. REAL IDs will become mandatory for boarding domestic flights, among other things.
If you aren’t familiar with REAL ID,
car insurance
comparison app and licensed broker Jerry
is here to outline what you need to know about REAL ID-compliant North Carolina driver’s licenses. We'll also show you how to save on your North Carolina insurance costs
, so keep reading! 
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
What is REAL ID?
After the tragedy of 9/11 and the massive security uproar it caused, the REAL ID Act was introduced. It passed in 2005 and established minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification documents to combat immigration issues surrounding terrorism.
While the rollout of the
REAL ID Act
has been rather slow, you can expect full enforcement by May 2023.Who needs a REAL ID?
If one of the following applies to you, as of May 3, 2023, you will be required to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license:
- You want to board a domestic flight
- You want to enter military bases and certain federal facilities (e.g., courthouse or prison)
- You want to visit a nuclear power plant
If you don’t have a REAL ID, you may not be denied boarding or entry into these facilities, but you may be required to provide
additional documentation
alongside your traditional license or ID. The North Carolina REAL ID looks just like a normal driver’s license but with a gold star at the top. Driver licenses and IDs without a gold star are classified as "Not for Federal Identification."
Key Takeaway The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and established higher security standards for identification documents. As of May 3, 2023, you’ll be required to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic flights.
How to get a North Carolina REAL ID
Ready to upgrade your North Carolina driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant license? Here are the steps you should follow:
Use the North Carolina
REAL ID Document Wizard
to create a list of documents required for your visit or print a copy of the Real ID Requirements
list, which includes the following:- Birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport or valid, unexpired foreign passport
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two documents proving North Carolina residency
- Non-U.S. citizens must provide one document (with full name) proving legal presence/lawful status
- One document verifying name change (if applicable)
If this is your first REAL ID, you cannot obtain it online and you must visit a DMV office to get a REAL ID. It can only be issued in person, where all required documents will be scanned and permanently stored.
Getting a North Carolina REAL ID driver’s license or ID card comes with the same fees as getting a regular license or ID for the first time. The fee is $5.50 per year for a license or $14 for standard non-operator ID cards.
If you are applying for a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, you will be required to pay a $14 fee (same as the duplicate license). You are also required to take a new photo.
If you are getting a REAL ID within six months of expiration, you will have to pass a vision test and take a new photo, along with paying the $14 license duplicate fee.
How to save money on car insurance in North Carolina
Having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in North Carolina will allow you to board domestic flights, but you don’t need a REAL ID to take a road trip! If you want even more adventure and excitement, driving your car across the country is a great way to do that.
But before you hit the road, you’ll want to make sure you have a good car insurance policy. And
Jerry
can help you check that off your to-do list. As a
trustworthy insurance comparison app
and licensed broker, Jerry finds you the best coverage for the cheapest rate by searching 50+ insurance providers. Once Jerry sends you a list of competitive quotes, just choose the policy and price that works for you and Jerry takes care of the rest. On average, Jerry users save $800+ a year on car insurance! “I was literally floored by the savingsJerryfound for me. I was paying close to $960 every 6 months and now I’m paying $380 every 6 months for IDENTICAL COVERAGE in North Carolina!” —Olivia Z.
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Do I need a REAL ID?
If you’re unsure whether you need a REAL ID, the
Department of Homeland Security’s website
has an interactive tool that tells you whether or not you need one. But if you’re planning to use your driver’s license to board domestic flights after May 3, 2023, you’ll have to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license before you can fly.
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