REAL ID

noun

variants or less commonly Real ID
plural REAL IDs also Real IDs
: an identification card or driver's license issued by a U.S. state government in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that is needed for access to certain federal facilities and for domestic air travel and that requires for issuance the presentation of certain minimum documentation (such as documents proving a person's legal name, date of birth, principal residence, and proof of lawful status in the U.S.)

Word History

First Known Use

2005, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of REAL ID was in 2005

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Cite this Entry

“REAL ID.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/REAL%20ID. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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