Watch Out for Real ID Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of people who are in a rush to get a Real ID by the fast-approaching deadline, according to warnings from Better Business Bureaus around the country. 

Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years or older must have a Real ID to fly within the U.S. or to enter certain federal facilities. Scammers are posing as government officials and trying to trick people into handing over their personal information to get this new form of identification, according to reports received by BBBs.

Here’s what to know about Real ID scams and how to protect yourself from them.

What is the Real ID Scam?

Scammers are using a variety of tactics to exploit people who are in a rush to get a Real ID by the May 7 deadline. A Real ID is an upgraded driver’s license or state-issued identification card marked with a star. To get one, you must apply in-person through your driver’s licensing agency and provide a variety of documents to prove your identity, state of residence and legal U.S. status.

However, scammers are claiming people can get a Real ID quickly online. They are posing as Department of Motor Vehicles and other government officials and reaching out to potential victims through calls, emails or text messages with offers to help get a Real ID. Or they might say that there is a problem with your Real ID status.

The aim is to get people to go to fake websites, where they will be prompted to share sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and make payments.

How to Avoid Real ID Scams

Take these steps to avoid providing your personal information or making a payment to a scammer when trying to get a Real ID.

Ignore offers for a Real ID. Government agencies won’t contact you out of the blue to help you get a Real ID. You must go to your local driver’s license office to apply. 

Don’t click on links in emails or text messages. These links could take you to fake websites that might steal your money or personal information. To get information about the Real ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID site at dhs.gov/real-id or your state licensing agency’s site.

Know your options. If you can’t get a Real ID by the May 7 deadline, there are other valid forms of identification, such as a passport, you can use for airport security when traveling by plane in the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration has a list of acceptable identification that can be used at TSA checkpoints.

The Carefull financial safety service, which provides account, credit and identity monitoring, offers a ScamCheck tool that members can use to help them detect whether a call, email or text message is a scam. Try Carefull for free for 30 days to start protecting your finances from fraud and scams.

Keep Reading: The Top Scams That Steal Your Money‍

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