REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025, ending a 19-year transition period that started with the REAL ID Act of 2005. All travelers aged 18 and older must now present REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives to board domestic flights within the United States. This represents the most significant change to US domestic travel ID requirements in decades.
The Department of Homeland Security published the final rule in January 2025, providing states and federal agencies with a phased enforcement framework. While full compliance across all federal agencies must be achieved by May 5, 2027, TSA began strict card-based enforcement at airport security checkpoints immediately on May 7, 2025.
Key Changes to Airport Security ID Requirements
The new REAL ID enforcement introduces several critical changes for domestic air travelers:
- Mandatory Compliance: All adults 18+ must have REAL ID-compliant cards or acceptable alternatives - no exceptions for TSA PreCheck members
- Visual Identification: REAL ID cards feature a star marking in the upper portion; cards without this marking are no longer accepted
- Enhanced Screening: Travelers with non-compliant IDs face additional screening, separate processing areas, and potential flight denial
- State Variations: All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant cards, but older licenses may not meet federal standards
- Federal Facility Access: REAL ID requirements also apply to entering federal buildings and military installations
TSA expects compliance rates to increase steadily throughout 2025 and 2026. Passengers presenting non-compliant identification will be notified at checkpoints and directed to separate screening areas until they provide acceptable documentation.
Who Is Affected By REAL ID Requirements
The REAL ID enforcement impacts millions of American travelers across different demographics and travel patterns.
For Domestic Air Travelers
Anyone flying within the United States on commercial airlines must comply with REAL ID requirements. This includes business travelers, families on vacation, and occasional flyers. Even TSA PreCheck members, who previously enjoyed expedited screening, must present compliant identification starting May 7, 2025.
For Federal Employees and Contractors
Workers accessing federal facilities, military bases, and secure government buildings face immediate REAL ID enforcement. Contractors, vendors, and visitors to federal properties must upgrade their identification before the May 7 deadline to maintain access to these locations.
For International Travelers
International travelers with valid US passports are already compliant, as passports qualify as REAL ID alternatives. However, foreign nationals with state-issued IDs must ensure their documentation meets REAL ID standards for domestic connecting flights within the United States.
How to Get REAL ID-Compliant Identification - Step by Step
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID requires visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with specific documentation.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, and two proofs of residency (utility bills, bank statements)
- Schedule DMV Appointment: Visit your state DMV website to book an appointment - many states now require advance scheduling for REAL ID services
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the REAL ID application online or at the DMV, ensuring all information matches your supporting documents exactly
- Pay Processing Fee: REAL ID typically costs $10-30 more than standard licenses, varying by state; some states waive fees for active military personnel
- Take New Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements - no glasses, neutral expression, plain background for biometric compatibility with federal databases
- Receive Temporary Document: Most states issue temporary paper IDs while processing your REAL ID card, which arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks
Important Dates and Timeline
Understanding the REAL ID implementation timeline helps travelers plan ahead and avoid last-minute complications.
- January 13, 2025: TSA published final rule establishing enforcement framework and phased implementation schedule
- March-April 2025: TSA launched nationwide awareness campaigns in airports, highlighting the upcoming May 7 deadline
- May 7, 2025: Full REAL ID enforcement began at all TSA airport security checkpoints nationwide
- May 5, 2027: Deadline for all federal agencies to achieve complete card-based REAL ID enforcement across all facilities
- Ongoing 2025-2026: TSA continues enhanced screening procedures for non-compliant passengers until security vulnerabilities are eliminated
Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID
Travelers who haven't obtained REAL ID-compliant state identification can still fly domestically using several federally-accepted alternatives.
Primary Acceptable Documents
US Passports remain the gold standard for domestic and international travel identification. Both passport books and passport cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints. Additionally, Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) from states like Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont serve as REAL ID alternatives with built-in border-crossing capabilities.
Military and Government IDs
Active duty military personnel can use Department of Defense ID cards, while veterans may use Veterans Health Identification Cards (VHIC). Federal employees with PIV (Personal Identity Verification) cards issued by their agencies also meet TSA requirements without needing REAL ID-compliant state licenses.
Tribal and Border Documents
Native American tribal photo IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted, as are Trusted Traveler Program cards including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These documents provide both identification and expedited processing benefits at international borders.
What Happens If You Don't Have REAL ID
Arriving at airport security without REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable alternatives results in several potential outcomes depending on individual circumstances.
Enhanced Screening Process
TSA officers will notify you of non-compliance and direct you to a separate screening area. You'll undergo additional identity verification procedures, which may include background checks, questioning about your travel itinerary, and verification through alternate methods. This process typically adds 30-60 minutes to your airport experience.
Potential Flight Denial
If TSA cannot verify your identity through alternative means, you may be denied boarding. Airlines will not refund tickets in these cases, as ID compliance is the passenger's responsibility. TSA recommends arriving at airports at least 2-3 hours before departure if you anticipate any ID-related complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Use My Old Driver's License After May 7, 2025?
It depends on whether your license is REAL ID-compliant. Look for a star marking in the upper right corner of your card. If your license has this star, it's compliant regardless of issue date. Licenses without the star marking are no longer accepted for federal purposes including air travel, even if they haven't expired.
Do Children Need REAL ID for Domestic Flights?
No, REAL ID requirements only apply to travelers 18 years and older. Children under 18 can fly domestically without presenting identification when accompanied by adults with proper ID. However, airlines may request some form of identification for unaccompanied minors, and TSA recommends carrying documentation for children when traveling.
Is My Passport Valid If It's Expired?
No, expired passports are not accepted as valid identification at TSA checkpoints. Your passport must be current and not expired to serve as a REAL ID alternative. If your passport has expired, you must either renew it or obtain a REAL ID-compliant state license before traveling domestically by air.
How Long Does It Take to Get a REAL ID?
Processing times vary by state but typically range from 2-4 weeks after your DMV appointment. Some states offer expedited processing for additional fees. Plan ahead and don't wait until immediately before travel, as DMV appointments may be booked several weeks in advance in high-demand areas.
Does REAL ID Work for International Travel?
REAL ID-compliant licenses meet federal standards for domestic air travel and federal facility access, but they do not replace passports for international travel. You still need a valid US passport to travel outside the United States and its territories. Enhanced Driver's Licenses work for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean but not for air travel to those destinations.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The May 7, 2025 REAL ID enforcement deadline marks a permanent shift in US domestic travel requirements. If you haven't already upgraded to REAL ID-compliant identification, prioritize scheduling your DMV appointment soon to avoid travel disruptions. TSA will not grant extensions or exceptions to these federal requirements.
Before your next domestic flight, verify your identification meets REAL ID standards by checking for the star marking on your driver's license or state ID. If you're planning to travel internationally, ensure your passport photo meets requirements and consider renewing early if your expiration date approaches. Visit VisaPics for professional passport and ID photos that meet all federal specifications, ensuring your travel documentation is always ready when you need it.