As you plan your upcoming trips, there’s one major change to keep in mind.
The countdown to the federal REAL ID is on, with the deadline set for May 7, 2025.
“On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities,” the website states.
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Some, but not all, driver’s licenses are already REAL ID compliant. To check if yours is, look to see if it has a star in the top right corner. If it says “not for federal identification” or lacks a star, it is not a REAL ID.
If you don’t have a REAL ID, there are other TSA-acceptable identifications, like passports or permanent resident cards, but you’ll have to remember to bring them if you are traveling domestically. You can find the full list of acceptable forms of identification that will get you through the security checkpoints right here.
Forgot the right ID? If you show up without the proper identification, TSA says you’ll encounter delays and will be asked to “complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.”
Lorie Dankers, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration, said those who don’t have a REAL ID will need to show a “passport card, the passport itself, military ID works, lawful permanent resident cards” to board a plane.
Dankers noted there will likely be confusion amongst travelers—which may lead to longer security lines—but also flexibility from TSA as the requirement goes into effect.
“If you don’t have that, you are going to receive additional screening. You’ll be delayed at the checkpoint. We hope you don’t miss your flight. But at this, point we need to make sure that those who can’t meet that requirement will have to prove they are who they say they are,” she said.
With the date looming, DMVs are experiencing a surge of people, so get in while you can!
The process to obtain a REAL ID is similar to getting your traditional license or ID card, with a similar cost. Be sure to double-check what original documentation (no photocopies) is needed. In most cases, you must provide proof of identity, social security, residency (two documents), and any name change documents.
Children under 18 do not need to show an ID to get through security, with the REAL ID applicable to anyone 18 and older. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following 9/11 and “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” however, the deadline has been a moving target, delayed several times due to COVID-19.