Here’s What Happens if You Don’t Have a Real I.D. in New Hampshire

The deadline is fast approaching for a real I.D. here in New Hampshire.

By May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL I.D. or according to dmv.nh.gov, your driver's license or non-driver I.D. will state, "NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION."

At that point, you will be asked to provide another form of I.D. and it has to be federally approved like a passport to fly on a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

After September 11, 2001, a commission was established to create tighter security.  The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and it states, according to dhs.gov, 

(To) set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Real ID or Not?

You will have a white star inside of a yellow circle in the top right hand corner of your I.D.  If you don't have it, you don't have a REAL ID.

How Do I Get a Real ID in NH?

Three steps to get a REAL ID, according to dmv.nh.gov:

• Step 1: You need an item to show proof of identity.  A birth certificate with the seal on it would work.
• Step 2:  You need an item to show proof of Social Security Number.  Your social security card if you can find it.
• Step 3:  You will need items to show proof of New Hampshire residency.  If you have a copy of your rental lease, that would work.

RELATED:  What Happens in MA if You Don't Get a REAL ID by Deadline?

In short, it would make your life easier if you get the REAL ID.  If you're not getting it, I'd be curious why.