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Real ID Requirements: What Fastaff Travelers Need to Know
Real ID Requirements: What Fastaff Travelers Need to Know
As a Fastaff travel nurse or allied professional, you’re moving to different hospitals, states, and assignments quickly. With the upcoming enforcement of the Real ID Act, ensuring that you have the proper identification is crucial for smooth travel, especially when flying to your next assignment.
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights within the U.S. If you don’t have a compliant ID, you won’t be able to fly—potentially jeopardizing your ability to reach your assignment on time.
What is the Real ID Act?
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to enhance the security of state-issued identification. It sets higher security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards, ensuring they are more difficult to forge. While compliance has been rolled out gradually over the years, the final enforcement deadline is now set for May 7, 2025.
Why is This Important for Travel Healthcare Professionals?
As a Fastaff travel nurse or allied professional, you are expected to be ready to mobilize quickly for assignments. Whether you’re traveling across the country for a crisis response or a high-paying short-term contract, having the right identification ensures that you can board flights without delay to hit the ground running at your next facility.
How to Know If Your ID is Real ID-Compliant
To check if your current driver’s license or ID is Real ID-compliant, look for a gold star, black star, or white star in a gold circle in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star indicates that your ID meets federal requirements. However, requirements can vary slightly by state, so it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for confirmation. If your ID does not have this marking, you will need to update it before the deadline.
What If I Don’t Have a Real ID?
If you don’t have a Real ID by the enforcement date, you will need to provide an alternative form of TSA-approved identification to board a flight. These include:
U.S. Passport
U.S. Passport Card
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. Military ID
For a full list of accepted documents, visit the TSA website. How to Get a Real ID If you need to update your ID, follow these steps:
Check Your State’s Requirements – Each state has slightly different processes for obtaining a Real ID. Visit your state’s DMV website to see what documents you need.
Gather Your Documents – Typically, you will need:
Proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or tax document)
Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement)
Visit Your Local DMV – Real ID applications usually require an in-person visit, so schedule an appointment, if possible, to avoid long wait times.
Pay the Fee – The cost varies by state but is generally in line with regular ID renewal fees.
Wait for Your New ID – Some states issue Real IDs on the spot, while others mail them within a few weeks. Be sure to apply well before the May 7, 2025 deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Travel Disruptions
Fastaff travel nurses are known for their ability to act quickly and be ready for anything—don’t let an outdated ID slow you down! Planning ahead ensures that you can continue to take advantage of resume-building opportunities without unnecessary stress. If you haven’t already done so, check your ID today and take the necessary steps to ensure you’re ready for the Real ID deadline.
Having the right identification will keep your travels smooth, your assignments uninterrupted, and your focus where it should be—on providing excellent patient care. For more information, visit the TSA’s Real ID website or contact your state’s DMV.
Stay Prepared and Keep Traveling
Fastaff travelers are among the most elite and adaptable in the field and ensuring you’re compliant with the new travel requirements is just another step in being prepared for anything. Don’t wait—get your Real ID today.
