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After two decades of delays and false starts, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that the Real ID requirement, a crucial step in enhancing airport security, will go into effect in just a few months.
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers using a state-issued ID to pass through airport security will need a driver’s license or identification card that is Real ID-compliant. The traveler will be denied entry without a Real ID or other TSA-approved alternative (i.e., U.S. passport). This means you cannot board a commercial passenger aircraft without the proper identification.
U.S. citizens and legal residents can get a Real ID from all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, ensuring widespread accessibility.
So, how do you know if your preferred form of identification meets the Real ID accreditation standards?
To determine if your ID is Real ID-compliant, look for a star or similar symbol in one of the upper corners. If your ID has a phrase like “federal limits apply” or “not for federal identification,” it’s not Real ID-compliant. If unsure, you can check with your state’s DMV or equivalent agency for verification.
Implementing the Real ID requirement will happen in phases, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) transitioning to complete law enforcement by May 5, 2027.
Identity verification is foundational to security,“ said TSA administrator David Pekokse in a statement. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant.
We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions, and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.“
For travelers who don’t have a Real ID or can’t get one, these are the other approved forms of identification to use at the airport:
U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, or Fast)
- Permanent resident card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- A passport issued by a foreign government
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
