REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will enforce the REAL ID Act for all domestic air travel within the United States. Every traveler aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued identification card, or an acceptable alternative such as a passport to board commercial flights. This marks the end of a nearly two-decade implementation period that has seen multiple deadline extensions.
The new ID card requirements will also apply to accessing secure federal facilities and military bases across the country. Standard driver's licenses without REAL ID compliance will no longer be accepted for these purposes, affecting millions of Americans who have not yet upgraded their identification documents.
Key Changes to U.S. ID Card Requirements in 2025
The REAL ID Act introduces several critical changes to how Americans must present identification for federal purposes. Understanding these updates is essential for avoiding travel disruptions.
- Mandatory Compliance Date: May 7, 2025 is the final enforcement deadline with no further extensions planned by federal authorities
- Star Symbol Requirement: Only state-issued IDs displaying a star (★) marking in the upper corner meet REAL ID security standards
- Enhanced Documentation: Applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residential address to obtain REAL ID cards
- In-Person Application: All REAL ID applications must be submitted in person at state DMV or MVD offices, with no online-only options available
- Processing Timeline: Cards may take up to three weeks to arrive by mail, and temporary paper documents are not accepted by TSA
- Digital Alternatives Expanding: Thirteen states now offer mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide
Additionally, federal agencies implementing card-based enforcement must coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security and achieve full compliance by May 5, 2027, allowing a phased approach for certain federal facilities beyond the initial May 2025 deadline for air travel.
Who Is Affected by the New ID Requirements
The REAL ID enforcement impacts multiple groups of travelers and individuals who interact with federal facilities. However, the requirements vary depending on your travel habits and current identification status.
For Domestic Air Travelers
All passengers aged 18 and older flying within the United States must have REAL ID-compliant identification starting May 7, 2025. If your current driver's license lacks the star symbol, you must either upgrade to a REAL ID card or use an acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport or passport card. Children under 18 are exempt and do not need to show identification when traveling with a companion.
For Current Driver's License Holders
You can continue using your standard driver's license for operating vehicles until its expiration date, regardless of REAL ID compliance. However, non-compliant licenses will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after the May 7 deadline. Check your license for the star marking to determine if you need to upgrade before traveling.
For Federal Facility Visitors
Anyone accessing secure federal facilities, military bases, or nuclear power plants must present REAL ID-compliant identification after May 7, 2025. This includes contractors, visitors, and individuals conducting business with federal agencies. Standard state IDs without REAL ID compliance will be rejected at security checkpoints.
How to Get Your REAL ID Card - Step by Step
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card requires advance preparation and an in-person visit to your state's licensing office.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security documentation (card or W-2 form), and two proofs of residency with your current address (utility bills, bank statements, or mortgage documents)
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Book an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Motor Vehicle Division office, as walk-in wait times can exceed several hours in many states
- Complete Application Form: Fill out your state's driver's license or ID card application, indicating you want a REAL ID-compliant version by checking the appropriate box
- Pay Required Fees: Submit payment for your REAL ID card, with fees varying by state typically ranging from $20 to $40 depending on license type and duration
- Take New Photo: Have your photo taken at the DMV following their ID photo requirements, ensuring your image meets federal standards for facial recognition systems
- Wait for Card Delivery: Allow up to three weeks for your permanent REAL ID card to arrive by mail, and remember that temporary paper receipts are not accepted by TSA
Important Dates and Timeline for REAL ID Implementation
Several key dates mark the transition to REAL ID enforcement across the United States, helping travelers plan their compliance timeline.
- May 7, 2025: TSA begins full enforcement of REAL ID requirements for all domestic commercial flights and federal facility access
- November 2025: Multiple states implement new in-person renewal requirements for drivers aged 70 and older, though mandatory testing claims are false
- End of 2025: Twenty states expected to offer mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) as digital alternatives to physical REAL ID cards
- May 5, 2027: Federal agencies must achieve complete REAL ID enforcement across all facilities under the phased implementation approach
- 2026 Target: Nationwide availability of digital driver's licenses projected across all 50 states, though physical cards remain mandatory in most situations
Frequently Asked Questions About REAL ID Requirements
Can I Use My Passport Instead of Getting a REAL ID?
Yes, a valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel and federal facility access. If you already have a passport, you do not need to obtain a REAL ID card. However, many people prefer having a REAL ID driver's license for everyday identification purposes rather than carrying their passport.
What Happens If I Show Up to the Airport Without REAL ID?
TSA officers will notify you of your non-compliance and may direct you to a separate screening area for additional verification. You will need to complete an identity verification process that includes providing information such as your name, address, and answering personal questions. If TSA confirms your identity, you can proceed through security but may face additional screening. However, this process causes significant delays and may result in missed flights.
Are Digital Driver's Licenses Accepted at TSA Checkpoints?
Yes, mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) are accepted at over 250 TSA checkpoints across more than 35 airports nationwide. Thirteen states currently offer mDLs through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland. However, you should still carry your physical license as not all locations accept digital IDs, and law enforcement officers are not required to accept them during traffic stops.
What You Need to Know Before May 7, 2025
The REAL ID deadline represents a significant change in U.S. identification requirements that will affect millions of travelers. Starting May 7, 2025, standard state driver's licenses without the star marking will no longer suffice for domestic air travel or federal facility access, making compliance essential for anyone who flies or visits secure government buildings. With DMV processing times extending up to three weeks and appointment availability limited in many states, waiting until the last minute could result in travel disruptions.
Take action now by checking your current driver's license for the REAL ID star symbol in the upper corner. If you don't have it, schedule a DMV appointment soon and gather the required documentation including your birth certificate, Social Security proof, and address verification. Alternatively, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and remains valid for upcoming travel. Furthermore, remember that having proper identification is just one part of travel preparation—make sure all your document photos, including passport photos and visa application photos, meet official specifications to avoid processing 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) - [Are you REAL ID Ready? | Transportation Security Administration](https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/are-you-real-id-ready) - [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) - [18 US States to Adopt Digital Driver's Licenses by 2025](https://mobileidworld.com/18-us-states-to-adopt-digital-drivers-licenses-by-2025-as-mobile-id-adoption-grows/) - [Participating States and Eligible Digital IDs | TSA](https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states) - [Illinois Rolls Out Digital Driver's Licenses, ID Cards](https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/18/illinois-rolls-out-digital-drivers-licenses-id-cards/)