Ohio REAL ID: What You Need to Know

Beginning on May 3, 2023, you can no longer use a standard license or ID card to board a domestic flight. Instead, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant card.
Written by Sean Boehme
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you want to use your
Ohio
driver’s license to board a flight after May 3, 2023, you’ll need to make sure you upgrade to a REAL ID. To get a REAL ID, you’ll need to pay a visit to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with documents that prove your residency in the state.
If you’re like most people, your driver’s license is your primary form of identification that you carry whenever you leave home. If that’s the case, you may want to consider upgrading to a REAL ID in the near future. 
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

What is REAL ID?

In 2005, Congress passed the
REAL ID Act
based on recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission. The act makes it so that you have to use an upgraded driver’s license, called a REAL ID, to enter certain buildings and to board domestic flights.  
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

Who needs a REAL ID

Although REAL IDs have been being phased in for a while, they will be enforced starting May 3, 2023. Once enforced, you’ll need a REAL ID to:
  • Access certain federal facilities
  • Enter a military base
  • Go into a nuclear power plant
  • Board a domestic flight
Most of the things you need a REAL ID for only matter if you work in a certain field, although the exception to this is domestic flights. If you don’t upgrade to a REAL ID by May 3, 2023, you’ll need to provide an alternate form of identification to board a domestic flight.
A passport is the most common form of identification used in place of a driver’s license, but you can find a full list of alternatives on the
TSA website
.
Key Takeaway Starting on May 3, 2023, you’ll need a REAL ID to enter government facilities or to board a domestic flight (without alternative identification). 
MORE: Ohio driver's license requirements

How to get an Ohio REAL ID

When you’re ready to upgrade to a REAL ID, you’ll need to make the trip to an
Ohio BMV
office. You will need to provide proof of your:
You’ll also need to provide proof that you are legally allowed to be in the U.S. and proof of any recent name change if you have had one. Although you’ll have to wait a while for your REAL ID to arrive in the mail, you’ll receive a temporary license so that you can drive without penalty. 
You should note that the cost for upgrading to a REAL ID in Ohio is the same as replacing your standard license, $25.75. If you can, you should consider upgrading your license at the same time that you will be renewing it.
“I was paying $350 a month for my new car. With
Jerry
, I set up a new policy in under 30 minutes that will save me over $1000 a year!” —Mariah K.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store

FAQ

Whether or not you need a REAL ID usually depends on your line of work, but you will certainly need one if you want to use your driver’s license to fly domestically anytime after May 3, 2023. You can check the
Department of Homeland Security website
if you still aren’t sure if you need one.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings