REAL ID Enforcement Now in Effect Nationwide
The REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025 is now fully enforced at all U.S. airports, requiring travelers 18 and older to present compliant identification for domestic flights. As of November 2025, approximately 81% of U.S. travelers already use REAL ID-compliant licenses or approved alternatives such as passports, according to TSA data. The enforcement marks the end of a nearly 20-year transition period since the REAL ID Act was passed in 2005.
Additionally, 14 states now offer digital driver's licenses through Apple Wallet as of November 2025, with Illinois being the most recent addition on November 18. TSA has also proposed a controversial $18 temporary waiver fee for non-compliant travelers, which entered public comment on November 20, 2025.
Key ID Card Requirements Changes in November 2025
Several significant updates to ID card requirements have taken effect or been announced in November 2025:
- REAL ID Full Enforcement: No extensions granted - all domestic air travelers must have compliant ID or approved alternatives since May 7, 2025
- Digital ID Expansion: Illinois joined 13 other states offering Apple Wallet digital IDs, bringing total to 14 states plus Puerto Rico
- TSA Fee Proposal: New $18 temporary waiver allows 10-day grace period for travelers without REAL ID, announced November 20, 2025
- Compliance Gaps: New Jersey shows only 18% compliance, while Pennsylvania (26%), Washington and Maine (27%), and New York (43%) lag behind national average
- Digital ID Acceptance: TSA now accepts digital IDs at over 250+ airport checkpoints nationwide for travelers from participating states
- Alternative ID Options: U.S. passports, passport cards, Global Entry, SENTRI, military IDs, and tribal IDs remain acceptable alternatives
The Transportation Security Administration published the final enforcement rule in January 2025, ending all deadline extensions. Federal agencies now only accept state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards that meet REAL ID security standards, identifiable by a gold star marking in the upper right corner.
Who Is Affected by the New ID Card Requirements
The REAL ID enforcement and new identification rules impact millions of Americans across different travel categories and age groups.
For Domestic Air Travelers
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or an approved alternative to board domestic commercial flights. Travelers without compliant ID face significant delays and may be denied boarding. TSA recommends arriving at least 3 hours early if you lack proper identification to allow time for additional verification procedures.
For Residents of Low-Compliance States
If you live in New Jersey (18% compliance), Pennsylvania (26%), Washington, Maine (27%), or New York (43%), you are statistically more likely to have non-compliant identification. Check your driver's license for the gold star marking immediately. Without it, you'll need to visit your state DMV to upgrade or use a passport for air travel.
For iPhone Users in Digital ID States
Residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia can now add their driver's license to Apple Wallet. Digital IDs are accepted at 250+ TSA checkpoints but you must still carry your physical ID as a backup since acceptance isn't universal.
How to Get REAL ID-Compliant Identification
Follow these steps to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card:
- Check Your Current ID: Look for a gold star in the upper right corner - if present, you're already compliant and don't need to take action
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements)
- Visit Your State DMV: Schedule an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency - walk-ins may face long wait times
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the REAL ID application (often available online to save time) and bring payment for the upgrade fee
- Get Photo Taken: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements - proper lighting, neutral expression, and plain background are essential for acceptance
Important Dates and Timeline for ID Requirements
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with federal ID requirements:
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement began - compliant ID now mandatory for domestic flights (already in effect)
- November 18, 2025: Illinois launched digital driver's licenses in Apple Wallet, becoming the 14th participating state
- November 20, 2025: TSA proposed rule for $18 temporary waiver fee entered public comment period (30-60 day comment window)
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected implementation of TSA temporary waiver program if approved after public comment period
- Ongoing Through 2026: Additional states expected to launch digital ID programs including Arkansas and Virginia with Apple Wallet integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Fly Without a REAL ID in November 2025?
Yes, but you must present an approved alternative such as a U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card, military ID, or federally-recognized tribal ID. If you have none of these, you may face significant delays or be denied boarding. TSA's proposed $18 waiver fee program may offer temporary relief, but this is not yet approved as of November 2025.
Which States Offer Digital Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet?
As of November 2025, 14 states and territories support digital IDs in Apple Wallet: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. TSA accepts these digital IDs at over 250 airport checkpoints, but you should still carry your physical ID as backup.
How Do I Know If My Current ID Is REAL ID Compliant?
Look for a gold star marking in the upper right-hand corner of your driver's license or state ID card. The presence of this star indicates your credential is REAL ID-compliant and acceptable for federal purposes including air travel. If there's no star, you need to upgrade your ID at your state DMV or use an alternative like a passport.
What You Need to Know About the New ID Requirements
The REAL ID enforcement is no longer optional - as of May 7, 2025, TSA security checkpoints nationwide require compliant identification for all domestic air travelers 18 and older. With 81% of travelers already compliant, the minority without proper ID face airport delays, potential $18 waiver fees, or boarding denials. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York show particularly low compliance rates, putting millions of residents at risk.
Take action now if your license lacks the gold star marking - visit your state DMV to upgrade or ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for alternative identification. Digital ID options are expanding rapidly with 14 states now participating, offering convenient smartphone-based identification at 250+ TSA checkpoints. Don't wait until your next flight to discover you're non-compliant - check your visa application documents and travel identification today to avoid costly delays.
--- **Sources:** - [TSA publishes final rule on REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/01/13/tsa-publishes-final-rule-real-id-enforcement-beginning-may-7-2025) - [Here Are All the States That Support Digital Driver's Licenses in the iPhone Wallet App](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/19/wallet-app-drivers-licenses-all-states/) - [Apple introduces Digital ID, a new way to create and present an ID in Apple Wallet](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/) - [TSA to highlight REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025](https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/04/09/tsa-highlight-real-id-enforcement-deadline-may-7-2025) - [No Real ID? The TSA May (Eventually) Charge You a Fee](https://thriftytraveler.com/news/travel/tsa-real-id-fee/) - [REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions | TSA](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs)