What Happens In Alabama If You Don’t Get A Real ID By May 7th?

Authorities will kick your doors in and drag you out of your home.

No, I'm just kidding.

I have no evidence of that happening after May 7th passes.

If you live in Alabama, you have more than likely been hearing about the REAL ID deadline.

It has been on the books for years, but authorities have kicked the deadline down the road multiple times.

Get our free mobile app

Of course, COVID was the initial culprit, and one thing after another moved the deadline.

We had Alabama Corporal Reginal King from ALEA in our offices/studios to discuss the REAL ID and its importance for Alabamians.

The bottom line is:

It just makes sense to get your REAL ID.

If you travel at all, you MUST have your Alabama REAL ID.

You can not board an airplane or train without the REAL ID.

Many federal buildings will no longer allow you to enter without your REAL ID.

I did it a few months ago, and it was relatively painless.

You need multiple documents to get your REAL ID.

Here is the rundown of what you need:

• Valid, unexpired United States Passport
• Certified Birth Certificate issued by a State Office of Vital Statistics
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS (Form I-766 or Form I-688B)
• Unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. Visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States.
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS (Form N-560 or N-561)

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR ALABAMA REAL ID BY DEADLINE?

NO FLIGHTS WITHIN THE USA

NO ENTRY IN MANY FEDERAL BUILDINGS

NO ENTRY IN US MILITARY FACILITIES

Although a spokesperson for the TSA recently told members of the media that they likely would not do a "hard stop" of an individual without the REAL ID. Instead, they would ask for more forms of ID and give them material with info on obtaining the REAL ID.

However, I would not want to risk it and end up with a TSA agent who insists on seeing my REAL ID.

I don't think it is worth the risk.

Just do it. Get your Alabama REAL ID, and you have nothing to worry about.

If you have questions, THIS IS FOR YOU.