REAL ID: What You Need To Be Air Travel Compliant

Person with backpack at airport window watching airplanes

Starting May 7, 2025, Americans will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights, a security measure that’s stirring both travel concerns and constitutional debates across the nation.

Quick Takes

All US travelers over 18 will need a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable ID for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025
A REAL ID is a federally compliant ID with a gold or black star, issued by state DMVs
Passengers without REAL ID will face additional screening but can still fly with alternative acceptable IDs
The requirement stems from post-9/11 security recommendations to standardize identification documents
Despite concerns, officials state the program does not create a national database of driver information

New Security Requirements for Air Travel

A major change is coming to domestic air travel in the United States. Starting May 7, 2025, all American travelers over 18 years old must present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an acceptable alternative such as a passport, to board domestic flights. This federally mandated identification requirement marks the full implementation of legislation passed nearly two decades ago but repeatedly delayed due to various challenges including state opposition and the COVID-19 pandemic.

A REAL ID is easily identifiable by a gold or black star in the top-right corner, indicating it meets federal security standards. These enhanced identification cards require more rigorous documentation during the application process, making them more difficult to forge. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept standard driver’s licenses or identification cards that don’t comply with these new requirements for airline travel.

Standby for videos of people losing their minds when they discover they can’t fly with their old ID? https://t.co/R7rKRoPxtm

— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) May 7, 2025

Origins and Purpose of REAL ID

The REAL ID Act originated from recommendations by the 9/11 Commission to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” Congress passed the legislation in 2005 as a direct response to the terrorist attacks, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet these standards for accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

“The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,” said Adam Stahl, acting TSA Senior Administrator.

While all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories are currently issuing REAL ID-compliant cards, the implementation deadline has been extended multiple times. The rollout faced opposition from various states concerned about federal overreach and implementation costs. It’s important to note that the REAL ID Act does not prevent states from also issuing non-compliant licenses and IDs, but these must be clearly marked as non-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes.

What Travelers Need to Know

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles with documents proving identity, address, and lawful status in the United States. Required documentation typically includes a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of residence. The verification process is more stringent than for standard IDs, requiring in-person visits even for renewals in most cases.

“If it’s not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

For travelers without a REAL ID, acceptable alternatives include U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards like Global Entry, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and enhanced driver’s licenses issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Travelers should note that temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of identification. Children under 18 are exempt from these requirements when traveling with an adult companion.

The Real ID Act and the Battle for Privacy

Starting May 7, 2025, the Real ID Act will go into full effect across the United States, essentially nationalizing state-issued ID. I’m closely watching this development.

The Real ID Act, passed over two decades ago in 2005, was born…

— christian pusateri (@TheTAOofData) April 16, 2025

Impact on Airport Operations and Travelers

TSA officials have indicated that the new requirements may lead to longer lines at airport security checkpoints and could potentially affect all travelers within the U.S. Passengers without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative may be diverted to different security lines and undergo additional screening procedures, although they will still be permitted to fly after verification. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before domestic flights if they may need identity verification.

“You will still get through the checkpoint. You’ll be okay. You may face some additional screening measures, and that’s why we’re really underscoring to folks to please go to the airport early,”said Stahl.

Despite concerns about government overreach, TSA officials have emphasized that the REAL ID Act does not create a federal database of driver license information. “The notion that we are creating some sort of national surveillance system is not true, it’s not correct,” Stahl also noted. The primary focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of air travel through enhanced identity verification standards while minimizing operational disruptions at security checkpoints.