formality

mere, simple

Getting your driver's license is just a simple formality once you pass the test.

complete, deal with, go through

We had to go through several formalities before they gave us the keys to our new apartment.

dispense with

We decided to dispense with formality and just call each other by our first names.

just/merely/only a formality

The doctor said the blood test was merely a formality before they could approve my surgery.

degree, level

The email had too much formality for a casual conversation between friends.

maintain

The company decided to maintain formality during all official meetings with international clients.