REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025: What You Need to Know
After nearly two decades of delays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that REAL ID enforcement will officially begin on May 7, 2025. Starting this date, all airline passengers aged 18 and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification at TSA security checkpoints nationwide. This federal mandate also extends to accessing secure federal facilities and entering nuclear power plants, marking the most significant change to U.S. domestic travel requirements in recent history.
Key Changes Taking Effect on May 7, 2025
The REAL ID enforcement deadline represents a critical shift in U.S. identification standards. Federal agencies, including TSA, published the final rule in January 2025, ending all previous extensions and grace periods that have pushed back implementation since the REAL ID Act was first passed in 2005.
- Mandatory Compliance: TSA will no longer accept state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant at airport security checkpoints
- Federal Facility Access: REAL ID or acceptable alternatives become required for entering federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants
- Universal Implementation: All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. territories are now REAL ID-compliant and issuing conforming licenses and IDs
- No Further Extensions: DHS and TSA have confirmed this is the final deadline with no additional postponements planned
Who Is Affected and What This Means for Travelers
The REAL ID requirements impact millions of Americans who rely on their driver's license as their primary form of identification. Understanding whether you're affected and what actions you need to take is crucial to avoid travel disruptions after May 7, 2025.
For Domestic Air Travelers
If you plan to fly anywhere within the United States after May 7, 2025, and you're 18 or older, you must present either a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative such as a U.S. passport. Passengers who arrive at TSA checkpoints without proper identification can expect delays, additional screening, and potentially being denied entry to the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified through alternative means.
For Federal Employees and Contractors
Anyone requiring access to secure federal facilities for work purposes must obtain REAL ID-compliant identification before the May 7 deadline. This includes military personnel, federal contractors, and employees who regularly visit government buildings. Military IDs and Department of Defense credentials remain acceptable alternatives to REAL ID.
For International Travelers
International travelers are not affected by this change, as a valid U.S. passport has always been required for international flights and continues to serve as an acceptable form of identification for domestic travel as well.
How to Get Your REAL ID - Step by Step
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card requires visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing agency. The process typically takes 10-15 days from application to receiving your card by mail, so plan accordingly.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number verification (Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of state residency (utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements). If your name has changed, bring certified marriage certificates or court orders.
- Check State-Specific Requirements: Visit your state DMV website to confirm exact documentation requirements, as some states may have additional prerequisites or accept different forms of proof.
- Schedule an Appointment: Many states now require appointments for REAL ID applications. Book your visit well in advance, especially as the May 7 deadline approaches and demand increases.
- Visit Your DMV in Person: REAL ID applications cannot be completed online or by mail. Bring all required original documents (photocopies are typically not accepted) and be prepared to have your photo taken for your new license.
- Allow Processing Time: Most states mail REAL ID cards within 10-15 business days. If you need to travel on or shortly after May 7, apply at least three weeks in advance to ensure timely delivery.
How to Identify a REAL ID-Compliant License
REAL ID-compliant cards feature specific markings that distinguish them from standard driver's licenses. Most states display a gold or black star symbol in the upper right-hand corner of the card, clearly indicating it meets federal REAL ID security standards. Some states may use alternative markings such as a flag symbol or "REAL ID" text, but the star is the most common identifier. If your current driver's license or ID card does not display one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints after May 7, 2025.
Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID for Air Travel
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license, several federally-approved alternatives are accepted at TSA security checkpoints and will remain valid after the May 7 enforcement date. Importantly, you only need one valid form of identification—you do not need both a REAL ID and a passport.
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card: The most common alternative, accepted for both domestic and international travel
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards are all acceptable
- Military Identification: Active duty and retired military IDs, including dependent IDs issued by the Department of Defense
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Accepted for transportation workers
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Valid for non-U.S. citizens with lawful permanent resident status
Frequently Asked Questions About REAL ID Requirements
What Happens If I Show Up to the Airport Without REAL ID After May 7?
Passengers who present non-compliant state-issued identification and lack another acceptable form of ID will face significant delays and additional screening procedures. TSA may attempt to verify your identity through alternative methods, but if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be permitted through the security checkpoint and will be unable to board your flight. To avoid missing your flight, ensure you have proper identification well before your travel date.
Can I Use My Passport Photo for REAL ID Application?
No, REAL ID applications require a new photo taken at the DMV during your in-person visit. However, understanding proper passport photo requirements can be helpful for other travel documents. Many travelers choose to ensure their passport photo meets current requirements when renewing passports alongside obtaining REAL ID, ensuring all travel documents remain valid and compliant with federal standards.
Do Children Under 18 Need REAL ID for Domestic Flights?
No, TSA does not require children under 18 to present identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, children traveling internationally still require valid passports regardless of age, and those passports must include compliant passport photos meeting current specifications.
How Much Does a REAL ID Cost?
REAL ID costs vary by state, typically ranging from $20 to $60 for a new license or renewal. Some states charge the same fee as a standard driver's license, while others assess an additional REAL ID processing fee. Check your state DMV website for exact pricing, and note that many states accept only specific payment methods at DMV offices.
What You Need to Know Before May 7, 2025
The REAL ID enforcement deadline represents a significant milestone in U.S. travel security, affecting millions of Americans who fly domestically or access federal facilities. With just months remaining before the May 7, 2025 deadline, travelers should act now to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification or ensure they have acceptable alternatives such as a valid passport. Remember that DMV processing times typically require 10-15 days, and appointment availability may be limited as the deadline approaches. Furthermore, if you're planning international travel, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. For those who frequently travel both domestically and internationally, maintaining both a REAL ID-compliant license and a current passport provides maximum flexibility and ensures you're prepared for any travel scenario. Visit your state DMV website today to start your REAL ID application and avoid last-minute complications at the airport.