This is something I wrote about in February and at that time it seemed so far away.

Not now because you only have just about four weeks left to do this!

   👇  BELOW: FIND THE COOLEST HIDDEN WONDERS IN THE U.S. 👇

The REAL ID is the real thing. The Real ID, Enhanced ID, is something you should jump on right away if you don't have one because you must have one by May 7 if you're going to fly.

Why?

Passengers in the TSA line in an airport
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For one thing, you won't be able to board any domestic flight unless you have one or a passport.

Global Residence Index on UnSplash
Global Residence Index on UnSplash
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Also, you won't be able to enter a military base or nuclear power plant and certain federal buildings.

That said, the State of Michigan does say, If you already have a valid, unexpired Michigan enhanced license or ID, U.S. passport, or DHS Trusted Traveler’s card, you are already REAL ID-compliant, so no problem.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO GET A NEW REAL ID?

Undocumented Immigrants Apply For Driver's Licenses At Chicago DMV
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Not really, but the sooner the better for you. Here is what you need to do:

First you have to make an appointment with the Secretary of States Office/DMV.

Then don't forget you must bring these things according to the State of Michigan.

  • Your current Michigan driver’s license or ID.
  • A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document
  • A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.

The State of Michigan says there’s no added charge for converting to REAL ID if you do so at the time of renewing or replacing your license or ID. Otherwise, there is a correction fee ($9 for license; $10 for ID) to convert to REAL ID.

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Get on the stick. You don't want to miss your flight!

Offbeat adventures: Travel to the coolest hidden wonders in every U.S. state

Fuel your offbeat travel dreams. Stacker found the coolest hidden wonders in all 50 U.S. states (plus D.C.) using data from Atlas Obscura.

[WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter private or abandoned property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing.]

Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein

 

 

 

 

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