What Happens in Utah if You Don’t Get REAL ID by Deadline

The deadline to have REAL ID complaint identification is May 7, 2025.

In order to go on certain flights or access certain federal facilities.

According to ABC4: (LINK TO FULL ARTICLE)

"Come early May, you will need a REAL ID-compliant ID (which you may already have) to board a domestic flight. (It will also be necessary if you are visiting certain federal facilities or entering a nuclear power plant, but we’ll focus on the air travel part for now.)

Once the REAL ID requirement kicks in, federal agencies like TSA will be prohibited from accepting state-issued IDs that do not meet the necessary standards."

Do You Already have a REAL ID?

Most states started issuing REAL ID compliant licenses over the last few years.

This was all supposed to start in 2020, but COVID delayed the enforcement date.

If you have a star on your license usually in the top right corner than you're compliant. The star is gold in Utah. Other states use other colors or designs for their star.

What Happens if You Don't Have a Compliant ID?

Basically you just need to go get a new license. You'll need you SSN, and a couple of items that prove your address. Until then you might not be allowed on certain flights.

What a pain in the neck honestly. And I feel like they didn't publicize this very much. I guess you've probably had to renew your license over the last few years and thus most people probably have the updated ID. But for those that don't this is a headache, especially if it is catching you off guard.

Good luck out there!