What is a Real ID?

UPDATE: The deadline date for the Real ID has been pushed to May 3, 2023

If you are in the process of planning a wedding, I am sure so many things have changed over the past few months. This might including your date, your guest size, and your seating plan to accommodate social distancing. One thing that has likely not changed is your choice to take your partners’ last name.

If you have made the decision to change your name or even combine your last names, you are due a trip to update your license and at this time you will likely hear talk about REAL ID. So what the heck is it?

REAL ID??

The REAL ID ACT was established to increase security standards following the attacks of 9/11, requiring that all forms of identification required for purposes including boarding commercial aircraft to be REAL ID compliant. This requirement was set to begin this calendar year but has recently been pushed back to October 1, 2021, for all individuals 18 or older

The Real ID card will feature a unique marking in the top corner depending on the issuing state. For Indiana, it will feature a black circle with a cutout star.

How do I get one?

Most states will at a minimum require that you provide documentation showing:

Your Full Legal Name

Your Date of Birth

Your Social Security Number

Two proofs of Address of Principal Residence

Lawful Status

This may vary from state to state so check your state’s website or give them a call before visiting in-person.

Things to keep in mind!

If you are planning on taking a honeymoon following your wedding (domestic or international), you will want to make sure you have a REAL ID card or an acceptable alternative prior to arriving at the airport or they will turn you away!

US passports and US passport cards are noted as acceptable alternatives to the REAL ID card. Even if traveling domestically you will want to make sure you bring these along if you are waiting until after you change your name to upgrade to a REAL ID.

Are you having a destination event?

If you are planning a destination wedding, bachelor, or bachelorette party for next year, you will want to make sure that your guests are also aware of the travel requirements too!

Give your loved ones plenty of notice of the requirements so they can prepare the necessary REAL ID-compliant documentation.

Indiana Checklist:

Sources:

https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/real-id-overview/