The deadline to be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights in the U.S. is less than one month away.
After multiple delays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a final rule on enforcement in January.
When Do I Need a REAL ID to Travel?
Starting May 7, 2025, Americans flying with a driver's license as their only form of identification will require a REAL ID, which is differentiated from older versions via a star symbol.
What Is the Point of REAL ID and How Do I Get One?
REAL ID is now two decades in the making. "Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
In theory, these more secure travel documents come with stricter proofs of age and identity, social security and residency, but requirements to procure one can vary from state to state. So, you should check with your specific state to make sure you have the necessary documents when applying.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is making it easy for travelers to determine whether they're REAL ID ready with an interactive map to readiness available online.
TSA security line (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Can I Travel With a Different Form of ID
Even beginning May 7, you won't require a REAL ID to fly if you have a valid U.S. passport or other forms of acceptable ID.
According to TSA, other acceptable forms of ID include the following documents:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Federal officials are seeking a smooth transition. However, a recent survey of more than 2,300 U.S. residents found that REAL ID preparedness varies dramatically from state to state.
"Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant,” says Pekoske.
Confusion compounded by delays in implementation will continue to be a problem in the coming weeks ahead of enforcement, which will surely lead to some unpleasant airport experiences for some. Nonetheless, there's still plenty of time to get REAL ID compliant if you require it for domestic travel.
Visit DHS.gov/REAL-ID for more information.
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