As we gear up for another busy summer, it’s a good idea to take a look at all your identification. Here’s a quick rundown of the two we use the most.
Passport
Does your passport have at least 6 months from the end of your trip before it expires? Are there at least 2-3 blank pages left in your passport for stamps (not including the last 3 Endorsement pages)? Have you applied for visas where they are required?
REAL ID
Maybe you aren’t leaving the country but are considering a little trip within the States. Take a good, hard look at your driver’s license (or non-driver ID). Does it have the little star in the top corner signifying it as a REAL ID?
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is requiredto fly domestically in the United States. Our IDs were automatically updated the last time we had to renew our licenses back in 2017, but if it’s been a minute since you did yours, you’d better double-check.
I know, I know, I can hear you groaning from here. Nobody likes to sit at the DMV all day waiting for them to call your number. Before you head there, ensure you have all the necessary documents to renew your license, especially if it has expired – there will be some extra hoops to jump through. You can find all the info you need on your state’s website. Just click the link below, then click on your state on the map to be directed to your state’s DMV.
If your ID isn’t REAL ID compliant, make sure to take your passport with you.
Even if you don’t have any travel plans this summer, it’s always a good idea to make sure your IDs are up to date. Letting them expire is one of my worst nightmares. I just checked, I’m good until 2027. Whew!
One more thing!
Another friendly reminder to check which countries require the new Travel Authorizations. I believe Europe has now pushed theirs off until 2026, but others are still being implemented this year. We highlighted them in this post in February.
Short and sweet this month, it’s been very busy around here as we gear up for travel, and I start everything rolling again at the acreage. Baby chicks are coming soon, my plant starts are thriving, it’s about time to plant outside, and our lawn is in full bloom for the bees. Spring is such a happy, hopeful time…we won’t talk about my allergies.
Have a great month! We’ll see you in May with a little trip tale!
