Real ID vs Passport: What You Need Notarized to Get Either in 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a Real ID or passport for domestic flights and federal facility access.
• Notarization is sometimes required for Real ID or passport applications, especially for name changes or minors.
• Get your Real ID or passport documents notarized online quickly and easily with NotaryLive.

Starting May 7th, 2025, U.S. travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. 

Starting from the 7th of May 2025, passengers in the U.S. will have to provide the Real ID or a passport as proof of identity to access domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities, in accordance with TSA guidelines.

While both serve as valid forms of ID for federal purposes, they are issued by different authorities and used in different contexts.

Here’s how to prepare and if you need to have your documents notarized, considering the verification and travel requirements.

What Is a Real ID and Why Will You Need One in 2025?

A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card created to comply with the security requirements set by the REAL ID Act of 2005.

A Real ID is recognized by the gold star which appears at its upper right side.

Starting from May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be needed for:

• Domestic flights.
• Government buildings
• Nuclear power plants.

Information from the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID

What Is a Passport and When Do You Need It Instead of a REAL ID?

A U.S. passport is issued by the Department of State and is required for:

• International travel
• Re-entry into the United States
• TSA checkpoints (as Real ID alternative)

How Is a Real ID Different from a Passport?

Do You Need a Notary to Apply for a Real ID?

Most Real ID applications do not require notarization. There are some exceptions, though, where a notary is required:

1. Name Change Documentation

If your current name doesn’t match your birth certificate, you may need a:

• Notarized affidavit of name change
• Marriage certificate or court order

Some states allow for self-attestations, but they have to be notarized and require verification.

To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, check with your state's official vital records office or visit their official website. Third-party services like StateVitalRecords.org can help you as well. 

2. Alternative Proof of Identity

If you lack standard ID documents, a notarized affidavit of identity may be required by your DMV.

Do You Need a Notary to Apply for or Replace a Passport?

Yes, especially in these cases:

1. Applying for a Minor’s Passport When Both Parents are Not Present

A parent must fill out and have notarized Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent.

2. Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport

In some emergency circumstances, you may have to sign a notarized affidavit stating the theft or loss.

For more information on notarization requirements on passport applications in different scenarios, visit our full guide.

**Keep in mind that requirements may vary by state for notarization of certain documents. Some states require a notarized affidavit of name change, while others accept original or certified copies of marriage certificates or court orders without notarization.

How Many People Are Prepared?

• As of 2023, approximately 48% of Americans held a valid U.S. passport—up from just 30% in 2000.
• Only 52% of Americans had a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card by the same year.

How Can You Notarize Real ID or Passport Documents Online?

With NotaryLive, you don’t need to visit a bank or UPS store to notarize required documents.

4 Easy Steps:

1. Upload your document
2. Complete your ID verification
3. Connect to a live notary by video
4. Get it notarized instantly

REAL ID: How NotaryLive Can Help

How Can You Make Sure You’re Travel-Ready by May 7, 2025?

Don’t get turned away at the airport or DMV.

The Real ID Act requires travelers to have improved identification to travel by domestic flights and access government-owned federal facilities.

With deadlines approaching, the importance of having all the right documentation readily accessible increases ever further.

NotaryLive can assist with notarizing documents that may be required for obtaining a REAL ID, depending on your state's requirements. 

Check your documentation and understand the real id vs passport notarization requirements to get any Real ID or passport documents notarized online with NotaryLive.

✅ Ready to get started? Use NotaryLive to notarize your documents now.

 Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a Real ID to fly in the U.S. in 2025?
  • Yes, you’ll need a Real ID or passport for all domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
• Can I use a passport instead of a Real ID?
  • Yes. A passport is a federally accepted form of ID at TSA checkpoints and can be used in place of a REAL ID for domestic flights.
• Do Real ID or passport applications require notarization?
  • Not always, but you’ll need notarized documents for name changes, affidavits, or if applying for a minor’s passport.

About NotaryLive

NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions, dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents seamlessly, anywhere, any time.

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